Katana is a type of traditional single-edged Japanese sword, around 70-90 cm long and with a slightly curved blade. Katanas were very popular during the age of samurai (from 12th to 19th century) although they weren't used as much in open warfare as they were in duels, demonstrations and other civilian purposes. They were often carried in pair with a smaller wakizashi. Multiple kinds of steel are used in different parts of the katana blade. ... http://www.squidoo.com/sharpest-weapon-ever Sat, 18 Feb 2012 06:45:15 -0600 FeedCreator 1.7.2 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:10:36 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/sharpest-weapon-ever Katana is a type of traditional single-edged Japanese sword, around 70-90 cm long and with a slightly curved blade. Katanas were very popular during the age of samurai (from 12th to 19th century) although they weren't used as much in open warfare as they were in duels, demonstrations and other civilian purposes. They were often carried in pair with a smaller wakizashi. 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. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:10:36 -0600