Katana: Sharpest Weapon Ever
Ranked #520 in Internet, #26,962 overall
What is a Katana?
Multiple kinds of steel are used in different parts of the katana blade. The traditional forging methods (repeated heating, folding and hammering) and the high quality Japanese steel with a lot of carbon content are the reason why katanas are one of the sharpest, strongest and most flexible edged weapons in the world.
Real katanas
are still made in Japan by using traditional techniques and materials. They can be very expensive and even difficult to buy. There are lots of low quality reproductions available as well, but these are machine-made and only good for show. A low quality reproduction can cost anywhere from $20 to $200. A high quality reproduction which is heat-treated and can actually be used to cut something may cost up to $1000 or even more.Japanese Katana vs a 0.50 Machinegun
Sword vs bullet - proof that katana is the sharpest weapon ever!
While good katanas can cut 9 mm bullets fired from a pistol with barely any visible damage (see the other video below), they are no match for a military M2 heavy machine gun.
9mm Gun vs Katana
Watch a Japanese katana cut bullets in half with no damage to the blade!
How a Katana is Made
The process of making a traditional Japanese "samurai sword".
A typical Japanese katana has only one edge, which allows them to use the rear of the sword to reinforce the blade. A katana is usually made from several layers of metal which are forge-welded together. The traditional "makuri-gitae" design, for example, has a softer inner core, and hardened metal on the edges.
After the blade is created, it is given to a polisher who uses up to seven different stones to give it a perfect look. The polishing often takes longer than the actual forging, and greatly improves the beauty of the blade.
From there, the blade is then given to a hilt-maker, who creates the grip, the hand guard, and other elements. The sheaths and the hilts are often decorated and ornate.
Cold Steel Katana on Amazon
Great deal if you're looking for a high quality reproduction.
Cold Steel Double Edged High Quality Japanese Katana
Amazon Price: $639.99 (as of 01/27/2012)
This katana you can order online is still only a reproduction, but a high quality one. Cold Steel use only traditional materials in making their katanas. What's unusual about this one is the fact that it's double edged.
Cheap Katana Replica on Amazon
You won't be able to cut anything with it, but it will look great on your wall.
Last Samurai Japanese Sword Katana Honor w/ Free Stand
Amazon Price: $13.11 (as of 01/27/2012)
You won't be able to cut anything with this low quality katana reproduction, but it sure will look great as a decoration on your wall. There is a kanji which means "honor" carved on the scabbard of this sword.
More Information on Katanas
Interesting and useful links. Add your own or vote for the best sword resource.
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Katana on Wikipedia
Wikipedia has some information on history and definition of a Japanese katana.4 points
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Katana construction on Wikipedia
A detailed article on construction of a Japanese katana, materials used, and other specific information.3 points
3
Japanese Sword Projects
Zatoichi.de has a lot of interesting projects of making a Japanese style blade at home.2 points
4
Hybrid polishing
Traditional Japanese polishing techniques might not be available for an average person; find out how to use modern polishing to care for your sword.2 points
5
Sword Articles - AusBlade
AusBlade is a Sword Resource site with a lot of articles and tutorials. What we're linking to here is a sword polishing tutorial.2 points
6
Buying cheap katana on eBay
Find out how to distinguish between a fake and the real thing in this detailed review.2 points
Buy a Katana on eBay
Some great offers on katanas from eBay.
Comments
Your comments, suggestions and feedback are welcome.
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Xian
Aug 10, 2011 @ 1:19 am | delete
- Katana blade sharpness cant actually be judged by shooting rounds at the edge because face it when has a katana ever killed a person the way it was supposed to when it wasnt actually used by a person,what makes a katana rediculously sharp is the technique of the wielder that said i dont think your proof is viable
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darkelfdice Jul 3, 2011 @ 10:23 pm | delete
- Very cool lens. The katana is my favorite sword. The weapon of choice of Leonardo from the TMNT comics. Thanks for a great read!
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aeknuth
Jun 18, 2011 @ 1:25 pm | delete
- Good job on this lens.
I have a comments for you to look into to improve your article. Secondly top quality blades might go from 3000 to 10,000 folds or more and can take 6 months or longer just in the forging process.
$1000 katanas are usually made at a factory in china. In Japan they are given as gifts for wealthy marriage gifts or special mementos/memorial type things, they are very expensive.
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EditorDave
Jan 14, 2011 @ 1:24 am | delete
- Interesting! Nice lens. I've liked, favorited, thumbs-upped, and lensrolled your masterpiece! Congrats on a great job!
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Reality
Jun 1, 2010 @ 6:52 pm | delete
- The katana splitting bullets from the machine gun is not unique. You could do that with a butter knife. It's more about the physics and material of the experiment. Hot soft lead will easily deform or break apart upon hitting an object. The blade was also held in a vice with the blade facing the barrel of the gun. If it had been turned to the side, it would have been a very different story.
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Wishful Thinking
Aug 29, 2010 @ 2:26 am | delete
- Noooo I got beat by cruel reality :(
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Proper Grammar
Dec 18, 2010 @ 8:49 pm | delete
- You also got beaten* by grammar!
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Fatih
Aug 23, 2009 @ 5:18 pm | delete
- So sharp,,,,,,,Wow! Cool lens high fives
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DaJer
Jun 18, 2009 @ 11:59 am | delete
- That. was. cool.
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ryknowman
May 7, 2009 @ 4:14 am | delete
- Amazing videos. All we need now is a Katana that can take on the M2. 5 stars.
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ranran
Dec 4, 2008 @ 4:03 am | delete
- cool !
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Nov 20, 2008 @ 8:53 am | delete
- Very nice lens 5*s :)
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papawu
Oct 4, 2008 @ 7:46 pm | delete
- Great lens. I have studied Kendo and Kinjitsu in the past and have great respect and reverence for the Japanese Dai Katana.Well done.5 stars
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thymes
Sep 26, 2008 @ 12:26 am | delete
- If you guys like katanas go to: http://theswordguys.ecrater.com/category.php?cid=604491
Arashi Forge are makers of some of the finest hand forged swords I've ever seen. Not to mention the fact that that same site has tons of other katanas that are cheap too.
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youhavegottobekidding
Sep 2, 2008 @ 9:05 pm | delete
- I have watch ang episode in Discovery Channel where they have featured this Katana and I would say that I am very convinced that this is one of the Greatest Weapon ever Invented.
5 stars for your Very Informative Lens.
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by Chadrew
There's something beautiful in the fluid movements of a warrior wielding a Japanese katana sword, don't you think?
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Real High Quality Katana Sword
Cold Steel Battle Ready Full Tang Ready Warrior Katana
Amazon Price: (as of 01/27/2012)
Cold Steel's Warrior Katana is a battle-ready sword at a more affordable price. To reduce the costliness of the blades, the expensive mirror polishing has been omitted. Features Same covered, cord wrapped handles and quality fittings with 1055 carbon steel blades. Includes a wood scabbard.
Great Looking Katana for Decoration
Whetstone Cutlery Dragon Samurai Sword Set, Black
Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 01/27/2012)
Great looking Dragon Samurai sword set: a 39 inch katana, 29 inch wakizashi & 19 inch tanto with printed gold dragon on wood scabbard. Black wood display stand included. For display only (the blade is blunt).
Katana Maintenance Kit
Japanese Samurai Katana Sword Maintenance Cleaning Kit
Amazon Price: $4.99 (as of 01/27/2012)
This complete sword cleaning and maintenance kit includes a mini hammer, sword oil, uchiko and a cotton cloth. Includes usage instructions.
