【Episode 1】Types of Japanese Swords:
There were traditionally many types of Japanese swords, all of which had different ways to be used back in the Samurai times. In this section, we would like to introduce the most famous types of Japanese swords in detail so that you can tell them apart correctly.
1. TACHI
2. UCHI-GATANA(Katana)
3. WAKIZASHI
4. TANTO
1, TACHI(太刀)
TACHI typically refers to a longer, more curved sword than other Japanese swords though there were some exceptions. It was mainly used by armored Samurai with one hand on horseback from the Heian period (794-1185 A.D.) until the beginning of the Muromachi period.
TACHI was suspended loosely on the left waist with its edge facing the ground so that you could draw it faster to cut down soldiers on the ground. Also, in this way, Samurai could avoid the situation where his horse was out of control as the back part of his scabbard touched his horse, which might get confused as a signal to move forward.
In general, TACHI is older than the other types of swords, and the magnificent beauty of the sword’s curvature is more prominent.
Blade Size: Approx. 70-80 cm (27-31 inches) *the length of the blades doesn’t define what Tachi is.
Period: From the Heian to Kamakura Period (approx. 794-1333 A.D.)

2. UCHI-GATANA (打刀)
UCHI-GATANA (Katana) was designed as a weapon to stab or thrush opponents during the MUROMACHI period and was being widely used until the Edo period (1333-1868 A.D.).
UCHI-GATANA is relatively shorter than TACHI and worn on the left waist with its blade up so that Samurai could draw it with one move as soon as possible. The curvature or length of those Katanas depends on the periods and one’s preferences.
It was usually used in ground-fighting, whereas TACHI was utilized on horseback. Samurai would also use UCHI-GATANA to fight over challenges from others, or apply their martial forces against crimes or anti-governmental activities in public. And a high-quality Katana was often given by a feudal lord to his subordinate as a gift for having achieved great success at war.
It is the most famous type of Japanese sword as well. If the Japanese envision what a KATANA is, we would imagine this one.
Blade Size: Above 60.6 cm-; 23.8 inches
Period: From the Muromachi period until the late-Edo period (approx. 1333-1868 A.D.)

3. WAKIZASHI(脇差)
WAKIZASHI refers to a 30-60 cm long blade (11.8-28.6 inches) and was worn on the waist along with UCHI-GATANA(Katana). Samurai carried WAKIZASHI as a backup sword next to Katana. Samurai needed to use Wakizashi when he fought in a small room or with proximity where Katana would be too long to unsheathe. Also, when Samurai entered a castle, he had to leave his Katana to the castle guard. In contrast, Wakizashi was allowed to bring inside as self-protection.
WAKIZASHI was also the sword for the famous Samurai custom called SEPPUKU(切腹; Stomach-Cut), the ritual act of Samurai to take responsibility for crime act or losing battles.
The use of Wakizashi became more widespread among Samurais during the Edo period. (1603-1868 A.D. ) Because the Edo Government had launched the national law to force all Samurais to wear two Japanese swords (Katana and Wakizashi) to identify themselves as the regime’s military officers.
Blade Size:30-60 cm (11.8-28.6 inches)
Period: From the late-Muromachi period to the Edo period (appx. 1333-1868 A.D.)

4. TANTO(短刀)
Japanese swords under the blade length of 30cm (11.6 inches) are generally called TANTO, and sometimes TSUBA(鍔; Hand-Guard) is not attached to the TANTO. It was easy to carry and convenient for close combats.
It was initially used as a supplemental weapon for Samurai on horseback, who used a pole weapon or long sword in the Kamaura-Muromachi period. Samurai aimed at an unprotected area of his enemy’s armor with Tanto while having to fight with close distance.
TANTO was named accordingly, depending on how you carry it, such as HUTOKORO-GATANA (懐刀; Stomach-Sword) or KOSHI-GATANA(腰刀; Waist-Sword) or elsewise. TANTO was also a gift for a bride from her family in a traditional Japanese wedding, as it is believed that TANTO would be divine protection from evil power.
Blade Size: Under 30 cm (11.6 inches)
Period: From the Kamakura to the Edo period (1185-1868 A.D.)

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We hope you enjoyed this article and have now captured the overview of Japanese swords. We deal with a lot of these types of swords online. You can just click the embedded links on these images, or visit HERE to have a look at all products. We are looking forward to serving you out there anytime.




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$7,395.90

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
*We ship from Tokyo, Japan. There might be delay in shipment depending on countries.
SHIPPING TO :
USA, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany , Hong Kong, France, UK, Australia
*Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.
INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate for the blade, Hozon Certificate for Koshirae, Koshirae Mounting , Shirasaya Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Wakizashi (KOTO)
|
Age |
Early Muromachi Period (1394-1427) |
Swordsmith |
Saemon no Jyo Nobukuni (左衛門尉信国) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate for the blade and Hozon Certificate for Koshirae |
Location |
Yamashiro province (Kyoto) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 45.4 cm ( 17.9 inches)
Curvature: 1.2 cm ( 0.47 inches) |
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$8,875.08

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
*We ship from Tokyo, Japan. There might be delay in shipment depending on countries.
SHIPPING TO :
USA, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany , Hong Kong, France, UK, Australia
*Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.
INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate, Koshirae Mounting , Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Wakizashi (SHINTO)
|
Age |
Early Edo period (Mid-Late 17th century) |
Swordsmith |
Mutsu Daijyo Miyoshi Nagamichi (陸奥大掾三善長道) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate |
Location |
Aizu province (Fukushima prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 51.6 cm ( 20.3 inches)
Curvature: 1.2 cm (0.47 inches)
|
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$5,325.05

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
*We ship from Tokyo, Japan. There might be delay in shipment depending on countries.
SHIPPING TO :
USA, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany , Hong Kong, France, UK, Australia
*Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.
INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate, Koshirae Mounting , Shirasaya Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Wakizashi (SHIN SHIN TO)
|
Age |
Late Edo Period ( 1854-1864) |
Swordsmith |
Shouji Yamon Naokatsu (荘司弥門直勝) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate |
Location |
Musashi province (Tokyo prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 45.9 cm ( 18.0 inches)
Curvature: 0.9 cm (0.35 inches)
|
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$2,070.85

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
*We ship from Tokyo, Japan. There might be delay in shipment depending on countries.
SHIPPING TO :
USA, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany , Hong Kong, France, UK, Australia
*Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.
INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Certificate , Shirasaya Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Wakizashi (SHIN SHIN TO) |
Age |
Late Edo Period (Late 19th century) |
Swordsmith |
Attributed to Ashu Sukeyoshi (阿洲祐芳: Unsigned) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Certificate |
Location |
Awa province (Today’s Tokushima prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 33.0 cm( 13.0 inches)
Curvature: 0.8 cm (0.31 inches) |
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$2,218.77

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
*We ship from Tokyo, Japan. There might be delay in shipment depending on countries.
SHIPPING TO :
USA, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany , Hong Kong, France, UK, Australia
*Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.
INCLUDED : NBTHK Hozon Certificate, Shirasaya Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Tanto ( KOTO) |
Age |
Late Muromachi period |
Swordsmith |
Attributed to Kanemasu (兼升) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Hozon Certificate |
Location |
Mino province (Today’s Gifu prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 28.1 cm (11.0 inches)
Curvature: 0.2 cm (0.08 inches) |
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$5,916.72

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
*We ship from Tokyo, Japan. There might be delay in shipment depending on countries.
SHIPPING TO :
USA, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany , Hong Kong, France, UK, Australia
*Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.
INCLUDED : NBTHK Hozon Certificate, Shirasaya Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Wakizashi ( SHIN SHIN TO) |
Age |
Late Edo period (Late 19th century) |
Swordsmith |
Attributed to Chounsai Tsunatoshi (長運斎綱俊: Unsigned) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Hozon Certificate |
Location |
Musashi province (Today’s Tokyo) |
Blade Size |
Length:45.2 cm ( 17.8 inches), Curvature: 1.12 cm ( 0.44 inches) |
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$4,437.54

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
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SHIPPING TO :
USA, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany , Hong Kong, France, UK, Australia
*Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.
INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Certificate, Shirasaya Case , Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Naginata ( KOTO) |
Age |
Nanbokucho period-early Muromachi period (Late 14th-Early 15th century) |
Swordsmith |
Attributed to Uda Kunifusa (宇多国房: Unsigned) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho Certificate |
Location |
Bitchu province (Okayama prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 52.3 cm ( 20.6 inches)
Curvature: 2.1 cm (0.82 inches) |
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
-
$7,395.90

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
*We ship from Tokyo, Japan. There might be delay in shipment depending on countries.
SHIPPING TO :
USA, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany , Hong Kong, France, UK, Australia
*Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.
INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate, Koshirae Mounting , Shirasaya Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Wakizashi (SHINTO)
|
Age |
Early Edo Period (1648-1673) |
Swordsmith |
Echigo no Kami Kanesada (越後守包貞: First-gen) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate |
Location |
Settsu province (Osaka prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 54.5 cm ( 21.4 inches)
Curvature: 1.06 cm (0.42 inches)
|
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
-
$8,875.08

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
*We ship from Tokyo, Japan. There might be delay in shipment depending on countries.
SHIPPING TO :
USA, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany , Hong Kong, France, UK, Australia
*Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.
INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate, Koshirae Mounting, Shirasaya Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Katana( SHINTO) |
Age |
Early Edo Period (Approx. 1673-1681) |
Swordsmith |
Sagami no Kami Minamoto Sukeharu (相模守源祐春) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate |
Location |
Settsu (Today’s Osaka prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 74.2 cm (29.2 inches)
Curvature: 1.51 cm (0.59 inches) |
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$4,067.75

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
*We ship from Tokyo, Japan. There might be delay in shipment depending on countries.
SHIPPING TO :
USA, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany , Hong Kong, France, UK, Australia
*Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.
INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate, Shirasaya Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Wakizashi (SHINTO) |
Age |
Early Edo Period (1661-1673) |
Swordsmith |
Mutsu no Kami Kaneshige (陸奥守包重) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate |
Location |
Settsu province (Today’s Osaka) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 57.0 cm ( 22.4 inches)
Curvature: 1.0 cm ( 0.39 inches) |
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.