History of the Samurai Swords

The samurai, a class of highly skilled warriors, gradually developed in Japan. The reform of 646 A.D included land redistribution and heavy new taxes, meant to support an elaborate Chinese-style empire. As a result, many small farmers had to sell their land and work as tenant farmers. Large landholders amassed power and wealth, creating a feudal system similar to medieval Europe's. As in Europe, the new feudal lords needed warriors to defend their riches. Thus came the samurai warrior.

Some samurai were relatives of the landowners, while others were simply hired swords. The samurai code emphasized loyalty to one's master, even over family loyalty. History shows that the most loyal samurai were usually family members or financial dependents of their lords. Japanese swords are the weapons that have come to be synonymous with the samurai.

Samurai swords have been around since the 8th century. There were samurai swords that were made just before this time, these folks were called Chokuto. These swords had straight mower blades with a single sharp border.

Three different types of swords ended up being produced. There three types were the Wakizanshi, the Tanta, and the Katana. The Tanta was a knife that was normally utilized for close quarters, as well as indoors. The Katana is the longest in the three, which has a long blackberry curve that is ideal sword for outdoor perform. The Wakizanshi is a brief sword that's mostly used for fighting indoors. Legend has it that this first Katana was made by the master sword producer Amakuni. At first, the actual swords he made just weren't the best quality. Resolving to create a high quality alternative, Amakuni and his child worked for the full thirty days and evenings, finally coming up the most renowned samurai of all, the only edge steep blade Katana.

The greatest Japanese sword maker that ever lived was named Goro Nyudo Masamune. His swords had been probably the best made, forged in the Soshu. So that their name could live on, the Masamune prize has become awarded every year at the Japanese sword making competition, and given to the blade smith who's work is the most exceptional.

Sadly, while there are some fine swords makers that still exist right now, many of the great swords making techniques have been lost in time. Those that have tried to discover these methods have generally been defeated.

Why wait, get your own legendary Katana Sword here. 

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