The samurai sword more than symbolizes Japan and its venerated swordsmithing tradition. It’s legendary and spiritual, evoking images of a peaceful people yet ready to defend their beliefs and rights.
These bladed weapons, some with blood-stained colorful histories, persist through the 21st century with their unique charm as artwork and unrivaled mysticism as heritage objects.
Join us in discovering more about the Land of the Rising Sun’s fabled weapon. Embark on a colorful journey into its evolution, including variants and how the modern world sees and values such blades today.
More importantly, learn how and where to buy an authentic Samurai sword to add a touch of legend and culture to your living room.
The Samurai Sword: An Evolution of Japanese Craftsmanship, Folklore, and Legend
Most people equate samurai swords with the iconic, curved, and deadly bladed weapon of choice of Medieval Japan – the katana.
While it’s a fairly accurate description, katanas are only one of several blades the Samurai warrior class uses in battles and ceremonies.
Let’s discover the Japanese sword’s colorful evolution from 3,000+ years ago to its current form.
Chokuto swords
Ancient chokuto swords by Gunbai on Gunbai-Military History
The earliest Japanese swords featured bronze and other metals smithed as early as 800 BC during the Yayoi Period. Scholars continue to unearth these ancient swords, the latest being a seven-foot ‘dako” iron sword fabricated between 300 and 710 AD.
Ancient swords are massive, requiring immense strength and extraordinary skill from their wielders to strike and defeat opponents. They were also straight-bladed, unlike the katana’s iconic curve.
Koto swords
A tachi as an example of a koto sword by Tamokin Art Fund on World Art News
Lessons from the battlefield prompted Japanese swordsmiths to rethink the Japanese sword. Warriors needed a lighter-weight and deadlier weapon they could draw and slash in a flash.
The mid-Heian Period saw more battle-efficient swords, including the Tachi, the katana’s longer yet equally deadly direct ancestor. Amakuni Yasatsuna created the very first katana-looking Samurai sword sometime in 700 AD.
The Kamakura Period, which highlighted the Age of the Samurai, saw further blade refinements to the well-respected Tachi, giving birth to the katana, undoubtedly Japan’s most famous Samurai sword.
Shinto swords
Koto swords are magnificent works of art, smithed only by the masters of the Gokaden, Japan’s five sword-making traditions or schools.
By 1596, trainees and apprentices of these swordsmithing schools had established their shops, creating a new class of Japanese-bladed weapons: the Shinto.
Shinshinto swords
From 1781 until the Meiji government outlawed Samurai swords, except for Daimyos, police officials, and military officers in 1876, Samurai weapons continued featuring the five traditions.
However, new swordsmiths often mixed different swordmaking styles to give the weapon distinct characteristics.
Gendaito swords
Although Emperor Meiji outlawed swords worn in public, he enjoyed these weapons. The government viewed Japanese swords as distinct cultural symbols.
As Japan flexed its muscles in Asia and the Pacific, the military demanded swords for its officers to differentiate them from soldiers and signify rank.
After Japan’s defeat, the Allies confiscated and destroyed many Samurai swords, although some were saved through restoration efforts. Modern swordsmiths continue to rely on a thousand-year tradition to recreate Japan’s most iconic swords.
Types of Samurai Sword
Although some scholars say two swords are enough, the legendary Samurai wore three blades in battle and ceremonies.
Katana
Ask any non-Japanese what they know about Japanese swords, and they will always say it’s the katana. It’s the quintessential sword and the Samurai’s principal weapon, with a slender, curved, single-edged blade and an exceptionally long handle for maximum control and stability during swordfights.
Wakizashi
The Wakizashi is to the Samurai as a handgun is to a SEAL team member. It’s a backup weapon, shorter than the katana but equally deadly. Samurai warriors and Daimyos wore these blades with the katana in a classic Daisho pairing during ceremonies to emphasize social status and honor. It’s perfect for close-quarters combat.
Tanto
One of the smallest Samurai swords, the Tanto is a dagger with a stubby blade, perfect for thrusting or stabbing. Although Samurai warriors carry Tanto blades, its self-defense nature makes it the weapon of choice for women.
Other Samurai Swords
Warriors of medieval Japan didn’t only carry a katana, wakizashi, and tanto. Some preferred other bladed weapons to defeat enemies.
- Tachi – Longer than the katana and with a more pronounced curve, the Tachi is a favorite of cavalry officers. They leverage the sword’s exceptional reach to slash enemy infantry without dismounting.
- Odachi and Nodachi – If the tachi is for the cavalry, the odachi and nodachi swords are for the infantry. These blades are exceptionally heavy, requiring foot soldiers to be strong in wielding them.
- Chokuto – These swords are rare because they predate the tachi. It’s like the katana but with a straight, double-edged sword. Finding one today is like discovering a pot of gold for its value.
- Uchigatana – Slightly shorter than the Tachi, the Uchigatana is a transitional weapon between the tachi and katana. Like the chokuto, it’s a rare piece of history that can command a high price from collectors.
- Kodachi – This sword looks like a miniature tachi but is longer than a tanto and functions like a wakizashi as a secondary weapon.
Samurai Swords in the 21st Century
The ancient Japanese considered katanas, wakizashis, tantos, and other Samurai swords as more than tools of war. These bladed weapons symbolized a nation, its aspirations, and a people’s resilience and dedication to perfection. But does the modern world share the same sentiments or viewpoints?
Resurging interest
We can thank Hollywood filmmakers and documentaries for the Samurai sword’s resurging interest.
Video games (i.e., Total War: Shogun 2, Ghost of Tsushima, and Bushido Blade), movies (i.e., The Last Samurai, 47 Ronin, and Kill Bill), television shows (i.e., Heart of a Samurai and Gunshi Kanbee), and anime (Rurouni Kenshin, One Piece, and Demon Slayer) have a hand in reviving 21st-century interest in these medieval swords and the Samurai culture.
It doesn’t matter if these portrayals are quite distant from reality (although Hollywood filmmakers try to stay faithful to the Samurai sword ideals). It’s worth pointing out that 21st-century media helped awaken people’s interest in Japanese swords.
Unsurprisingly, a growing interest in Samurai swords and everything with medieval Japan fueled market expansion for replicas and functional blades.
Not only are these swords a favorite of Japanese culture fans and martial artists. Collectors also seek them because these replicas are hardly distinguishable from authentic swords.
Growing demand for authentic hand-forged swords.
It’s not easy to overlook the modern world’s deep fascination with Japan, its culture, and the legendary Samurai way of life.
Collectors and enthusiasts still demand hand-forged, high-quality katanas, tantos, and wakizashi, although many non-Japanese swordmakers have turned to machines to mass-produce swords.
Modern Japanese swordsmiths handcraft high-quality blades and restore and preserve antique Samurai swords to ensure an enduring traditional swordmaking legacy.
Samurai swords in 21st-century martial arts
Some like karate, while others prefer taekwondo or jujitsu. Still, many aspiring martial artists want to discover the ancient way of the sword – the Samurai way.
Dojos worldwide incorporate Samurai philosophies into their teachings, including swordsmanship techniques and using swords for spiritual enlightenment and mental health. They cultivate discipline and foster a sense of honor in each student – attributes rarely seen today.
How to Buy a Samurai Sword
Learning to buy Samurai swords involves careful research because the market has many knock-offs and fraudulent sellers. Although there’s a sword for everyone, we recommend getting only authentic Japanese swords. A certified replica should be a budget-friendly alternative.
Identify the sword’s purpose.
People have different reasons for buying a Samurai blade. Some are collectors requiring only authentic Samurai swords. They are expensive and demand meticulous assessment and evaluation to ascertain their authenticity.
Some individuals buy swords to display in their homes. Such objects don’t have a functional purpose, allowing buyers to get them for cheap. Imitations and replicas are excellent examples.
Practice Samurai swords have a different purpose. As the name implies, these tools are ideal for Iaido or Kendo, allowing practitioners to hone their sword-handling skills. They look simple but have robust construction to withstand repeated use.
Choose a sword type.
As mentioned, katanas are synonymous with Samurai swords. Unsurprisingly, many sellers offer this type of sword. Sword displays often feature three—a katana, a wakizashi, and a tanto—arranged in an inverted pyramid style.
Collectors often buy a sword of each type. Some would focus on the swordsmith. For example, they might only buy swords hand-forged by the legendary swordsmiths Masamune or Muramasa. Yasatsuna, Kotetsue, Yoshino, and Sadamune are other famous swordmakers.
Set a budget.
Authentic Samurai swords can range from $2,000 to $50,000, with the most expensive (the Fukushima Masanori samurai tachi) netting a staggering $100 million. These swords are beyond the reach of casual sword enthusiasts.
Budget-conscious buyers can get replicas or factory-made swords costing less than $500. One can also buy functional swords hand-forged by reputable Japanese swordsmiths for only $500 to $2,000.
Research reputable sellers of authentic Japanese swords.
Samurai swords are works of art and a symbol of Japan’s rich cultural heritage and deeply-rooted nationalism and spirituality. Unsurprisingly, many unscrupulous entities jump onto the bandwagon, labeling imitations or deep fakes as authentic swords to net a higher price.
Buy Japanese swords only from reputable sellers, such as specialty sword shops, credible auction hoses, and trustworthy online retailers. Search their histories and consumer reviews and check for tell-tale signs of an ill reputation.
Assess the sword in person.
Never buy a Samurai sword without inspecting it. Ideally, you will want a sword expert to accompany you in evaluating the sword.
Reputable online Samurai sword stores always accompany their products with documents (i.e., NBTHK certification) to prove their authenticity. Shady sellers don’t.
Consider the legal requirements for Samurai sword ownership.
The Japanese government forbids its citizens from owning a Samurai sword unless it’s a duly registered Japanese-forged Nihonto made by licensed and registered Japanese swordsmiths. After all, it’s a deadly weapon. The only swords anyone can own without legal repercussions are dull-edged practice swords.
It’s also worth noting that the Japanese government considers all non-Japanese-made swords illegal. Your home country might have other laws related to sword importation and ownership.
Where to Buy Authentic Samurai Sword
As mentioned, aspiring Samurai sword owners must buy only from credible sellers to avoid getting scammed and losing a fortune, especially with high-end authentic versions. Here’s where to obtain high-quality Samurai swords.
Credible online retailers
Shopping for the best Samurai sword is never easier than with online platforms. Unfortunately, many websites have dubious credentials. Buyers should avoid these online retailers and do business only with credible ones.
For example, Tokyo Nihonto is a popular virtual destination for non-Japanese sword enthusiasts looking for the best authentic Japanese blades. Other options include Nihonto.com, Aoi-Art, and JapaneseSword.com.
Auction houses
Popular auction houses, like Christie’s and Sotheby’s, occasionally offer authentic Samurai swords at auctions. The best part about this method is one can be sure of the sword’s authenticity, with detailed provenance.
The catch? You must have a deep pocket to enter such events and bag a rare medieval sword.
Licensed specialty sword stores
The Japanese government has strict regulations regarding the selling and shipping of objects valued as historically and culturally significant, like Samurai swords. Hence, only credible specialty sword stores pass scrutiny.
Many of Japan’s trustworthy sword shops are in Tokyo and Kyoto, while others are from regions with a rich swordmaking history. Although they sell mostly authentic antiques, these stores have an impressive collection of certified replicas for budget-conscious buyers.
Final Thoughts
The Samurai sword isn’t only a legendary weapon. It’s a revered object that paints Japan’s glorious, sometimes dark, past.
These swords underwent hundreds of improvements over three thousand years, from the rustic Yayoi Period bronze straight swords to the Heian Period tachi and uchigatana until their present-day form - the katana and other modern Japanese swords.
Not everyone in the modern world might believe in Japan’s Samurai legends and folklore. However, those who have come to appreciate the Samurai way of life can relive every aspect of the warrior class by buying only authentic swords or certified replicas from reputable sources, such as Tokyo-Nihonto.