#japanese swords

[cyberpunkplaza]

[brightersoul2]

Touken Ranbu Kai: Kyoden Moyuru Honnouji - episode 3

[iwillbemother]

Instagram: @flowermiku

[petermorwood]

Choose your words carefully...

I  got anon-sent a link to an article with a provocative (?)  title...

Is the Samurai Sword The Best Weapon Of All Time?

I wonder if the nonny who sent me the link had seen this post of mine from 10 (gosh!) years ago, because in its defence the article isn’t as uncritically weeb-ish as that title suggests, comparing the pros and cons of other weapons including European longsword and Japanese yari straight spear.

It even concludes - despite being a katana-selling website - that the answer to the question in the title is “No”, so kudos all round.

Here are a couple of the excellent line drawings from Ratti & Westbrook’s “Secrets of the Samurai” (1973, rev. 1991), one favouring sword, another favouring spear.

Clearly “best weapon” is whatever the hero can use with most success.

It’s so obliging when multiple opponents attack one at a time while the rest strike aggressive poses in the background - you know the sort of screen combat I mean - but far more satisfying when the writer has described a location or situation, as in these drawings, where they have to do that because they’ve got no other choice.

However the “Best” article’s title also demonstrates how the pen - or the printed word - can indeed be mightier than the sword, if words aren’t chosen with care.

The writer may have meant “best sword of all time” (though since the yari gets a good review, maybe not) but “best weapon...” means that someone with a katana can be opposed by any other weapon which, all right, might mean another sword, or an axe, or yes indeed, a spear.

But it could mean something with much longer range than a katana, like a bow, a musket, a machine-gun, a field-gun...

...Or this...

Heh.  ;->

[akumasenseiwastaken]

Currently working on a new OC which is also the main character of the light novel I'm writing. Her name is Yuuna Argento!

[kultofathena]

Ronin Katana Model 29

The Ronin Katana Model #29 Katana has a traditionally clay-tempered blade with a genuine hamon which is forged from 1045 high carbon steel; the final polish of the blade both brings out the wave-edged beauty of the natural hamon and hones the blade to a sharp cutting edge. The tsuba, fuchi and kashira are quality cast metal components full of antique finished detail and the tsuka grip is crafted from wood. The grip has panels of genuine rayskin and is completed with a knotted tsuka ito grip wrap of cotton. The sword is matched with a wooden saya scabbard which is completed with a glossy lacquer finish and a knotted sageo cord.  Included is a cloth sword bag for storage or transport.

This type of sword is considered a quality entry-level cutter by Ronin Katana. Ronin advises that they are safe to use against single soaked tatami mats, as well as water bottles and similar targets. Ronin discourages their use against hard targets, as well as thick, hard plastic jugs

[aishiteru-kenshin]

The Soul of The Samurai

[talesofedo]

So, the other day I happened across a comment on a tameshigiri video in which a sword was damaged (bent), which read: "A well-made katana would never break or bend."

The commenter went on to explain that the swordsman obviously did not know what they were doing and that a real Japanese-made sword does not break or bend, so they must have been using a cheaply-made one from China.

This isn't the first time I've heard that and while I don't know where these myths are coming from, I just want to point out that Japanese swords do, in fact: bend, chip, and/or break. Even ones made by competent Japanese swordsmiths. Even ones handled by competent samurai who trained from childhood.

Swords are a tool. Any tool can wear and break with use - doesn't matter if it's a sword forged in 15th Century Japan, a firearm made during World War II, or a top-of-the-line impact wrench sold to contractors today.

Here's a record of three damaged swords; Sannan Keisuke's sword is the one in the center.

[tokyo-chainsaw-dragon]

Me suffering from art block:

[we-are-samurai]

The Cursed Blades of Muramasa

[chadozombie]

🇯🇵 Japanese sword⚔️

[samuraiswordsshop]

Crafted to your specifications, this Handmade Katana Sword is a true work of art, forged from 1060 Carbon Steel Katana for exceptional strength and durability. The sword boasts a sleek black hardwood saya adorned with beautiful hand-drawn paintings, perfectly accented by a Light Blue Leather Ito wrap and Teal Samegawa.

With its superior craftsmanship and attention to detail, this katana is a perfect example of the elegance and precision of traditional Japanese sword making. Whether you're a collector, martial artist, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and artistry of these iconic weapons, this Handmade Katana Sword is sure to impress.

[dieletztepanzerhexe]

tsuba with decoration in the form of swastikas

[essence-of-nightshade]

A friend of mine battling a Leukaemia gave me some Edo period Wakazashi fittings, they were missing a Mekugi pin that keeps the the hilt construction together so I decided to make one. Normally these are carved out of a certain type of bamboo but I decided to make one a bit more flashy out of Ox horn which I think matches some of the other furniture. I think it came out pretty good ^_^

[kultofathena]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kult Of Athena | Swords & Armor (@kult_of_athena)

The Iron Tiger Forge Cloud Dragon Katana features in brilliant detail the Unryū sky dragon among an elevated koshirae setting and a lacquered rayskin saya scabbard. The blade is hand forged from 1095 high carbon steel and has been differentially tempered using the traditional clay tempered technique, as evident by its genuine hamon which was carefully shaped into the form of billowing clouds along the length of the blade edge. A fine finishing polish to the blade highlights the natural beauty of this hamon of hardened steel and its genuine geometric tip yokote.

In stock and available to order now

[aishiteru-kenshin]

Beauty in Nagano | echigoya_sukeroku