Japanese Swords History : what you didn't know

There are several different types of Traditional Japanese Swords that are determined by their size, weight, and type of sword.

The most commonly known type of sword is the Katana sword which has a distinctive curved, single edged slender blade. The length of the sword is normally longer than 60cm. A straight double edged sword is called a Tsurugivand the Nihonto is a curved blade that is normally around 70-90cm long.

The swords has been worshiped for a long period of time in Japan and history has noted that it has a connection to the soul and life of a warrior. The blacksmiths who create these swords are highly respected as they are seen as not only a helper but a person who assists with moving the Japanese community forward in their battles and wars.

The blacksmiths were able to help shape the Samurai Warriors (who used to live according to the bushido code) to who they are today. The sword is an extension of the warrior's overall life and helps with building them up and strengthening their lives.

The Samurai swords were crafted and put together by hand and their abilities and pure talents were treasured and the swords were made for the individual samurai. The sword is not only a weapon but it is also considered an extension of the man's honor, pride and ego.

The blacksmiths worked for government royalty, and feudal lords. So the blacksmith is able to put their heart and soul into the sword and transfer the samurai warrior's, shogun or feudal lord's talents into the sword.

The Japanese sword history occurs through eight periods of time which consists the Ancient period which is around 650 A.D. and the art of sword weaponry was introduced to China, and Korea and then many of the blacksmith emigrated to Japan and further their sword making art.

During the Nara period after the year 650 the art of the sword continued to be developed and many wars were fought which increased the demand of swords. During the Heian period which was around 794 AD the art of the sword continue to change further.

The Japanese focused more on developing their own individual style of swords. The Japanese focused more on developing their own culture to set themselves apart from other countries such as Korea and China.

The next time period is the Kamakura period which occurred around 1192 AD and during that time there was an introduction to Zen Buddhism in Japan, China, and Korea. Many of the warriors became followers of the teachings of Zen.

The study of Confucianism also became a popular teaching which focused on showing the people there about social order and loyalty. During the Mongol invasion of Japan the advancement of the Japanese swords helped to keep Mongolian people back from taking over Japan.

Overall The government continued to demand for more swords which helped with manufacturing and developing more architecturally sound swords.