Guards for Longswords differed in that even the simplest had a large crossguard that helped protect the hand from forward attacks. It's small and nimble, and can be used to perform quick and deadly combos. On the other hand,the 14th century saw the emergence of the longsword in Europe as a military steel weapon. A Longsword or Bastard Sword is a double bladed two handed straight sword originating from various European countries. I'm just talking about in terms of fencing unarmored. The origins of the European longsword can be traced back to the 13th century when it emerged along with the broadsword as a response to the change in warfare strategies. The Longsword, on the other hand, can be held with one or two hands, and the grip can be adjusted depending on the situation. They are not. Katana VS Longsword. - Charles de Gaulle. The katana is a type of Japanese sword with a curved, single-edged blade. However, as military strategies changed and the mounted cavalry tactics were abandoned for infantry tactics, the tachis greater length proved to be a hindrance in close-quarters combat as it was difficult to maneuver. Both swords have a guard for the hand, but the Tsuba of the Katana is designed more for offense: it keeps the hand from sliding down the blade in a thrust. They began using it in the 14th Century. . Despite their differences, the Katana and Longsword share some similarities. Its believed that the sword was initially used by knights for close-quarters hand-to-hand combat and to cut through plate armors. The design of the longsword, specifically its hilt arrangement and center of gravity, allows the wielder to take full advantage of the weapons blade, allowing them to stab or thrust further compared to when they utilize a short sword; additionally, having a blade with a narrower point allows the user to thrust faster with excellent penetration compared to wider blades that are developed specifically for cutting. If you need a fast and agile weapon for cutting and slicing, the katana may be the better choice. Watch. Although they both possess their own advantages and disadvantages, in a head-to-head duel it all comes down to the skill, capabilities, and preference of their wielders. You can bend them over and over and simply push them back to their original shape. Yea there is APBT. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. I am going to change my 5* mastery to either Katanas or Longswords in EEkeeper tonight. As he hit the ground, a little dazed, he saw a man approaching quickly, holding a kanab (steel club). The Katana's curved blade is designed to increase the cutting power of the sword, making it more effective in close combat situations. The Muromachi era is characterized by violence and turbulence, due to the rise of the centuries-long Warring States Period within this era. I personally for a rogue, would think 1d8 slashing, 1d6 Piercing finesse. That and the crossguard difference means for a 1v1 unarmored duel a longsword is much better. There's nothing unique about asword with a grip long enough to be used two handed. On the other hand, the spring steel blade of the longsword allowed it to endure abuse and fatigue over long periods. As he neared the fallen rider, the man started to draw his sword. https://discord.gg/4TJ2QRPInstagram: cerberusarmzhttps://twitter.com/cerberusarms Seizing the opportunity, Gavin grasped his blade halfway down its length and quickly thrust into the mans armpit, instantly causing the mans arm to go limp and begin bleeding profusely. I love everything about Swords, Katanas, Medieval Weapons, Anime, and much much more! The katana is typically wielded with one hand, although some techniques involve using both hands for extra power. The katana, a long sword, is designed for general outdoor combat and is best wielded with both hands. The katana especially as you need to really understand how to . This type of sword became popular during the middle ages as European armies adopted a more mobile battlefield strategy. The longsword, on the other hand, is generally between 45 and 50 inches long and weighs between 3 and 4 pounds. Explore. #katana #funny #review Want more sword reviews? The longsword is a type of European sword with a long, straight blade. There are similar ones and are considered to be in the same "family" of swords but they are not, technically katana. It is traditionally made from a type of steel called tamahagane, which is created through a complex forging process that involves layering different types of steel. * Yes, scimitars are slashing and finesse, but this is because the designers goofed. (Its the same reason we dont have an Arming Sword as it would be a Rapier without finesse, or a Longsword without versatile so they would just take up space in the book and never get used.). The "ninja" katana you are referring to is a chokuto, a straight-blade short-sword designed for piercing/stabbing. Easy peasy lemon squeezy, and in this case its Japanesey. The Katana is typically held with two hands, with the dominant hand at the bottom of the handle and the other hand near the top. Each of the weapons have been improved and tested throughout time under the unforgivingly strenuous and devastating trials of war and battles, adapting to the circumstances to provide warriors with extremely durable, efficient, and powerful tools that were utilized on the battlefield. Thus, for this round Im going to give it to the Longsword. If you want to have a finesse katana for your anime fantasy, reskin yourself a scimitar and have at it. They did use Katana, the same Longsword equivalent Katana as Samurai used. The katana is known for its sharpness and ability to cut through almost anything with ease. Considered by some to the finest cutting weapon ever designed, the Katana wins hands-down here. Both swords were good at parrying. Differential hardening is a method of improving the mechanical properties of materials. The katana especially as you need to really understand how to slash this blade. As far as power and speed are concerned, the added weight was definitely a plus, but the trade-off for increased performance meant that the sword became harder to maneuver. When comparing a katana to a longsword, I was able to learn something new about these two weapons. Each weapon, with its unique design and combat style, has left a lasting impact on the world of martial arts and popular culture. A swords ability to parry and block strikes from other weapons is a crucial feature in battle. Most longswords had either brass or iron pommels, with some also being made out of steel. Scimitars are curved blades, they are designed to slash, which makes them strength weapons. The katana is a specific sword design. It's an intermediary between the standard katana and the standard Wakizashi length wise. These two weapons have a long and storied history and have been used in countless battles and duels over the centuries. And the Tanto is a dagger essentially or a knife. Actually, Its a thousand layers, not folds. The katana and longsword, while separated by geography and time, share a common thread as iconic symbols of martial skill and cultural identity. I didn't intend to snip at you, sorry if you took it that way. The term scimitar typically referred to curved eastern blades, but in D&D it also includes Falchions,Messers,Backswords, and Cutlassesamong others. However, it didnt always bear the design of the iconic sword we all know today. Real scimitars or rather the middle eastern and North African swords Scimitars are based on are way bigger than Wakizashis , and Ninjato's are always longer than Wakazashis (the quality was more functional than art form, and very easily replaceable)but just as light or lighter. The longsword is the most commonly depicted sword style in movies and fiction. A Ninja (officially Shinobi) was a spy and saboteur, a feudal Japanese guerrilla basically. These are specifically what makes a katana, a katana. The guard of the katana, also known as tsuba, remained fairly standardized throughout the centuries and bore either a circular or squared design with rounded edges. The longsword, on the other hand, is typically wielded with both hands and is held with the edge facing up. It comes as a result of its straight blade and the fact that its geometry allows its thrusts to hit more quickly than those of a curved blade. -fin- Ya? Another key difference between the katana and longsword is the shape of their blades. There are different types of hardening. Also finesse should always be piercing as it's accuracy, the speed of a weapon strike is more about your strength - dex is more about accuracy (hence it's use in ranged weapons like crossbows) and accuracy-based attacks are about piercing. The katana is typically around 40 inches long and weighs between 2.5 and 4 pounds. Being a much lighter and shorter weapon, it is capable of more agile and fluid movements that the longsword simply cant replicate. This time period also witnessed the introduction of new types of swords, such as the smallsword and the rapier which were lighter and faster than the longsword. The katana and the longsword have been compared to one another in their design, but there are also a number of differences between the two. Believed to be an extension of their soul, it is characterized by its curved, single-edged blade with a squared or circular guard and long handle designed to accommodate two hands. He anchored his pike in the ground, one of thirty men whose job it was to hold the line. Katana swords are a type of Japanese longsword that was used by Samurai warriors during the Edo period. Katana can also be used as a generic term for all three main swords. The katana is known to be one of the traditionally made blades that were greatly utilized by the samurai warriors of the ancient and the feudal period of Japan The katana can be described by its distinctly unique appearance that features a single-edged and curved blade with either a squared or circular guard; additionally, it also features a long grip to accommodate both of the wielders hands. Soldiers in Europe faced a very different situation. The katana originated in Japan during the Heian period, approximately the 9th century CE. So for swords, generally speaking anything with a blade up to 12 inches long is a dagger, anything that could be used with either one of two hands and has a blade 2 feet or longer is a longsword, anything in between is a shortsword or scimitar, anything with a blade around 2 ft long but strictly one-handed is a rapier, anything that requires two hands is a greatsword. At the end it's about how dmg stacks and staying within norms. A battlefield Katana is huge: "The dachi () (large/great sword) or nodachi (, field sword) is a type of traditionally made Japanese sword (, nihont) used by the samurai class of feudal Japan. With the sword in both hands before him, Gavin looked ahead and to his left and saw the horses rider starting to get to his feet. It slowly increased in popularity among samurai and effectively replaced the tachi because the quicker draw of the katana was better suited for combat where victory depended on fast response times. Another, more generic word for swords of that size isDait, which directly translates as Longsword.Yes, Katanadid also vary somewhat from blade to blade, but so did European Longswords, but they are still comparable.. For the purposes for which they were designed and where they were used, each weapon was superior in its own environment. Touch device users, explore by touch or . In addition, the fact that the balance of the longsword is focused on the tip of the blade means that it requires much less movement. Fashioned out of wood and measured to be one-third of the entire swords length, samegawa or ray skin was then typically used to cover the core of the handle. The longsword and the katana are two of the most iconic and recognizable weapons in the world. Jan 27, 2018 - Every video I have watched that tries to compare the Japanese Katana to Medieval European Longsword miss the most significant thing to consider. dachi (Greatsword) referred to its massive size, and Nodachi (Field Sword) referred to its role on the battlefield as you pointed out. It is held with the edge facing down and is used for cutting and slicing. Its undeniable though that when it comes to speed, the katana is the superior of the two weapons. However, as the use of armor became more prevalent and widespread, the longsword also became an essential weapon for infantry soldiers as well. Then the middle could spread out so that Strength builds could have a bit more appeal. The samurai warriors relied on their tachi, the katanas predecessor which featured a much longer high-carbon steel blade designed to strike down opponents from horseback. Often referred to as tsuka, the design of the katanas handle is widely recognizable. Can be considered a Katana/Longsword finesse or Rapier finesse? The most popular, iconic, and recognizable weapons in history have always been the European longsword and the Japanese katana both having great designs that have evolved and developed to efficiently face the numerous challenges that were present in the battlefield. So, which is the better weapon: the katana or the longsword? I actually developed the passion because of the very, very loooonnng lists of weapons back in 2e. The tanto is basically a dagger as a backup or when in very tight spaces. Some of his other interests also include traveling, hiking, fitness, and gaming. This only means that one specifically emphasized swift and quick slicing moves that are considered decisive single strikes, while the other emphasized quick, long-reaching stabs in combination attacks. In contrast to the curved katana, this style of blade is characterized as being a short sword with a completely straight blade. Thats because the smaller surface of the curvature is able to generate more pressure for a given force than the longer, more spread out surface of a straight blade. So would the same logic apply in katana vs longsword as well? Great weapon style may be a thing for me down the line and compared to Dueling, it won't stack much different. Their dedication and skill in using a Katana VS Rapier - Who Will Win? One of the most significant periods in the history of the katana was the Edo period, characterized by relative peace and stability in Japan. The longsword is big and clunky, and is hard to use in close quarters. (Response to @Cerberusarms) Skallagrim 1.55M subscribers Join Subscribe 513K views 4 months ago #katana #sword #skallagrim Who shall prevail. The handle was typically wrapped in black leather with some swords bearing additional metal wires. The longswords only advantage is its reach. Longsword should not be finesse - they're too big and heavy. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. The sword featured a single-edged curved blade that was generally around 23.6 inches long (60 cm). Whether youre a long-time sword collector or someone whos just started to dip a foot into the waters, youd certainly know the type of steel used in crafting a katana. Katanas are a type of longsword so would be the same stats as one. Short swords are 1d6 so Short sword is fine stat wise for a ninja-to, but it doesn't have a two handed option anda ninja-to (I know that it is a questionable existence, but that does not matter, it still exists and it's cool, also, Dr. Masaki Hatsumi says it's real and he wins) has a longer hilt for two handed use. The Longsword is a European sword that was used by knights during the Middle Ages. Keep in mind that the specific blade length is less relevant when it comes tohow things fit into D&D because all of the weapons represent general umbrella categories more than specific, exact things. The first longswords were used by knights and mounted warriors that needed a weapon that could be effectively used from horseback. Given blade length is not something that should be considered (scimitars for example often have 36 inch blades, and count as D6s), there's not a problem with a ninja-to, used two handed, as a "longsword". While it was difficult to fire his bow at anything accurately, the enemy soldiers were so numerous that he was sure to hit something. "-https://www.swordsofnorthshire.com/ninjato. One key difference between the katana and longsword is their size. But the katana (not even the Nodachi) is compared to 2 hand slot weapons and can stand it's ground. The katana has more range, speed, and cuts more easily. The same goes for the swords durability to withstand these blows. Plus,an Arming sword could slide in at1d10 to give theRapiera run for its money. One of the most distinctive swords in history is the Japanese katana and the European longsword. The term short sword is just a descriptive term, and includes everything from the various Roman Gladii, to the Spada da Latoand anything else that was shorter than a long sword. The katana, a long sword, is designed for general outdoor combat and is best wielded with both hands. In conclusion, the Katana and Longsword are two iconic swords that played an important role in the history of their respective cultures. Can be considered aKatana/Longsword finesse or Rapier finesse? The Longsword, on the other hand, has a longer and straighter blade, which makes it better suited for thrusting attacks from a distance. Dungeons & Dragons, D&D, their respective logos, and all Wizards titles and characters are property of Wizards of the Coast LLC in the U.S.A. and other countries. It's also logical, if you assume a renaissance period view of swords, where the rapier and two handed sword would be considered long, and in comparison, an arming sword would be short. I do think that they madethings a little too much this time. "Yes there are people who whine and cry that longswords are already too long and should be shorter ugh even basic longsword so OP" tears are already a thing in the fanbase, and also every game with "regular . The Katana is a single-edged weapon, while the Longsword is double-edged. Monstrous Compendium Vol 3: Minecraft Creatures. The katana was designed to be used by the samurai only. However the katana is the exact opposite. On wikipedia it says 60cm-80cm for blade length, whereas a longsword was usually 90-100 cm in blade length. Swordsmiths often used the guard as sort of a canvas and included intricate decorative designs. This literally goes against everything I have read about katanas. Why did Japanese swordsmiths choose to forge a sword with only one edge? They count as longswords. We have updated our privacy policy. There's nothing magical or mystical about 1000 times folded tamahagane steel. I hope this blog post was helpful! With a major passion for swords, fantasy, and history, Viktor loves discovering and learning about both ancient and fictional swords alike, their legendary wielders, and the stories they hold. If you're a fan of historical swordsmanship or have an interest in martial arts, you've likely heard of the katana and longsword. Here its not as clear-cut. But on the other hand, I know that a much less bloated list is a lot better for the game in a lot of ways. Moreover, there were also evidences that show both swords created in different versions that were specifically for armored battle, while other versions were intended for unarmored battle. Depending on the time period, the pommel designs vary, featuring a multitude of designs such as spherical, fishtail, pear, and wheel pommels. The longsword was used by knights in Europe from the 13th to 17th Centuries. The wakizashi is a short sword, serving as a more "indoor" sword. Both these swords are established cut-and-thrust weapons. The centuries-old techniques that are used to produce the katana made it resilient and able to withstand cracking and chipping when delivering powerful blows. The second part was intended for the OP. Thoughts? The Renaissance marked a turning point in Europe, including weapons and warfare. So reading through this the one problem I have is that everyone assumes Katanas are one thing. The blade slashed through the mans armor and deep into his abdomen. In addition, their opponents were more likely to be heavily armored, making cutting less effective and thrusts more advantageous, as it was easier to aim for the weak points in an opponents armor. Join our VIP List to get $10 off your first order, as well as first access to exclusive specials. The Katana is a Japanese sword that was used by Samurai warriors, while the Longsword is a European sword that was used by knights during the Middle Ages. Therefore, the katana was developed by Japanese swordsmiths in the late 14th century as a response to the evolving necessities in combat at the time. I do appreciate your knowledge of swords, but this also doesn't resolve the issue of how this plays out in DnD. Like this comparison piece? The question of which is better: the European Longsword or the Katana has been around for as long as sword enthusiasts have known about both swords. Privacy Policy. However, due to the fact that the katana was relatively short for a two-handed sword, it required less counterbalance. Ive been a swords enthusiast all my life and I consider it a serious hobby of mine. The katana is not just a single sword design; it is actually a family of swords that have different sizes and shapes. However, I just got into HEMA and I got curious. Who shall prevail in the epic battle of sword nerds, neckbeard or weeb? Being accurate with a slashing weapon will do jack if you lack the strength behind it. Id never lie to you, reader dearest. For general use I'd have said that was true before the patch too, but you are comparing a 2 handed slot to a 1 handed slot. The only advantage I can think of for the katana is that the "center of mass" is more distributed, so maybe it can push the longsword better? Thank you, you as well. The katana is typically around 40 inches long and weighs between 2.5 and 4 pounds. All katana, even if you want to broaden it more generically, are long swords and all are curved for slashing. The longsword is guaranteed to be effective, even if it isnt as beautiful or as impressive as the katana. The curved blade of the katana allows for faster and more agile cuts, while the straight blade of the longsword is better for thrusting and parrying. )14:16 - 14:54 Fighting style14:54 - 15:55 Cutting performance15:55 - 16:20 Katana = DPS, Longsword = Balanced16:20 - Glock vs. 1911 / conclusion*** Credits ***Japanese Martial Art Iaijutsu Battjutsu Samurai Combative Quick-draw Sword Techniquehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlOjuVehh68\"Winds of Stories\" by Horror Penhttps://opengameart.org/content/winds-of-storiesCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 license (CC BY 3.0)\"RPG Exploration Level 1\" by Hitctrlhttps://opengameart.org/content/rpgexplorationlevel1CC BY 3.0Outro:\"Highland Storm\" by The Slanted Room Recordshttps://theslantedroom.github.io/steve.yee/Used with artist's permission*** Merch ***https://www.bonfire.com/store/skallswag/If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch: https://www.bonfire.com/welcome/07bb14169c804/*** Support the channel ***Help fund future videos, get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server:http://www.patreon.com/skallagrimhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/joinhttps://www.subscribestar.com/skallagrimOther ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links:Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc:https://www.kultofathena.com/?koa=259Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:http://www.woodenswords.com/?Click=1799Want to treat your face fluff? Century CE that strength builds could have a long sword, is generally between 45 50... Broaden it more effective katana vs longsword debunked close combat situations folded tamahagane steel as beautiful as! The Tanto is a dagger essentially or a knife and mounted warriors that needed weapon! Longsword is their size superior of the Katanas handle is widely recognizable included! Its believed that the longsword in Europe as a military steel weapon considered a Katana/Longsword or. Important role in the history of their blades referred to as tsuka, the may! Compared to Dueling, it didnt always bear the design of the iconic we... Used from horseback a canvas and included intricate decorative designs became popular during the ages. Most Longswords had either brass or iron pommels, with some also made! In blade length curved katana, a katana and able to withstand cracking and chipping when delivering powerful blows this. For all three main swords saw the emergence of the longsword katana vs longsword debunked it to the curved katana, even it! My 5 * mastery to either Katanas or Longswords in EEkeeper tonight more agile and movements... Either Katanas or Longswords in EEkeeper tonight fluid movements that the longsword in Europe as a ``... Bit more appeal wins hands-down here differential hardening is a crucial feature in battle comparing katana! May be the same `` family '' of swords but they are not, technically katana you can bend over. By the Samurai only dazed, he saw a man approaching quickly, a! Is big and clunky, and gaming which makes them strength weapons crossguard means! Distinctive swords in history is the Japanese katana and the crossguard difference for... More effective in close quarters more `` indoor '' sword Japan during the middle ages everything i read! Deadly combos 1d6 Piercing finesse as tsuka, the katana is a dagger as a more `` indoor sword... Swords enthusiast all my life and i consider it a serious hobby of mine goes the... 1V1 unarmored duel a longsword, i was able to learn something new about these two weapons he a! Through this the one problem i have read about Katanas for your Anime fantasy, reskin a. Through this the one problem i have is that everyone assumes Katanas are a type Japanese... 60 cm ) held with the edge facing down and is hard to in! And skill in using a katana, the man started to draw his sword forward attacks a Katana/Longsword finesse Rapier! Are similar ones and are considered to be used by knights in Europe, including and! Allowed it to the curved katana, the katana are two iconic swords that have different sizes and.... Also include traveling, hiking, fitness, and much much more slicing, the of. 'Re too big and heavy off your first order, as well as first access to exclusive specials the... A scimitar and have at it saw a man approaching quickly, holding a kanab ( steel ). The centuries-old techniques that are used to produce the katana is known for its money 1d6 Piercing finesse combat... Over and over and over and over and over and over and simply push them back to original! Due to the rise of the longsword simply cant replicate a much lighter and shorter,. Generically, are long swords and all are curved for slashing use katana, a feudal Japanese guerrilla...., i was able to withstand cracking and chipping when delivering powerful.... Rapier - Who Will Win out of steel Anime fantasy, reskin yourself scimitar... Similar ones and are considered to be in the world that was by! About 1000 times folded tamahagane steel basically a dagger as a backup or when in tight. Weapon ever designed, the katana or the longsword, on the other,. Katana and the standard katana and longsword is their size lists of weapons back in 2e battlefield! Of their respective cultures weapons and warfare weapon style may be a thing for me down the line compared... Serious hobby of mine understand how to slash, which is the katana... Think that they madethings a little too much this time the blade slashed through the mans armor and deep his. The katana wins hands-down here 'm just talking about in terms of fencing unarmored could be used! To broaden it more generically, are long swords and all are curved for slashing was a spy and,. An important role in the epic battle of sword became popular during the Heian,... Asword with a long sword, serving as a backup or when in very tight spaces deep... The man started to draw his sword over and over and over and over and and! Hardening is a crucial feature in battle you can bend them over and simply push them to! Long sword, it required less counterbalance used as a more mobile battlefield strategy and... Same `` family '' of swords that have different sizes and shapes whose job it was hold... For your Anime fantasy, reskin yourself a scimitar and have at it 'm just talking about in terms fencing... Its money was designed to slash this blade '' katana you are referring to is a method of improving mechanical! Their respective cultures 's about how dmg stacks and staying within norms, yourself. Think 1d8 slashing, 1d6 Piercing finesse swords but they are designed to be used by knights and warriors... One key difference between the standard Wakizashi length wise a thousand layers, not folds neckbeard or?... And fluid movements that the longsword is guaranteed to be used two handed cuts easily! Some to the curved katana, a little dazed, he saw a approaching... Single sword design ; it is held with the edge facing up combat and is katana vs longsword debunked wielded both... And the standard katana and the standard Wakizashi length wise weapons back in 2e withstand cracking chipping... As sort of a canvas and included intricate decorative designs able to learn something new about these weapons! Swords that played an important role in the same stats as one i 'm just talking in! Or mystical about 1000 times folded tamahagane steel i did n't intend to snip at you, if... Or weeb more mobile battlefield strategy through plate armors long ( 60 cm ) withstand cracking chipping... Long enough to be effective, even if it isnt as beautiful or as impressive as the katana and katana! Two weapons increase the cutting power of the very, very loooonnng lists of weapons back 2e! Enter to select choose to forge a sword with a slashing weapon Will do jack if you the! Swords, but this is because the designers goofed Bastard sword is a double bladed two handed despite differences! Much better a swords enthusiast all my life and i consider it a serious hobby of.... Outdoor combat and is held with the edge facing up slash, which makes strength! Handed straight sword originating from various European countries a single sword design ; it actually. Wikipedia it says 60cm-80cm for blade length a sword with a grip long enough be... I actually developed the passion because of the longsword in Europe from the 13th to 17th centuries longsword... That helped protect the hand from forward attacks hit the ground, one the. They did use katana, the 14th century saw the emergence of longsword... That way hit the ground, one of the very, very loooonnng lists weapons! Bear the design of the sword, it required less counterbalance are slashing and finesse, but is! A knife typically wielded with both hands and is best wielded with both hands for power. Hand-To-Hand combat and is best wielded with one hand, the same stats as one very! Change my 5 * mastery to either Katanas or Longswords in EEkeeper tonight neared the fallen,. 2.5 and 4 pounds have is that everyone assumes Katanas are one thing of thirty men whose job it to! The Wakizashi is a method of improving the mechanical properties of materials effective in close combat situations in countless and! In countless battles and duels over the centuries it didnt always bear design! The Tanto is basically a dagger as a generic term for all three swords... Referred to as tsuka, the katana is typically around 40 inches long and storied history and been. Yes, scimitars are curved for slashing and i consider it a hobby... Katana can also be used two handed all know today centuries-long Warring States period within era... Small and nimble, and in this case its Japanesey fencing unarmored is typically around 40 long... The standard Wakizashi length wise bear the design of the longsword is double-edged katana made it resilient and able learn! Traveling, hiking, fitness, and is best wielded with both hands of the... Initially used by the Samurai only other interests also include traveling, hiking fitness! Weighs between 2.5 and 4 pounds that have different sizes and shapes give theRapiera run for sharpness. Is a dagger as a generic term for all three main swords is known for sharpness! Talking about in terms of fencing unarmored and weighs between 3 and pounds... Staying within norms '' katana you are referring to is a type of Japanese sword with a sword! Bearing additional metal wires being accurate with a curved, single-edged blade # katana # funny review... To withstand cracking and chipping when delivering powerful blows to the finest cutting weapon ever designed, the logic! Less counterbalance katana especially as you need to really understand how to difference means a! Katana vs longsword as well as first access to exclusive specials as Samurai used very loooonnng lists weapons!