【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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$13,837.85

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 Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate, Shirasaya Case, Koshirae Mounting, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Katana (SHINTO) |
Age |
Early Edo Period (Late 17th century) |
Swordsmith |
Awataguchi Omi no Kami Tadatsuna (粟田口近江守忠綱) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
|
Location |
Settsu province (Today’s Osaka prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 68.2 cm ( 26.8 inches)
Curvature: 0.8 cm ( 0.31 inches)
|
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$11,147.16

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
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SHIPPING TO :
USA, UK, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland, Germany , Hong Kong, France, Australia
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INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate, Koshirae Mounting, Shirasaya Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Katana( SHINTO) |
Age |
1682: Early Edo Period |
Swordsmith |
Kunihira (國平) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate |
Location |
Settsu province (Today’s Osaka) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 68.7 cm ( 27.0 inches)
Curvature: 1.9 cm( 0.74 inches) |
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$11,531.54

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
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INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate, Shirasaya Case, Koshirae Mounting, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Katana( KOTO) |
Age |
early Muromachi period (1394-1429) |
Swordsmith |
Suketsugu (助次) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
|
Location |
Yamato province (Today’s Nara prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 70.9 cm (27.9 inches)
Curvature: 2.8 cm ( 1.10 inches)
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More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$16,912.93

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
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INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate, Koshirae Mounting, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Katana( SHIN SHIN TO) |
Age |
1860: The end of the Edo period |
Swordsmith |
Morioka Jyu Yamauchi Fujiwara Kunikazu
(盛岡住山内藤原國多) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
|
Location |
Morioka province (Today’s Iwate prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 70.0 cm ( 27.5 inches)
Curvature: 1.51 cm ( 0.59 inches)
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More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$9,225.23

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
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INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate, Shirasaya Case, Koshirae Mounting, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Katana( SHINTO) |
Age |
1624-1645: Early Edo period |
Swordsmith |
Echizen Jyu Hyuga no Kami Fujiwara Sadatsugu
(越前住日向守藤原貞次) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
|
Location |
Echizen province (Today’s Fukui prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 71.3 cm (28.0 inches)
Curvature: 1.5 cm ( 0.59 inches)
|
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$8,456.46

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
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INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate, Shirasaya Case, Koshirae Mounting, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Katana( SHINTO) |
Age |
Early Edo Period (Early-Mid 17th century) |
Swordsmith |
Yoshu Fujiwara Kunimasa (予州藤原国正) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate
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Location |
Iyo province (Today’s Ehime prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length: 69.7 cm ( 27.4 inches)
Curvature: 0.9 cm ( 0.35 inches)
|
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$4,612.62

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INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate , Koshirae Case, Shirasaya Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Wakizashi (SHIN SHIN TO)
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Age |
Ka-Ei era (1848-1854) |
Swordsmith |
Ise Daijo Kaneshige (木下伊勢大掾兼重) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate |
Location |
Kashu province (Today’s Ishikawa prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length : 32.4 cm ( 12.7 inches)
Curvature: 0.6 cm (0.23 inches)
|
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$4,458.86

DELIVERY TIME : Approx. 1-1.5 months
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INCLUDED : NBTHK Hozon Certificate, Shirasaya Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Wakizashi ( SHINTO) |
Age |
Early Edo Period (Early-Mid 17th century) |
Swordsmith |
Kashu Jyu Fujiwara Kagehira (賀州住藤原景平) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Hozon Certificate |
Location |
Kaga province(today’s Ishikawa prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length : 32.4 cm (12.7 inches)
Curvature : 0.1 cm(0.03 inches)
|
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$10,378.39

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INCLUDED : NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate , Shirasaya Case, Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Wakizashi (KOTO)
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Age |
Mid-Late Nanbokucho period (Mid-Late 14th century) |
Swordsmith |
Attributed to Omiya (大宮: Unsigned) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Certificate |
Location |
Bizen province (Today’s Okayama prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length : 56.6 cm ( 22.2 inches)
Curvature: 1.4 cm ( 0.55 inches)
|
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.
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$4,228.23

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, Switzerland, Germany , Hong Kong, France, Australia
*Please contact us prior to purchase if your country isn’t listed.
INCLUDED : NBTHK Hozon Certificate for the blade, Koshirae Mounting , Traditional Sword Carrying Case, Sword Maintenance Kit, Full Exportation Support
Category |
Tanto (SHIN SHIN TO)
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Age |
Late Edo Period (Mid-Late 19th century) |
Swordsmith |
Attributed to Mito Masakatsu (水戸正勝:Unsigned) |
Certificate |
NBTHK Hozon Certificate |
Location |
Mito domain (Today’s Ibaraki prefecture) |
Blade Size |
Cutting Edge Length : 19.6 cm( 7.74 inches)
Curvature: 0 cm (0 inches) |
More photos& videos available on request. Please feel free to contact us.