What is a Japanese sword?

Photo by Paul Preacher

   The Japanese sword came in varying lengths and, depending on the swordsmith that created the blade, had various degrees of curvature to the blade itself. The Katana sword is the name most commonly used by people to describe the Japanese sword. However, in truth there are several different types of swords and they are called:  Katana (a single edged curved long sword favored by the Samurai starting around the 1400's, the Wakizashi is the shorter single edged sword that was usually paired with the Katana, the Tsurugi was a double edged long sword, the Nodachi or Otachi were older and longer singe edged swords. And due to the similar methods of the way they were forged the pole-mounted weapons called Naginata and Yari were part of the same family.
   These weapons of a previous time are still seen, manufactured, and purchased even today. The process of making them truly dictates the value and cost of these splendid weapons. In Japan there are still a few hundred swordsmiths today that create, forge, temper, and produce these beautiful pieces of art. Japan still holds a yearly competition which allows these masters to show their wares and compare them with other swordsmiths around the country.