The Katana is a Japanese sword that was first produced in the 14th century. The Katana can be identified by a curved, slender, single-edged blade with a circular or squared guard and long grip to accommodate two hands.
Production
The Katana is traditionally made from a specialized Japanese steel called tamahagane, which is created from a traditional smelting process that results in several, layered steels with different carbon concentrations. Once the blade is forged; it has to be polished. The polishing process takes between 1 and 3 weeks.
Scabbard/Sheath
The Scabbard for a katana is made of lacquered wood. Some of the scabbards are covered with fish skin, and decorated with brass and copper.
*Dimensions
| Length | 60-80 cm (1’11.6”-2’7.5”) |
| Weight | 1.1-1.5 kg (2.4-3.3 lbs.) |
Warfare
The primary users of the Katana were the Samurai. The Samurai were Japanese military officers between the 10th and 19th centuries.
Martial Arts
Martial arts in which training with the katana is used include aikidō, iaijutsu, battōjutsu, iaidō, kenjutsu, kendō, ninjutsu and Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū. The Katanas used in martial arts training are often modified to prevent serious injury.
Popular Culture
- Usagi Yojimbo; is a rabbit ronin who occasionally teams up with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the comic books and animated programs.
- A katana sword is used by the Silver Samurai; a samurai crime boss from Marvel Comics.
- A katana sword is a weapon used by Deathstroke, a mercenary from DC Comics.
- A katana sword is used by Samurai Org in Power Rangers Wild Force.
- A katana sword is used by Youmu Konpaku from the Touhou Project video game series.
- Katana swords are a common weapon for characters in anime and manga who fight using a sword.
