【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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$15,950.07

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
*We ship from Tokyo, Japan. There might be delay in shipment depending on countries.
SHIPPING TO :
USA, UK, Canada, Mexico, Germany , Hong Kong, France, Australia
*Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.
INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate , Koshirae Case (Decorative Sword Mounting), Shirasaya Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Tanto (KOTO)
|
Age |
The Muromachi period |
Swordsmith |
Soshu Jyu Akihiro (相州住秋廣) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate |
Location |
Soshu province ( Today’s Kanagawa Prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 23.4 cm (9.21 inches)
Curvature: 0 cm (0 inches)
|
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$4,854.37

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
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SHIPPING TO :
USA, UK, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany , Hong Kong, France, Australia
*Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.
INCLUDED : NBTHK Hozon Certificate, Koshirae Case, Shirasaya Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Tanto ( SHIN SHIN TO) |
Age |
5th year of the Ka-ei era (1851) |
Swordsmith |
Ishido Korekazu (石堂是一) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Hozon Certificate |
Location |
Musashi province (Today’s Tokyo prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 23.0 cm (9.05 inches)
Curvature: 0 cm (0 inches) |
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$11,789.18

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
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SHIPPING TO :
USA, UK, Canada, Mexico, Germany , Hong Kong, France, Australia
*Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.
INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate , NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate for the Menuki, NBTHK Hozon Certificate for the Kozuka, Shirasaya Case, Koshirae Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Wakizashi (SHINTO)
|
Age |
Early Edo Period (1641-1688) |
Swordsmith |
Hizen Koku Jyu Omi no Daijyo Fujiwara Tadahiro
(肥前国住近江大掾藤原忠広) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate |
Location |
Hizen province (Today’s Saga prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 50.0 cm (19.7 inches)
Curvature: 1.6 cm (0.63 inches)
|
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$7,628.29

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
*We ship from Tokyo, Japan. There might be delay in shipment depending on countries.
SHIPPING TO :
USA, UK, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Hong Kong, France, Australia
*Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.
INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate, Shirasaya Case, Koshirae Mounting, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Katana (SHINTO) |
Age |
1688-1711: Early-Mid Edo Period |
Swordsmith |
Omi no Kami Minamoto Hisamichi (近江守源久道) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate |
Location |
Yamashiro province (Today’s Kyoto prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 60.2 cm (23.7 inches)
Curvature: 1.1 cm (0.43 inches) |
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$6,102.64

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
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SHIPPING TO :
USA, UK, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Hong Kong, France, Australia
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INCLUDED : NBTHK Hozon Certificate, Shirasaya Case, Koshirae Mounting, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Katana (SHINTO: 新刀) |
Age |
Early Edo Period (1661-1673) |
Swordsmith |
Attributed to Jyumyo (寿命: Unsigned) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Hozon Certificate |
Location |
Mino Province (Today’s Gifu prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 74.5 cm (29.3 inches)
Curvature: 2.12 cm (0.83 inches) |
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$22,191.40

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
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SHIPPING TO :
USA, UK, Canada, Mexico, Germany , Hong Kong, France, Australia
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INCLUDED : NTHK Yushu Saku Certificate for the blade, Shirasaya Case, Koshirae Mounting, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Katana (KOTO) |
Age |
Joji era (1362-1368: Mid Nanbokucho period) |
Swordsmith |
attributed to Bitchu Aoe Tsuguyoshi (備中青江次吉: Unsigned) |
Certificate |
NTHK Yushu Saku Certificate for the blade
|
Location |
Bitchu Province (Today’s Okayama prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 69.4 cm (27.3 inches)
Curvature: 1.66 cm ( 0.65 inches) |
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$8,321.78

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
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SHIPPING TO :
USA, UK, Canada, Mexico, Germany , Hong Kong, France, Australia
*Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.
INCLUDED : Shirasaya Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Katana (Gendaito) |
Age |
the 5th year of the Heisei era (1993) |
Swordsmith |
Akamatsu Taro Kanehiro (赤松太郎兼裕) |
Certificate |
– |
Location |
Kumamoto Prefecture |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 73.2 cm (28.8 inches)
Curvature: 2.0 cm (0.79 inches) |
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$11,095.70

DELIVERY TIME: Approx. 1-1.5 months
*We ship from Tokyo, Japan. There might be delay in shipment depending on countries.
SHIPPING TO:
USA, UK, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Hong Kong, France, Australia
*Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.
INCLUDED: NBTHK Hozon Certificate, Koshirae Case (Decorative Sword Mounting), Shirasaya Case (Plain Wooden Case), Traditional Sword Carrying Bag, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Katana (SHIN SHIN TO:新々刀)
|
Age |
6th year of the Ansei era (1859) |
Swordsmith |
Mito Jyu Tokukatsu (水戸住徳勝) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Hozon Certificate |
Location |
Mito province (Today’s Ibaraki prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 75.7 cm ( 29.8 inches)
Curvature: 1.81 cm (0.71 inches)
|
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.