The 8 Main Types of Japanese Sword

There are very many Japanese swords, in a wide variety of forms and with different purposes. We have decided to present the 8 main classes of Japanese sword.

Chokuto

The chokuto is a type of Japanese sword that appeared during the Kofun period (250-538) and was used until the end of the Heian period (794-1185). It is regarded as the ancestor of the modern Japanese sword.

The design of the chokuto is very similar to that of the Chinese swords of the time. It has a straight blade and a single cutting edge. The blade is generally very narrow and has a diamond-shaped cross-section. The handle is generally of wood, covered with leather or cord. There is no guard, but there is often a hook-shaped protrusion to protect the hands.

Chokuto were usually made from imported metal, most often Damascus steel or Chinese steel.

The chokuto was mainly a sword of the warrior class. However, it was also used for more everyday tasks such as hunting and cutting wood.

With the arrival of new forging techniques and designs, the chokuto was gradually replaced by more modern types of sword such as the katana and the wakizashi.

Tachi

The tachi is a type of Japanese sword that was used chiefly on horseback during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). It has a longer blade than the katana and is generally worn in the opposite way. The design of the tachi is similar to that of the modern Japanese sword, but it is generally longer and heavier.

It is often made from high-quality steel and is quenched to increase the hardness of the blade. It was used chiefly by mounted samurai. Tachi are now collector's pieces, or are used in ceremonies and martial arts.

Tachi are usually displayed in museums with the edge downwards, because they were worn suspended from the belt with the edge down. Museums often prefer to display them in the historical manner.

Katana

The katana is a type of Japanese sword that became popular during the Edo period (1603-1868). It has a blade length of about 70 cm (27.6 in) and a design characterised by a curved blade, a single cutting edge, a boomerang-shaped cross-section, a wooden handle covered with leather or cord, and a guard to protect the hands.

It is generally made from high-quality steel, using specific forging techniques such as folding to increase the density of the blade. It is used mainly in ceremonies, martial arts and spiritual practice. It is generally displayed in museums with the edge upwards to show its shape, design and aesthetics.

Wakizashi

The wakizashi is a type of Japanese sword shorter than the katana, generally with a blade under 60 cm (23.6 in) long. It appeared during the Edo period (1603-1868). It has a design similar to the katana, with a curved blade, a single cutting edge, a boomerang-shaped cross-section, a wooden handle covered with leather or cord, and a guard to protect the hands.

It is generally made using the same forging techniques as the katana. It is a shorter companion sword, worn by samurai alongside the katana. It is also used in ceremonies and martial arts.

Tanto

The tanto is a short Japanese knife, generally with a blade under 30 cm (11.8 in) long. It appeared as early as the 9th century. It has a design similar to Japanese swords, with a straight or slightly curved blade, a single cutting edge, a wooden handle covered with leather or cord, and a guard to protect the hands.

It is generally made using the same forging techniques as other Japanese swords. It was a companion blade for samurai, who wore it alongside the katana or the wakizashi. It is also used in ceremonies and martial arts.

Ken

The ken is a type of Japanese sword in the form of a dagger, with both sides of the blade sharpened. A yokote can often be seen in the centre, dividing the blade in two.

It is generally made using the same forging techniques as Japanese swords. It was a companion blade for samurai, who wore it alongside the katana or the wakizashi. It is also used in ceremonies and martial arts. It has become rare because of its limited use.

Naginata

The naginata is a type of Japanese polearm similar to a halberd. It has a wooden shaft and a curved blade, often in the shape of a lotus leaf, and it appeared as early as the 9th century. It is generally made using forging techniques similar to those of Japanese swords.

It was used mainly as a long-reach polearm, chiefly by female samurai and women of the warrior class. It was widely used during the Kamakura (1185-1333) and Muromachi (1336-1573) periods and became less popular with the arrival of firearms. It is still practised in traditional Japanese martial arts such as kendo and jodo.

Yari

The yari is a type of Japanese spear with a wooden shaft and a steel blade, generally straight and pointed. It appeared as early as the 9th century. It is generally made using forging techniques similar to those of Japanese swords. It was a long-reach polearm used chiefly by samurai and foot soldiers.

It was widely used during the Kamakura (1185-1333) and Muromachi (1336-1573) periods and became less popular with the arrival of firearms. It is still practised in traditional Japanese martial arts such as sojutsu.