Japanese Samurai Swords - Timeline of Japanese History
Samurai Swords

History of Samurai Swords

The Japanese term Samurai formerly referred to those standing close guard to nobility but it has later evolved to include warriors. Closely associated with Samurais were swords.  However, as the name underwent metamorphosis, so did their weapons. From AD 710 to 784, it was known to be a straight blade and was called  Chokutō.  Towards the end of 900’s, a curved version appeared and it was called a tachi. Another famous sword that came around, but much shorter than a tachi, was the Uchigatan.  Finally, the katana came about and this become what is known to many now as the Samurai sword.

Sometimes, the katana is used with a smaller sword known as Wakizashi or tantō.  Together, they are called a daishō (which means big and small), and wearing them was a symbol exclusive for the samurai warriors only as it represented their honor and power.

Description of Samurai Swords

Through the course of time, the length of samurai sword had been altered to suit the ease of use during combat.  Generally, the blade length is greater than 60 cm (23.6 inches) and it is moderately curved. Samurai warriors wore this sword with the cutting edge up.

How to Check for Authenticity of Samurai Swords

Owning a samurai sword either as part of a decoration, collection or for martial arts activity,  brings also honor to some people. But with so many out in the market now, how does one find a real one over replicas?

A Japanese steel called "Tamahagane” is used in making the Samurai sword. Thus, to test if it’s really made from a metal, a magnet can be used.  Most replicas are made of aluminum and do not react with the magnet.

Another way to check for authenticity is to use a magnifying lens and check on the temper line or hamon. Tiny dots or specks are to be found along the border of such line. If it’s smooth, it’s likely to be a fake.

Going to a renowned store that has the reputation for selling authentic samurai swords 

is the best and most convenient way to stay safe. You can try to get recommendations from friends and associations who are considered experts on the field.

How to Take Care of Samurai Swords

As a general precaution, the sword must be treated with extreme care during handling. It should never be considered a toy and played around with. It should be kept away from kids and shouldn’t be handled at all by them.

The blade of the samurai sword is extremely sharp and may cause injury if mishandled. When cleaning the blade, it should be positioned with the edge away from you and it should never be touched. Even when sheathing or drawing out the sword, the blade should always be positioned away and never towards the person. 

The blade of the sword must be well- oiled, powdered and polished to prevent rust from developing. The choji oil, which is 99% mineral oil and 1% clove oil for fragrance, is the traditional oil used. However, the salts in the oil can also be a food for molds so it should be inspected and aired frequently.

When storing, the sword is kept inside the scabbard and it’s placed in a horizontal position with the sharp edge up. In such manner, the condition of the scabbard and the sword’s edge are preserved. The sword must fit well into the scabbard. If it starts to loosen up, it must be fixed to avoid accidental unsheathing and possible injury.

Timeline of Japanese History

The medieval swords of Japan was typically a long, straight or slightly curved blade having 2 two cutting edges set into a hilt or tang. There are many tang types. There is the full tang, the encapsulated tang, the rat tail tang, the half push tang, the half tang and the full push tang. The full tang is best because it will give your sword the most stability when making full contact. The sword was the samurai warrior's most treasured weapon. It was a part of him. Swords were awarded as medals and some Samurai's even died to retrieve a treasured sword for their Shogun.

TIMELINE OF JAPANESE HISTORY: 1185-1868
*1185 - 1333 Kamakura Bakufu (rule of the Minamoto family)
*1336 - 1574 Ashikaga Bakufu
1567 - 1600 Period of Unification
*1603 - 1868 Tokugawa Shogunate
1868 - Age of Modern Japan Begins (Imperial Restoration)
*PERIOD OF MILITARY RULE

Note:
In the former feudal system of Japan, the class or a member of the class, of military retainers of the daimios, constituting the gentry or lesser nobility. They possessed power of life and death over the commoners, and wore two swords as their distinguishing mark. Their special rights and privileges were abolished with the fall of feudalism in 1871.
(Reference: Dictionary.com)

Dictionary Notes: Japan
A country of Asia on an archipelago off the northeast coast of the mainland. Traditionally settled c. 660 B.C., Japan's written history began in the 5th century A.D. During the feudal period (12th-19th century) real power was held by the shoguns, whose dominance was finally ended by the restoration of the emperor Mutsuhito in 1868.

Feudalism was abolished, and the country was opened to Western trade and industrial technology. Expansionist policies led to Japan's participation in World War II, which ended after atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki (August 1945). Today the country is highly industrialized and noted for its advanced technology.

Tokyo is the capital and the largest city. Population: 124,961,000.
(Reference: Dictionary.com)

 

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