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The Japanese Greatsword: The Ōdachi

The General’s Sword

Yamoto rode onto the field surrounded by his comrades in arms. His tactical ability was near-legendary, and his soldiers looked on with admiration as he surveyed the battlefield. Seeing the tattered ranks of the rebels arrayed before him, he knew the coming skirmish would be no challenge. Raising his Tachi high as a signal to the army around him, he gave the order to advance.

The battle was fierce but swift. Laying about with his Tachi, Yamoto killed many, but during his last bout with a foot soldier, his Tachi, weakened through years of harsh use, chipped and almost shattered. He managed to dodge the soldier’s counterattack and watched as the soldier was quickly finished off by one of his lieutenants. Examining his Tachi, he knew this was its last battle; he would need another.

A few weeks later, he made it back to the capital. The shogun announced a feast in his honor for all the successful victories he had accomplished during the past year. There was much drinking and laughing, and halfway through, the king announced that he had a new gift for the venerated general. The king summoned the royal swordsmith who came quickly with two men carrying a long parcel.

Raising his voice so everyone could hear, the king addressed the general. “My messengers kept me informed of your progress. After hearing of the loss of your Tachi, I commissioned a new sword made as a replacement.” The retainers held still as the swordsmith unwrapped the parcel, revealing an unusually long sword. “This an Ōdachi. They are incredibly difficult to make but are unmistakable. I figured it a fitting weapon for such a revered general as you.”

Featured Sword: Ōdachi

The larger version of the Tachi, the Katana’s predecessor, was the Ōdachi. Meaning “Long Sword”, it commonly reached lengths of 90-100cm or more. There were two main uses of the Ōdachi – war and showmanship. As less is known about the Ōdachi compared to the Tachi, we have to make some educated speculation on how it was likely used.

While a Katana or Wakizashi can be drawn in one smooth stroke that can also be used as an attack, the Ōdachi’s size would have necessitated it being worn on the back, preventing this. It would also limit the Ōdachi’s self-defense proclivity, instead making it more useful as a primary weapon on the battlefield. Some soldiers may have even been accompanied by a retainer whose job was to carry the blade and assist the Samurai in drawing it. One place it would have especially shined is as a horseback weapon – the longer reach offered by the blade would have given the horseman an advantage against foes on foot.

A few Ōdachi were made especially long – some over two metres, with the Norimitsu Ōdachi measuring over 3 and three-quarters metres!. These would have been too impractical for use on the battlefield, so they were more likely created as a showpiece by their forger. When a sword is forged, it is important that the entire blade be heated to the same temperature. While fairly easy today with modern technology, back then it was incredibly difficult, and this difficulty increased with the length. Thus only an expert swordsmith could make a high-quality Ōdachi.

A Symbol Raised High

2 months later, Yamamoto looked out on yet another battlefield. The respite in the capital came to an end all too soon, and it was not long before it was time to return to the countryside. This time, the battle would not be so easy. His scouts had alerted him to the position, composition, and size of the enemy forces a day earlier, and he had dispatched horseman during the night who had been traveling through the wee hours in order to reach a flanking position. They should be just out of sight, with a few men scouting ahead and waiting for his signal.

He motioned to his retainer, who unsheathed the Ōdachi and handed it to him. Examining the king’s gift, Yamoto lamented that his days as a fighter were over – the sword at over 3 shakas was too large for combat, but to use another sword would dishonor and offend the shogun. However, as his personal symbol, the sword would do even more damage due to the fear it would drive into his enemies and to the hope it would bestow into his own men. With all the men on both sides looking on, he raised it high for the first time. With a cheer, his men rushed forward.

Fun Fact

Because of their oddity, Ōdachi were used in ceremonies and as offerings to the gods.

Etymology

Ōdachi (おうだち/大太刀 in Japanese) is a synonym of the word Nodachi (のだち/野太刀). Ōdachi means “big Taichi”, and Taichi means “long sword”. So literally, Ōdachi means “big long sword”! Nodachi literally means “field Tachi”.

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Source: https://www.bladespro.co.uk/blogs/news/the-japanese-greatsword-the-odachi

from BladesPro https://bladesproco.wordpress.com/2019/04/17/the-japanese-greatsword-the-odachi/

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The Swordmaking Legacy of Longquan: Shen Guanglong

A Town of Swordmsiths

In mainland China, in a beautiful mountainous region just north of the Tropic of Cancer, a small town is nestled with a long history – Longquan (pronounced LOW-ng-CHU-an). Legend has it that the first iron sword was forged there over 2500 years ago by the legendary smith Ou Yezi, who crafted 8 famous swords and gifted them to two Kings of the time. Since then, the sword-making tradition has been passed on in Longquan from father to son and is classified as an intangible cultural heritage of China.

One Family to Rule Them All

While the rest of the world was reeling from the breakout of World War I, the town of Longquan held a sword competition. All the best sword-makers in the town turned out, and the Shen family won the competition hands down. Their sword was not only able to cut through three copper coins (remember, swords are not made to cut metal), but also able to cut a competitor’s sword in twain. The next year they proved it was not a fluke by winning the Gold Award at another competition. After another five years, the Shen family won the National Art Contest for China, gaining the family national recognition.

The Shen family is not originally from Longquan, but Bihiu. The patriarch of the family moved to Longquan in 1896 to set up a weapons shop. It took almost 20 years of hard work before the first aforementioned competition victory. After their subsequent wins and resulting fame, 15 years later the second generation of the family was honored by being asked to make a sword for China’s president. This honor was repeated with later swords being given to Chairman Mao and US president Nixon, among many other foreign leaders. Their swords have since been used in several films and on television.

The Continuing Legacy 

Today, Shen Guanglong (in Chinese names, the family name comes first) is the fourth generation of the Shen family and current representative of the Shen legacy. He started learning swordsmithing very early, consistently skipping school until his parents gave in and taught him the family craft. While he never finished primary school, even though he wishes he had, under his direction, the Shen swordmaking shop has expanded into a factory with hundreds of workers. The family business now makes a wide variety of swords, from traditional Chinese Jian to Japanese Katanas. Consistently winning awards since 1980, including one as the best sword forger in all of China, the shop has managed to maintain its works’ high quality through its businesses’ expansion. Crafted mainly for export, all crafted swords are held to exacting standards and are quite expensive, often running four to five digits in price.

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Source: https://www.bladespro.co.uk/blogs/news/longquan-legacy-shen-guang-long

from BladesPro https://bladesproco.wordpress.com/2019/04/03/the-swordmaking-legacy-of-longquan-shen-guanglong/

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Chinese Swords – The Jian

A Blade Fit for a King

Li Qiang worked tirelessly to craft the mold. He was an expert Bronze worker and no stranger to sword-making, but this sword was for the king. And not just any king, but King Ghoujin, he who had not only turned the country around through political reforms devised by his astute advisers, but he who had also suffered 3 years as a slave to King Fuchai of Wu and would soon be going back, as leader of the glorious Yue army, to have his revenge.

So Qiang worked for several days straight. He constantly created new molds – experimenting with different lengths and thicknesses, as well as where to put holes for outgassing so the rising bubbles from the hot copper wouldn’t harm the resulting blade. He tried different mixtures of copper and tin – while copper alone is flexible and soft, the addition of tin makes it harder but more prone to shattering. He even added a minute amount of sulfur, so when it came time to inscribe the blade, the inscriptions wouldn’t tarnish with time.

Finally, one day, he had it: a straight, double-sided blade. Coloured like gold, true and hard, a gift fit for a king. A true Jian. All it needed now was the inscription. Tomorrow, Qiang would take it to a colleague who would inscribe the words “King Ghoujin’s personal sword”.

Featured Sword: Jian

Chinese swords are divided into two types: the Jian and the Dao. They were both considered one of the Five Weapons – along with the spear, halberd, and staff.

Swords of the Jian type are double-edged and straight. Originally descended from daggers, they were the first type of sword in China. Because of the poor swordsmithing techniques available at the time, they were not considered very reliable as they tended to break easily – not desired behaviour in a weapon one’s life depends upon. They were also hard to use, requiring much training to become proficient. Thus, when the Dao came along, they were quickly supplanted. Needless to say, with modern swordsmithing, Jian swords are much more reliable, though they still require training to use effectively.

The Sword of Ghoujin

The bronze sword made by Li Qang is known as the famous “Sword Of Ghoujin”, one of the earliest examples of a bronze sword from ancient China. What makes the blade so wondrous is that, 2500 years after its inception, it is still in pristine condition with almost no tarnish. This is made even more incredible by the fact that it was found in a damp tomb. The only damage to the sword was caused after it was found and being displayed abroad, sadly, by a worker who managed to bang the blade against a hard surface while unsheathing it, which caused a small crack on the blade. In response to this, the Chinese government has banned it from leaving the country, and it can be seen only in the Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan.

Fun Facts

Jian swords often have tassels. While today they are mainly used decoratively or to change the balance of a sword, there is speculation that in the past they could have been used from such mundane uses as making it easier to hold onto the sword, to offensive uses including blinding or injuring opponents (using metal inserted into the tassel).

Etymology

Jian (traditional: 劍, simplified: 剑, 4th tone) is a Chinese word that originally described Jian-type swords, though in modern usage it has expanded to also mean “double-edged sword” or even swords in general.

Further Reading

If you liked this post and would like to learn about the Jian’s sister sword, please check out post Chinese Swords – The Dao.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of both sword types, as well as Chinese swordsmithing in general, please check out our post Chinese Swordsmithing – A Rediscovered Treasure.

See our Jian Swords

Source: https://www.bladespro.co.uk/blogs/news/chinese-swords-jian

from BladesPro https://bladesproco.wordpress.com/2019/03/21/chinese-swords-the-jian/

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Chinese Swords – The Dao

A Wicked Blade for a Foreign Horseman

Mahmut Sabri was a member of the Tang dynasty’s cavalry corps.  Recruited because of his height, skill with a horse, and ability to accurately use a weapon while riding at high speeds, his job was to go into battle ahead of the main army and soften up the enemy.  As were many of the cavalry, he was Uighur, not Han Chinese.  This was because the Han were not as skilled with horses, but recognised the strong force multiplier cavalry were to any army, so they bolstered their ranks with foreigners.

While his horse was his own, he had recently been given a Chinese blade.   Chinese swordsmithing was second to none in the region, and this sword – called a Dao, was easy to use, especially for cavalry.  Sharp on one side and slightly curved, it was a mean blade, made to cut into infantry and lay waste.  Mahmut looked forward to using it in the coming battle.

Featured Sword: Dao

Chinese swords are divided into two types: the Jian and the Dao. They were both considered one of the Five Weapons – along with the spear, halberd, and staff.

Dao swords are single-edged and usually curved. They were created as swordsmithing advanced, and it was discovered that dulling one of the sides of the Jian and thickening it would increase its reliability. As Japanese swordsmiths received much of their early swordsmithing knowledge from China, some people say that the Dao influenced the Japanese toward making their renowned Katana and Wakizashi. Because of its relative ease of use compared to the Jian, the Dao quickly became a favourite in battle, and the Jian fell out of favour except by officials and experts.

Laying Waste

Mahmut rode into battle, skillfully jumping over small creeks, avoiding caltrops, and cutting into the infantry around him.  A few tried to stab at him with spears, but they either missed or struck the light armour on the horse.  He laughed and swung his Dao, the sharp edge easily cutting through his target, the reinforced spine absorbing the shock, then springing back into shape, ready for the next cut.  The reliability and ease of use of the Dao amazed him, and he smiled again as he neared his next target.

Fun Facts

Even though Dao swords are single-edged, they will sometimes have a few centimeters of the spine sharpened to aid in thrusts. Also, they are considered much easier to learn – it was once said “it takes a week to learn a dao, a month to learn a qiang (spear), and a year to learn a jian!”

Etymology

Dao (traditional & simplified: 刀, 1st tone) is a Chinese word that originally meant “knife”, though it later expanded to include the meaning of “knife money” (a type of old currency) and, more recently, the “US dollar.”

Further Reading

If you liked this post and would like to learn about the Dao’s sister sword, please check out post Chinese Swords – The Jian.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of both sword types, as well as Chinese swordsmithing in general, please check out our post Chinese Swordsmithing – A Rediscovered Treasure.

See our Dao Swords

Source: https://www.bladespro.co.uk/blogs/news/chinese-swords-dao

from BladesPro https://bladesproco.wordpress.com/2019/03/07/chinese-swords-the-dao/

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The Witcher

The Witcher franchise follows the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, a genetically-altered monster-hunter.  Possessing greater strength, stamina, and speed than a normal human, he also has limited use of magic through the use of Witcher Signs –  simple spells that require only a gesture and concentration to cast.

The Adventure Begins – Books

The world of the Witcher was first revealed by author Andrzej Sapkowski through a short story about Geralt written for a contest held by the Polish science fiction magazine Fantastyka.  It was followed by three more short stories, one of which was a prequel that featured Geralt’s mother.

The book series focuses primarily on Geralt, his daughter Ciri, and his lover Yennefer.  Geralt is also often accompanied by Dandelion, his best friend and a minstrel. The series features common fantasy races such as elves, dwarves, gnomes, and, of course, humans.  Other common magical creatures make appearances including vampires, werewolves, halflings, and dryads.

The name of the series “Witcher”, was purportedly inspired by the male versions of the world “witch” in English and German.  Thus, Sapkowski coined a new Polish word “wiedźmin” to be the male equivalent of the already-existing word wiedźma.

Expanding the Story – TableTop RolePlaying

Soon after the main series line was completed, the first tabletop roleplaying game was developed. Released in 2001, it was called called Wiedźmin: Gra Wyobraźni (English: The Witcher: A Game of Imagination) and was based off the books    A second game was released last year (2018), but this one was based off the by-then successful video game franchise.

Going National – TV and Movies

Following a similar release schedule to the roleplaying games, in 2001 the first Witcher movie was released, followed in 2002 by a TV series by the same name.  Both were hated by the series author. Over a decade later, an American movie was planned for 2017, but has since morphed into a TV series that is still in development (as of early 2019).

International Success – Video Games

By far the most successful spin-off of the books, three successful video games have been developed that loosely following plot lines from the books.  A notable feature of all three games has been their delayed consequences mechanic – decisions made early on in a game has profound impact later. This mechanic enhances replayability and prohibits save-and-reloading by players looking for the best short-term outcome.  The series is also noted for its morally grey choices – where there is often neither a clear good nor bad option, but rather a mix of both.

The first Witcher video game was released on PC in 2007. It featured a unique combat system that made it markedly different from other roleplaying games.  The licensing rights were acquired for a mere $9,500 paid up-front even though the author was offered royalties, a decision he would later come to regret.

The second Witcher game was planned to be the first but re-released on console with a new combat system in 2009, but this failed, so work was transferred to another game which eventually became The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, released in 2011 on both PC and console. It featured a more complex combat system, more complex ability upgrade system, and a new stealth system. This second game was noted for its varied storypaths, with the game developers stating there were “16 different states of the world” that could be explored. Selling over 1.5 million copies, the game was a greater success compared to the original.

The final video game installment that follows Geralt as the main protagonist was released in 2015 to rave reviews and vast commercial success.  Selling over 10 million copies and earning profit of over $63.3 million dollars, the game has been considered one of the greatest video games of all time.  It was noted for its large open world, memorable side quests, and multiple new systems that gave the game a more realistic feel.

The Swords of the Witcher

There are two main types of swords in the Witcher Series: steel and silver.  Steel swords are used against most common foes, especially humans. Strong and sharp, they don’t don’t break easily and can do a surprising amount of damage.  Silver swords, by contrast, are used only against magical foes. Silver is much softer than steel, so it wouldn’t last nearly as long against enemies that weren’t supernaturally vulnerable to it.  Silver swords are not pure silver however, as they contain a steel core which gives the blade strength.

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Source: https://www.bladespro.co.uk/blogs/news/witcher-franchise

from BladesPro https://bladesproco.wordpress.com/2019/02/21/the-witcher/

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The Katana’s Predecessor: The Tachi

In the Calvary

Riding with his cavalry contingent, Reo was a bit nervous. While he had been training as a Samurai for years, he had only recently been allotted a horse.  In the few months since then, he had been practicing as often as he could, but it was so different from fighting on foot. If there were actual combat, he wasn’t sure how well he would perform.

A few hours later, the sun was just starting down from its noonday crest.  The hills, barren of shadows for the moment, would soon begin sporting new ones, perfect hiding places for an ambush.  He heard some voices up ahead and saw three men running down a hill just ahead, their feet kicking up dirt into the dry air.  They were scouts, and from their rush seemed to have some important news…

***

Once the scouts reached us, they told us the news. They had spotted some men up ahead, and, while they were few in number, it was possible they belonged to a larger force nearby.  The scouts assured us that they had not been seen. My commander decided that the few of us on horse had the best chance of catching them, so he dispatched us with one of the scouts to the men’s location, to use the horse’s speed to close the gap once we were spotted.

10 minutes later, the scout motioned for quiet and we pulled our horses to a stop. He steadily climbed up the hill, and peeked over it, careful to keep his head down low.  Coming back down, he informed us the men we were looking for were in the valley behind the hill.  Our leader decided we would ride around the base of the hill and catch them on the other side, while our scout would again summit the hill to make sure no one got away.  In anticipation of the coming order to attack, Reo quietly drew his Tachi…

Featured Sword: Tachi

Tachi swords were originally developed around 900 AD and commonly made until about 1600.  Typically 2-3 Shaku in length, they are slightly longer than a Katana, the sword to which they are most often compared.  However, there are other differences between the two. Both the Katana and Tachi are curved, but the curvature of the Tachi is greater.  Additionally, Tachi are worn with the cutting edge down, while Katana are worn with the cutting edge up. Because a swordsmith’s signature would be put on the side of the tang facing outward when worn on the wielder’s left side, this difference in wearing style meant that the swordsmith’s signature on a Tachi and Katana are on opposite sides of the tang.

Because of its greater length than the Katana, the Tachi has been suggested to have been used as more of an open-field weapon.  In combat, the person whose weapon has the greater reach almost always has the advantage, so the Tachi with its longer length would have been preferred  However, it would be less effective in more closed-in spaces. A further suggested use of the Tachi would have been its use on horseback, as longer reach is even more important for calvary, and the cutting edge worn down would seem to fit the needs of a horseman more.  However, we lack early contemporary references to horseback combat, so we don’t know for sure.

A Careful Ambush

My troop carefully trotted around the base of the hill, guiding our horses and keeping them on the firmer, greener grass where the water flowed through between the hills in order to muffle the sound of the horses’ hooves.  Three-quarters of the way around the base of the hill, we heard a shout. We had been spotted! Quickly heeling our horses forward, we pushed our horses to a gallop, quickly spotting the men and adjusting our path to intersect.

50 meters, 40, 30, 20, 10…and we were on them.  Carefully raising my Tachi as I had trained, I aimed at the men, making careful and deliberate swings while I rode past.  I had to be very careful not to hit the horse while keeping my balance – a very difficult feat on a moving horse while swinging at a moving target. One of my swings connected, and one man went down.  I heard a horse bellow behind me. Looking back, I saw one of my comrades’ horses had a large gash accross its flank. The man who had made it was quickly cut down by another one of our number, but the horse did not look good.  Wheeling back, I saw all our targets were down. Now we had to decide what to do with the horse…

Fun Fact

Originally worn with a Tanto as the larger weapon in a Daishō (大小, big-little pair), they were eventually replaced several centuries after with the Katana and Wakizashi pair.

Etymology

From the Old Japanese word “Tati” meaning “sever”, the pronunciation changed to “Tatsi”, then eventually to the modern “Tatchi”.  In Kanji, it is written as 大刀, meaning “great/big Katana”.

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Source: https://www.bladespro.co.uk/blogs/news/tachi

from BladesPro https://bladesproco.wordpress.com/2019/02/07/the-katanas-predecessor-the-tachi/

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Chinese Swordsmithing – A Rediscovered Treasure

Japanese swordsmithing is renowned worldwide, and for good reason: the blade quality is superb, and the fittings are works of art in their own right.  Using traditional methods, a sword made by a mastersmith can take months to prepare and can run in the thousands to millions of dollars to purchase – when one can be acquired at all.  In contrast, Chinese swordsmithing is still relatively unknown, perhaps because it was used more for arming infantryman rather than serving as a status symbol for noble Samurai. However, if we look back at the history of Chinese sword production, we uncover a few surprises.

Ancient Chinese Swordsmithing

Chinese swordsmithing began development early, with knives found dating as far back as 1200 BC.  As time progressed, those knives lengthened until they could be considered short swords, and they eventually began to replace daggers and axes in the 7th century BC.  Up until this point they were made of Bronze, but, around the 6th century BC, steel processes were imported from India, and China began steel production. While poor at first, the quality of steel blades quickly improved, and with the discovery of quench-hardening in the 3rd century, bronze weapons went obsolete.

Chinese swords are divided into two types: the Jian and Dao.  The earliest swords were Jian, double-sided weapons, as they descended from daggers.  Dao swords were created later, as it was discovered that dulling one of the sides and thickening it could strengthen the blade, making it more reliable and less prone to breaking.  In addition, Jian blades are straight, while Dao blades, especially later ones, tend to be curved. Some people believe that the curved Dao influenced the Japanese toward making their own curved blades such as the later renowned Katana and Wakizashi.

By the 2nd century BC, the Jian and the Dow were each considered one of the Five Weapons – along with the spear, halberd, and staff.  As swords became useful when paired with shields or used for cavalry, the Dao became the weapon of choice for battle. Jian weapons were still used, but, because of their lower durability, were wielded only by experts or officials.  Around this time, it is possible that Chinese swordsmiths discovered that coating swords with chromium oxide would protect them from rusting, a technique soon lost that wasn’t re-discovered until the 1930s and 40s by the Germans and Americans.

Time continued until the 6th century AD, when co-fusion steelmaking was developed (combining different iron ores with varying carbon content).  This greatly enhanced swords by giving them the best of both worlds – a hard but brittle edge with a soft but flexible spine. It also seems to have given them an advantage against contemporary armor.  Around this time, Chinese sword-making techniques were imported into Japan by immigrants from China, and the Japanese began their own sword traditions.

However, Chinese sword development did not stop as Japan’s began, but they both continued down separate paths in parallel.  For another 6 centuries in China, the Dao continued its dominance over the Jian, and was divided into 4 categories: Ceremonial, Cross, Defense, and Divided.  Ceremonial Daos were ornate and decorated with precious metals. Cross Daos were worn by crossbowmen as a sidearm. Defensive Daos were used for, you guessed it, self-defense, and Divided Daos were longswords attached to meter-plus long handles – some of these weapons reaching up to 3 meters in total length!  Around the 12th century AD, the Jian experienced a short period of revival, until again being overtaken by the Dao a century later.

After this period, less is known about Chinese swords as there is little written material to work with.  A few reasons have been suggested for this. One such reason is that sword-making in China was so well-established and developed that there was little need to continue writing books on the subject, so instead attention was given to newer technologies.  Another idea is that because of Confucian values urging against militaristic pursuits in favor of cultural ones, the sword was no longer a “worthwhile” subject to write on. Whatever the case, while there may not be a large written tradition from those times, swordmaking in China never truly stopped, and today there are swordsmiths in China whose swords’ values match and even outstrip their Japanese counterparts.

Modern Chinese Swordsmithing

Chinese swordsmiths gain experience through the time-honored tradition of apprenticeship, often starting in their teenage years and continuing for years before they can hope to obtain the rank of master.  Of those who do eventually reach master-rank, China divides into 3 levels: city-level master, province-level master, and country-level master (also known as a national treasure smith). Levels 1 mastersmiths typically work for large factories or small smithies owned by others.  Levels 2 and 3 mastersmiths usually work at their own forges, with a few owning their own factories. Level 1 mastersmiths can command prices of around $5-10K for a sword. Level 2 smiths can command prices from $10K and up, and swords made by Level 3 masters range from over $100K to over $1M. Some mastersmiths choose to specialise, creating only the blade, while others choose to generalise, creating the fittings as well.  The work of Level 2 and 3 swordsmiths are considered meritorious enough that some of them have been chosen to gift swords on behalf of the Chinese nation to foreign heads of state.

Today, Chinese swordsmiths have learned how to make Japanese swords along with their own, using the traditions shared by both and a few imported techniques such as folding. (Folding was not developed in China because they had access to better iron ores than Japan, making folding unnecessary.  Today it is used mainly for the aesthetic appeal of such folded swords.) Because of this, Japan and China are two of the few countries using traditional techniques passed down over more than a millennia to craft swords similar to those made by their ancestors. If you’d like to see representations of ancient Chinese swords, please see our Chinese Sword collection*.

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*Note, these swords are for ornamental or display use only.

Source: https://www.bladespro.co.uk/blogs/news/chinese-swordsmithing

from BladesPro https://bladesproco.wordpress.com/2019/01/24/chinese-swordsmithing-a-rediscovered-treasure/

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The Best Of 2018: Blood Grooves, Female Samurai, Ninjas VS Samurai, Steel Types & More

We think the best customers are well-informed customers, so we do our best to find valuable information and present it in a way everyone can enjoy.  As swords enthusiasts ourselves, we feel such information should be shared freely among all who share our passion.

Thus, in 2018, we worked hard to update old articles and create new ones chock full of information for old and new sword enthusiasts alike, while also making them fun and engaging to read.  Now, at the beginning of 2019, we look back at the results of our undertaking and feature the articles we and you liked the most.

Staff Picks

We asked our team to choose the posts they liked the most, and give their reason why.  Here are their top picks:

Female Samurai – The Onna Bugeisha – “My favourite post for 2018 was the one about the Onna Bugeisha. I am the only female in our team, and learning about Samurai and their history is a great passion of mine, so I was thrilled to learn about the role of women and the courage of some female samurai.

For over half a millennia, women stepped up to the plate to defend their homes and families as the men left for battles. Within their communities, these women became great examples of courage, leadership, and strength. This article shines a light on the less famous, yet equally fierce female samurai.” – Silvia.

The Magic of the “Blood Groove” – “I love how the blood groove (aka “Bo-Hi”) is woven into the story of Kana, showcasing its usefulness in lightening the blade while also making it a fun, engaging and personal read.” – Tristan

The Ninja vs The Samurai – “I like how the story is engaging while trying to stay as historically accurate as possible, even while creating the unlikely engagement between a samurai and a Ninja.  The information is interesting too.” – Ryan 

Top 3 Read

The next three posts were the ones you liked the most, judged by total page views.

Guide to Types of Sword Steel – Everything You Didn’t Know You Needed to Know – No story here, but chock full of information, from the attributes of each type of steels used in swords to whom they are best for.

Norimitsu Odachi: Who on Earth Could Have Wielded Such a Sword? – There is a gigantic sword in Japan measuring over three meters!  Who made it and why? We explore several possibilities.

European Longsword vs Katana? – This question has plagued sword enthusiasts for centuries.  Here we attempt to answer the question while being as fair as possible to both swords.

Popular Reference Posts

We also noticed that a lot our readers (that’s you!) looked for the following information, so we thought we’d put it front-and-center.  They have been updated to be current for 2019.

Are samurai swords, katana and wakizashi legal in the UK? – In short, yes, if made a certain way.  See this post for full details.  (All our swords are UK legal).

Sword Maintenance and Care – Chock full of advice for keeping your new sword looking shiny for years (or even decades).

Source: https://www.bladespro.co.uk/blogs/news/best-of-2018

from BladesPro https://bladesproco.wordpress.com/2019/01/10/the-best-of-2018-blood-grooves-female-samurai-ninjas-vs-samurai-steel-types-more/

[susiemedina93]

Boxing Day Sale: Discounts on our 2018 Best Sellers and Free Engraving on ALL Swords

We’re having a one-day sale with big discounts on our best-selling swords on Boxing Day, December 26th!  ALL swords — both discounted and not  — also come with FREE engraving (normally £15).

Click here to start shopping 2018 Best Sellers. 

Sale Info*

MASSIVE SAVINGS on our 2018 best-sellers

FREE Engraving on all swords

Sale one day only – from midnight to midnight on the 26th.

Shop 2018 Best Sellers >

*Click here for full terms and conditions of the sale. 

Source: https://www.bladespro.co.uk/blogs/news/boxing-day-sale-discounts-on-our-2018-best-sellers-and-free-engraving-on-all-swords

from BladesPro https://bladesproco.wordpress.com/2018/12/26/boxing-day-sale-discounts-on-our-2018-best-sellers-and-free-engraving-on-all-swords/

[susiemedina93]

Best Selling Swords of 2018

As 2018 draws to a close, we’re taking the time to look back and reflect on the previous year. Striving to serve you best, we are constantly updating our product selections, taking your feedback into account. Here are the top Best-Selling Swords of 2018, picked by you, our beloved customers.

#1 – Blue Blade Samurai Katana

The beautify of this Sapphire Sword makes it clear why it’s our customers’ #1 pick. The ornate details on the Tusba and Saya are stunning, and the deep color draws in one’s eyes. While not cheap, it remains affordable at just under £200.

Like this sword? You can buy it here.

#2 – Kikyou Katana Samurai Sword ESA815

Stunningly white with a simple radial Tsuba, this battle-ready sword is popular with martial arts enthusiasts. An excellent mid-tier sword.

Like this sword? You can buy it here.

#3 – Dara Clay Tempered Folded Steel Katana Samurai Swords

Both colorful and complex, the attention to detail of this sword shows through. The layers of the folded steel perfectly compliment the coloured streaks of the fittings. The quality demands a higher price, but, as its place of #3 on the list shows, many of our customers think it’s worth it.

Like this sword? You can buy it here.

#4 – Ruolan Folded Red Steel Katana Samurai Sword

Bearing gorgeously deep red steel combined with simple but well-contrasted fittings, it is no wonder this sword has proved popular enough to reach the #4 spot. Similar to our #1 sword, this comes in at just under £200.

Like this sword? You can buy it here.

#5 – Atid Clay Tempered Steel Katana Samurai Sword

Mostly black, this sword projects a dash of colour on the Saya. Made of folded steel, this high-quality sword’s beauty comes from its functional elegance.

Like this sword? You can buy it here.

#6 – Yamamoto Clay Tempered Katana Samurai Sword

5cm longer than most, this sword is further distinguished by the random-looking Hamon line – a mark shared by the highest quality swords. Adorned with golden fittings, this sword is truly regal. Definitely a notch (or two) above most swords, it’s not for the budget collector.

Like this sword? You can buy it here.

#7 – Dotanuki Clay Tempered Katana Sword

Red is the name of the game here. Boasting many different shades, this fiery sword’s fittings wonderfully contrast its black blade. Both Folded and Clay Tempered, its high-quality blade makes its price above average.

Like this sword? You can buy it here.

#8 – Qingge Folded Blue Steel Katana Samurai Sword

Bright blue with touches of red, this lively sword is sure to draw attention. Further distinguished by its artistic Tsuba, this aesthetically pleasing sword is quite affordable.

Like this sword? You can buy it here.

#9 – Kurosaki Ichigo Bleach Sword

Our Bleach collection has been rapidly rising in popularity, with Ichigo Kurosaki’s Zanpakutō Zangetsu reaching the top 10 in a remarkably short time. Revisit the world of Bleach with the sword of the protagonist.

Like this sword? You can buy it here.

#10 – Taniko Katana Samurai Sword

Another sword popular with martial artists, this well-styled functional blade is ready for action. Affordable, it comes in at just under £200.

Like this sword? You can buy it here.

Source: https://www.bladespro.co.uk/blogs/news/best-selling-swords-2018

from BladesPro https://bladesproco.wordpress.com/2018/12/25/best-selling-swords-of-2018/

[susiemedina93]

Female Samurai – The Onna Bugeisha

Two Leaders

Tomoe Gozen, first captain and wife of Minamoto no Yoshinaka, surveyed the field where the final battle was sure to soon take place.  A warrior first and foremost, she was dressed in full armor and carrying an oversized sword as well as a bow. Her husband Yoshinaka had recently taken Kyoto, the capital, and set himself up as head of the Minamoto clan.  Unfortunately, his cousin Yoritomo couldn’t leave well enough alone and had sent his two brothers with armies after Yoshinaka. Driven out of Kyoto, Tomoe and Yoshinaka had retreated here to Awazu, where would soon begin the battle to decide the leadership of the Minamoto clan, and, because of its status of Japan’s most powerful clan, the entire country.  As first captain, it was her job to lead the soldiers into the part of the battle where the fighting was thickest and ensure the victory.

Hōjō Masako, wife of Minamoto no Yoritomo, sat with her husband in the command tent, helping to manage the affairs of her husband’s armies.  They had been waiting for several days to hear back from Yoritomo’s cousins, who had been sent to chase down Yoshinaka after he decided to split from the rest of the clan and set himself up as effective emperor, taking Kyoto and kidnapping the emperor while burning down the palace in the process.  No stranger to the world of men, Masako had been taught from a young age horseback riding, hunting, and fishing, for she had been been raised among men rather than with her mother and sisters. While she an expert warrier, she was an even better general, and her husband valued her leadership abilities and took her with him on all his military campaigns, where she led to great effect.

The Onna Bugeisha

Both Tomoe Gozen and Hōjō Masako are famous examples of Onna Bugeisha, more commonly known as female Samurai.   Japan’s past is filled with internal and domestic strife, with attacks between villages quite common. Because of this, in ancient Japan, women were trained to defend their villages alongside the men, or without them if the villages lacked male fighters.  After the formation of the Samurai, some of these women became warriors in their own right.

One of the earliest Onna Bugeisha, Empress Jingū is a figure shrouded in legend and is thought not to have existed as a historical figure, however, her story is important as it embodies the very spirit of what it means to be a female samurai.   According to some chronicles, she led Japan after the death of her late husband, the fourteenth emperor until her son was old enough to take the throne. During this time, she not only improved Japan by making influential economic and social changes, but personally led a victorious invasion of Korea over the course of a three-year campaign.

The legacy of the Onna Bugeisha stretches over one and half millenia, from legends to modern history.  While Empress Ji is possibly the earliest, later examples of heroic women include Tomoe Gozen, Hojo Masako, and Nakano Takeko, who lived as late as 1868 and is credited with 172 samurai kills.  Of course, there are innumerable others who are not as well known, or have been lost to the ravages of history.

The Onna Bugeisha used naginata as their primary weapon, specifically the ko-naginata, a special version designed for women.  A naginata is basically a sword on a pole with a curved blade at the top. Because women are usually of smaller stature and have less upper body strength than men, their blades were smaller in order to reduce the weight. The main advantage of the naginata is that, because of its length and thus range, it partially negates the greater reach and strength advantage that men naturally have, allowing for more fair fights.  It was also very useful for dismounting riders in cavalry charges. The naginata eventually became as iconic to the social status of women as the Katana was the to the Samurai.

Aftermath

The battle was fierce.  Gozen mired in the thick of it, She fought soldier after soldier and pressed ever on, encouraging those around her through her example.  She climbed a ridge, and at the top, saw a line of Samurai at the bottom of the valley. Looking up, their eyes widened with recognition when they saw her, then they yelled and charged up the hill.  Calling her retinue to her, Gozen prepared to meet them. The first to fall to her Katana was Uchida Leyoshi. In his haste to capture her, he made a critical misstep that allowed her to step to the side and kill him.  His companion Hatakeyama Shigetada was a much better fighter. Dodging blow after blow, they fought valiantly, though both were tired already from the battle. When a slight respite allowed, Tomoe took stock of the situation and realized that her forces were being outrun. Knowing she was more valuable alive, she took the first opportunity she saw to disengage, and managed to leap on her horse and escape.  Determined to find her husband, she rode like the wind….

Masako noticed a disturbance in the outer camp.  Within a few minutes, a messenger was brought to them.  Her husband asked the messenger for news, and she listened attentively, wondering what changes in the campaign would soon need to be made.  The message was short but important: Yoshinaka and his forces had fallen. His wife Tomoe Gozen had been spotted leading near the front lines, and some of their best Samurai including Uchida Leyoshi and Hatakeyama Shigetada had attempted to capture her.  Unfortunately, she had managed to elude capture, killing Leyoshi in the process.  While no one knew where she went, her body had not been found among the dead. After the messenger left, Masako turned to her husband who was looking at her expectantly. With Yoshinaka out of the way and her husband now the strongest military leader in Japan, she knew her diplomatic talents would be crucial in the coming years. This was only the beginning.  

Want to see our Samurai sword range? Click here.

Source: https://www.bladespro.co.uk/blogs/news/female-samurai-the-onna-bugeisha

from BladesPro https://bladesproco.wordpress.com/2018/12/13/female-samurai-the-onna-bugeisha/

[susiemedina93]

The Meaning of Bushido – The 47 Rōnin

Bushido is the name given by the West to the virtues the Samurai lived by.  Never formally codified, it was a system of values passed down by tradition, from master to apprentice, from father to son.  It was known, not written. The best way to know Bushido was to live it, or, lacking that, to learn of the deeds of those who did.  The following is a retelling of one of the most famous incidents in Japan that exemplifies in every way what it means to follow Bushido.  While it bears little historical resemblance to what actually happened, it is a cultural staple, and what follows is the traditional narrative.The following are excerpts from a diary composed by one of the fallen.  Some superfluous passages have been omitted, while others have been lost.

…the ramparts of Edo castle came into view as we approached.  We were almost at the end of our yearly journey, which we took for my daimyō [lord] to fulfill his duties to the shōgun [head of the military government].  While it would be another year before we could return home, for my daimyō it was his chance to reunite with his younger brother and adopted heir, for he had no children of his own…

…after one month here, I feel settled in again.  The daily tasks are routine now, and I do them without issue.  My daimyō Asano has been re-appointed as one of the two officials whose duty it is to host the emissaries from the imperial court to the Shogunate, a position he once held 18 years before.  While this would normally be an honor, if a small one, I’m concerned because of the recent tensions between him and Kira Yoshinaka, the head of ceremonial matters…

…It seems my concerns were warranted. Kira had been treating both Asano and Kamei poorly, enraging them both.  While my daimyō bore it well, giving no outward sign, Kamei took it less well and planned to kill Kira. (One of Kamei’s retainers relayed this to me in a recent dinner).  Fortunately for Kamei, his quick-thinking counselors offered Kira a large bribe, which has entreated him to favor Kamei more. However, he still treats Asano poorly, and I fear that even my noble master’s restraint cannot last forever…

…The worst has happened.  After a grave insult, my daimyō could take it no longer and attacked Kira.  While his first dagger strike hit and opened a flesh wound on Kira’s face, the second missed and guards separated them before a third could be made.  While the wound was not serious, it was made in the residence of the shōgun, where drawing any kind of weapon was forbidden, let alone using it. For this, Asano has been ordered to commit seppuku – ritual suicide by disembowelment…

…The walls of my home rose over the horizon.  Oh sad day. For, this time, it was not a triumphal return home as a loyal Samurai, but as a forlorn procession of soon-to-be-rōnin [leaderless Samurai] carrying out the orders of the shōgun to prepare the now-deceased Asano’s lands and property for seizing by government officials.  We had hurried to arrive before the government officials and inform the head chamberlain Ōishi Kuranosuke Yoshio of the news…

…It’s over.  I am now rōnin, and so are over 300 of my fellow Samurai.  Honor demands that we avenge our master, but the shōgun has made it clear that any such attempt is forbidden, and Kira has prepared for it by increasing the guards around his manor, making any such attempt suicide.  However, honor does not depend upon success but merely action, and there is a growing movement among some of the rōnin to make an attack anyway. Ōishi tried to get the Asano estate restored but was unsuccessful and has been quiet lately. However, he has recently called a meeting for some of the loudest discontents.  As one of them, I have been invited as well…

…The sweat continued to fall from my brow and it seemed like the dust stirred up by my broom would never settle.  It was hot in the shop, and I counted out the coins to my customers who were buying some of the pots I had recently sourced from some traders passing by.  It was humiliating work for a former Samurai, but it was for a cause. (I haven’t had much time to write much for the past few months, so I’ll give a short recap of the interim now).  In that fateful meeting, Ōishi laid down a grand plan in which over a period of years we would lull Kira’s suspicions, so he would eventually decrease his guard and we could complete our revenge.  The strategy was simple: we would all abandon our roles as Samurai and become tradesman and monks, positions well below our former status, humiliating us in the process, but giving us the greatest odds of success….

…A few more months have passed.  We have all taken to our new roles, however reluctantly.  Ōishi has fallen the farthest, as as our former leader he naturally attracts the most suspicion, so he has taken to frequenting taverns and brothels in order to cement the illusion.  A few days ago, I received word that he had been attacked by a man so infuriated with this behavior coming from a (former) Samurai, that even though it is forbidden to even touch a Samurai, the man felt justified in kicking and spitting on him…

…The first half of our plan has succeeded.  Kira has finally abandoned his suspicions and has lowered the guard on the castle.  Though it has taken a year and a half, our resolve has never wavered, though we did doubt at times.  For Ōishi, it has been even more difficult. He divorced his beloved and loyal wife shortly after he was assaulted in order to protect her from the fallout of our eventual attack.  He also sent away his two youngest children to live with her parents, though he offered the chance to join us to his eldest son, who has since accepted. Furthermore, he had us bring him a geisha [non-sexual female entertainer] in order to enhance the illusion.  It seems to have worked, though the cost is great. Of course, should we succeed, the cost will be even greater – our very lives…

…It has been another six months, but we are almost ready.   We have managed to use our newfound trades to gain access to Kira’s house, and have not only learned the layout of the place, but have managed to smuggle weapons into Edo.  One of us even married the daughter of the house’s builder in order to obtain the plans. Ōishi should be joining us soon to coordinate the final assault, but first he has to lose his spies in Kyoto…

…The night of the attack has arrived. We have armed ourselves with swords and bows.  We will split into two groups. One, led by Ōishi will attack the front gate, while the other, led by his eldest son will attack the back.  When we succeed in killing Kira, a whistle will sound. We begin at the sound of a drum…

…It’s over, and we’re alive, for now.  The fight was swift but deadly. Ōishi had prepared us well.  First, we sent a small group of four men to silence the guard and other men to warn the neighbors of the impending attack.  Once they learned they were in no danger themselves and that we were only there for Kira, whom most of them hated, they allowed us to continue without hindrance.   Ōishi put some archers on the roof to prevent requests for reinforcements from getting out. Then the drum sounded and we began the final assault.

We managed to swarm the guards inside the house from both directions, though the attack at the front gate was held off for a short while by a large group of retainers.  Coming together, we presented a united front to the remaining retainers rushing in from the barracks on the grounds outside the mansion. After a short skirmish, when they saw that we were too strong, they tried to call for reinforcements, but our archers made swift work of their messengers.  Once the fighting was over, we searched the house. Ōishi had reminded us to only kill combatants and Kira, not innocents. We found many women and children, though Kira remained missing. We determined he was nearby, however, when Ōishi discovered his bed was still warm.  After a thorough search, one of us discovered a secret courtyard behind a concealed entrance, where he was attacked by a lone man with a dagger. Sure this must be Kira, he sounded the whistle and we all gathered. Ōishi positively identified the man as Kira, as his face still bore the scar from Asano’s attack two years before.

Ōishi respectfully addressed Kira as he should to one of higher rank and informed him that we were there to perform our duty to our fallen daimyō . Ōishi offered him an honorable death of suicide by the same dagger Asano had used himself to commit seppuku , and even offered to be his second – the one to behead him afterward – to prevent a painful and lingering death.  Kira refused to answer, so Ōishi, realizing that time was short, had us hold Kira down and performed the beheading himself. We left with the head, extinguishing all fires in the house in order to prevent an out of control blaze that might spread and harm the neighbors….

…Tomorrow, I turn myself in.  Our mission has been completed and our honor restored.  We carried the head we had washed and cleaned to Asano’s tomb, and laid it with the dagger used.  We then went to the temple, and gave the abbot of the temple money for our burial, and asked that he pray for us. This will be my last entry…

The aftermath: With their mission completed, 46 of the 47 rōnin turned themselves in (the 47th was sent to Ako, their home, to report their success to Asano’s widow).  The shōgun faced a quandary: by defying his orders, they deserved death, yet they were well-loved by the populace for acting as true samurai should and avenging their master.  He resolved it by offering to allow each of the rōnin to commit ritual suicide rather than be dishonorably executed, which they all accepted. Ōishi Chikara, the eldest son was only 16 when he died.

They were all buried at Sengaku-ji, in front of their master’s tomb.  The man who assaulted Ōishi went to their graves, begged for forgiveness, committed seppuku, and was buried next to them  The 47th rōnin who served as messenger was pardoned by the shōgun and lived to a ripe-old age of 87 years before being interred with his comrades.  Their graves remain to this day and can be visited, The temple preserves their clothes and arms, which they handmade to prevent discovery.

If one wants to describe Bushido, a story can have much more impact and meaning then a lifeless list of rules.  This tale has remained popular in Japan because it tells of undying loyalty, honor, and long-suffering in pursuit of a just cause – principles that make up the core of Busihdo.   

Historical Note – Seppuko

Seppuko was practiced by Samurai as an honorable way of dying  They used a Japanese dagger – a Tanto – to pierce the abdomen and perform a rapid slash from left to right.  If done deep enough, this could cause a quick death from massive internal bleeding. If not, the death could be long and painful.  Thus, many Samurai would have a “second” standing by, whose job it was cut into the spinal column, thus ensuring a quick death for the performer.

Tantos are ancient, with over a thousand years of history.  Because the swords the Samurai carried represented their identity, and the Samurai were members of the highest social class, their daggers were quite ornate.  

Check out our Tantos for some examples here. 

Source: https://www.bladespro.co.uk/blogs/news/bushido-the-47-ronin

from BladesPro https://bladesproco.wordpress.com/2018/11/29/the-meaning-of-bushido-the-47-ronin/

[susiemedina93]

Sale Now On: BladesPro Black Friday Sale Friday-Monday (Spoiler: Our biggest sale ever)

Now On: Black Friday Sale Huge Discounts and Free Engraving

It’s here!  Everything at BladesPro, that’s right, EVERYTHING is now hugely discounted.  As if that weren’t enough, we are also offering FREE engraving on all swords.  

If you’ve ever wanted to say “you matter” to that special person but weren’t sure how, the gift of a sword with their name on it (literally) may be the perfect way.  If you’re here for yourself, we don’t judge; you deserve a treat too!

What makes our swords special?   They are all hand-made in the same way and using the same forging methods as the Samurai of Feudal Japan or the armies of ancient China.

For those with a love for pop culture, we also carry high-quality replica swords from the the cult-classic film Kill Bill and the Anime Bleach.

As you know, we don’t offer sales very often – and this is the BIGGEST sale we’ve ever done – so don’t miss it.  It’s for 4 days only, with free UK delivery.  

No need to enter a discount code* – simply start shopping here.    Questions?  See the Sale Conditions and FAQs here, or contact us – but don’t wait until the last minute to send your question, as we cannot extend the sale for any reason.

Shop now! Sale ENDS in: 

SHOP NOW > 

Source: https://www.bladespro.co.uk/blogs/news/sale-now-on-bladespro-black-friday-sale-friday-monday-spoiler-our-biggest-sale-ever

from BladesPro https://bladesproco.wordpress.com/2018/11/23/sale-now-on-bladespro-black-friday-sale-friday-monday-spoiler-our-biggest-sale-ever/

[susiemedina93]

Samurai Sword Traditions – Changed, but not Forgotten

Reo bowed to his opponent, then raised his Shinai (bamboo practice sword).  He rushed toward his opponent, careful to keep his Shinai in guard position.  Using his momentum, he managed to lightly body-slam his opponent out of the ring.  He was awarded one point, then the match reset.

The next time, his opponent was more wary.  Reo prepared to rush again, but more slowly this time.  As he did so, his opponent tried to move out of the way, but Reo had prepared for this and quickly swung around his practice sword.  Their blades crossed, but Reo brought his body weight to bear and pivoted his sword around his opponent’s, careful to keep its edge away, and managed to score another point by pulling his Shinai back and cutting at his opponent.

A Continuous Legacy

Japanese sword traditions are unique in comparison to their European counterparts in that they have remained in practice since they were originally devised. European sword arts were discontinued around the Enlightenment era, as Europe turned its back on its traditions, thinking anything coming out of the Dark Ages was inherently flawed.  While sword use never truly fell away, for a long time it consisted mostly of fencing, and the original arts of the greatswords and longswords were mostly lost.

Japan, on the other hand, reached its “Enlightenment” much later, in the mid 1800s during the Meiji restoration.  While for a time they too turned their backs on the old ways, this time period was relatively short – only about 20 years – before the practice was resumed.  While these traditions have also changed over time, the fact that they use the Katana (or similar weapons such as the bokutō [bokken] and Shinai) and practice their traditions as a martial art rather than a sport, means that their traditions remain closer to what would have been practiced by the Samurai.  In fact, the modern sword traditions practiced in Japan are distillations and simplifications of forms practiced by the Samurai, and a student that practices all of them can get a well-rounded view of what a Samurai once would have learned.

Modern Sword Traditions

Kendo – Descended from Kenjutsu, Kendo (剣道) means “the way of the sword”.  It is a very common martial art practiced in Japan and around the world.  It is useful for learning practical armed fighting techniques, as sparring against live opponents is a large part of the art.  Because using a live Katana could cause injuries, the weapons used during sparring were first changed to a bokutō (wooden practice sword) and later switched to a Shinai (bamboo practice sword). Kendo was originally developed as a way to provide realistic combat experience to martial artists.

Iaido – Meaning “the way of mental presence and immediate reaction”, Iaido (居合道)  is focused on beginning and ending engagements quickly, usually within 1 or 2 strikes.  The art is heavily concerned with quickly drawing the Katana, making 1 or 2 strokes against an opponent, then wiping the blade and re-sheathing it.  While it is practiced using a real Katana, it is not as practical for gaining combat experienced as Kendo because the opponent is imaginary. However, because of the heavy emphasis on precision, it is an excellent way to learn fine control with an actual Katana, making it an excellent supplement to another martial art for the practical fighter.  It also includes Tameshigiri, where one practices cutting with the live blade on inanimate targets.

Toyama-Ryu – created by the Imperial Japanese army for use in combat shortly before WWII, it focuses on teaching the use of the Katana and bayonet for battle.  While it is not nearly as common as Kendo or Iaido, it is still practiced around the world.

Classical Sword Traditions

Iaijutsu – A family of martial arts rather than a singular art like Iaido, Iaijutsu (居合術) meaning “the method/technique/or art of”mental presence/immediate reaction” was developed primarily for self-defense rather than self-betterment.  It is not commonly practiced today, and it is almost impossible to find an authentic Iaijutsu school outside of Japan (though there are many fake schools).  Originally, Iaijutsu was part of Kenjutsu and utilized only standing fighting techniques.

Kenjutsu – the original predesceer of all the others, Kenjitsu means the “method/technique/art of the sword” (剣術) and is directly descended from the Samurai class that existed before the Meiji Restoration. Practiced mostly by families that have kept the traditions intact as cultural treasures (meaning it is almost impossible to learn outside Japan, and rare even inside it) Kenjutsu practitioners usually use a bokutō and practice against an imaginary opponent.

Want to buy a Shinai or Bokken sword? Click here.

Want to buy a Katana sword? Click here.

  Source: https://www.bladespro.co.uk/blogs/news/samurai-sword-traditions

from BladesPro https://bladesproco.wordpress.com/2018/11/15/samurai-sword-traditions-changed-but-not-forgotten/

[susiemedina93]

Top 5 Zanpakutō in Bleach

There are many Zanpakutō in Bleach, so many that it feels like a momentous task to come up with a top 5.  However, we feel we owe it to our readers to provide our reasons for why we consider the following swords the best in Bleach.  Of course, this list is subjective, and you may feel differently. That’s ok! But read along for our rationale of why we consider the following 5 Zanpakutō to be the best.

To make it interesting, we will judge using four main criteria.  While power will definitely be one of them, it won’t be the only one. Other criteria include usefulness in various situations, the psychological edge over opponents it creates, and the appearance of the ability (how “cool” it looks).

Special Mention

While not one of the 5, we feel Ichigo Kurosaki’s Zanpakutō Zangetsu deserves an honorable mention. First, while it was never revealed what form its Bankai takes, it was considered so powerful by Yhwach that it was disabled immediately before it could be used.  Second, because it produces energy blasts that can be directed and controlled, it is useful in many situations. Finally, it is one of a few Zanpakutō that remain in a state neither fully-sealed nor fully-unsealed, leaving it with two blades, making it immediately recognizable to opponents and unique.   However, Zangetsu does not make the list because we do not know the full extent of its abilities, and we feel its abilities, while indeed powerful, are overshadowed by the others in this list.

#5

Kisuke Urahara’s Zanpakutō takes #5 on this list.  In its sealed state, Benihime takes the form of a cane rather than a normal Katana.  It is one of the few Zanpakutō with a spirit of the opposite gender as its wielder. Like Ichigo Kurosaki’s blade, its Shikai can fire energy blasts.  However, its Bankai form has a completely different ability, allowing Kisuke to restructure anything he touches with Benihime. While the exact limits of this restructuring are unknown, it is able to restore vision to wounded eyes and manipulate things in Kisuke’s path to remove obstacles.  Its abilities may be limited primarily by Kisuke’s own imagination. Fulfilling all 4 criteria, it makes the list, albeit barely.

#4

Gin Ichimaru’s Zanpakutō comes in next to take the #4 slot on the list.  While simple in form and appearance, Shinsō has the ability to extend up to 100 times its length when released, and much further in its Bankai form (up to kilometers).  However, the length is only a small part of what makes this ability so useful. Shinsō can extend and contract faster than a bullet, allowing Gin to impale his targets with ease and push people out of the way of falling objects.  Its cutting ability is also greatly amplified, making slashing attacks deadly as the Area-of-Effect of the swath is incredible – once literally slashing a town in half while Gin stood some distance away. Furthermore, the sword can turn to ash for a split second when contracting or extending, leaving a piece of itself inside the momentarily impaled and future victim.  From then on, whenever Gin chooses, he can kill his target at will, simply by raising his hand and uttering a few words. The target will then dissolve from the inside out. While perhaps having a bit less utility then #4, the sheer coolness factor of Shinsō’s abilities and the challenge of using them to their fullest potential means we put it a spot above Benihime.

#3

Byakuya Kuchiki’s Zanpakutō is a normal Katana that, when released, separates into a thousand small fragments that move around, directed by Byakuya’s will through the motions of the hilt remaining in his hand.  Each fragment carries the power of a full sword and reflects light in such a way as to resemble a cherry blossom. While perhaps not as powerful as the previous Zanpakutō, Senbonzakura is balanced as much for defense as offense. Any opponent attempting to get close is liable to be cut by the fragments, and only Byakuya himself is immune, as he stays in a “Hurtless Area” where the sword fragments are not allowed to enter.  Its Bankai is even more powerful, instead of a thousand fragments, it has a thousand full swords that he can control. With both abilities, Byakuya can form constructs that can take many shapes using the fragments or swords, which greatly amplifies the abilities’ usefulness. What really takes the cake, however, and gives Senbonzakura the middle-spot on this list is the following. Not only can the Zanpakutō’s power be further increased by combining the fragments back into a single sword with an insane amount of power, but it can also grant Byakuya wings with which he can fly!

#2

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Ryūjin Jakka, the Zanpakutō of Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, takes the next slot in the list.  In its sealed state, it has the appearance of an unassuming staff, though even in this form most Shinigami are still afraid of it because of its immense power.  Unsealed, it looks like a normal Katana, albeit with flames surrounding it. Genryūsai can burn almost anything to ash just by waving his sword at it, and in this form it is powerful enough to fight the Shikai of two other captains simultaneously.  A very useful feature of the weapon is that when it is resealed, any ability already used against an opponent does not end. Its Bankai form stores the flames inside the blade, causing anything it touches to be reduced to ash, and also removes any water from the surroundings, rendering any ice-type Zanpakutō nearby useless.  Furthermore, Genryūsai can use raise an undead army from the ashes or corpse of anyone he has killed, making him more and more powerful as a battle progresses. The only weakness of this sword is that it is so powerful that it could obliterate soul society if used for a an extended period of time, but because it’s so powerful, it would never be needed to.  With unmatched power, coolness (hotness?), and ability to have its enemies fight for it, Ryūjin Jakka deserves a spot high in this list.

## 1

Finally, the one we’ve all been waiting for  – what we consider the #1 Zanpakutō in Bleach.  This honor we give to Ichibē Hyōsube’s Zanpakutō Ichimonji.  In its sealed state, it appears as a functional calligraphy brush.  In this form, it can be used to draw characters that have the power of their meaning.  When used as a weapon, the brush cuts the name of what it touches, reducing its power accordingly.  When released, it transforms into a short glaive that releases ink as its swung. Whatever this ink touches loses its name and consequently, all its powers.  However, its true power comes from its ability to control black – anything with black on or inside it is vulnerable. This power seems to have no range limit.  Ichibē can use this power to draw black from his surroundings, and, by drinking it, take away all the darkness from an opponent, leaving nothing of his opponent left.  As the first Zanpakutō to achieve Bankai (before the name “Bankai” even existed), Ichimonji has the distinction of being the only Bankai activated with a different word – “Shin’uchi”  In this form, it becomes a long white thread. Anything touched by its Ink can have it named changed, giving it the powers or abilities (or lack of abilities) of the new name. This makes Ichimonji the most powerful, useful, and unique Zanpakutō in existence, as there is practically nothing it can’t do, especially considering that Ichibē himself can determine the true name of everything in existence, and has centuries of experience to draw upon.

Summary

Regardless of whether you agree with our ranking or not, one thing we can all agree on is that Zanpakutō are awesome!  We carry many Bleach Swords besides these, including some that may have made your list.

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Image Credit: Bleach.wikia.com

Source: https://www.bladespro.co.uk/blogs/news/top-5-zanpakuto-bleach

from BladesPro https://bladesproco.wordpress.com/2018/10/24/top-5-zanpakuto-in-bleach/

[susiemedina93]

The Ninja vs The Samurai

The Target

Mitsuharu of the Fūma ninja clan crouched under the window, listening with keen ears for any sounds inside.  His coloured cloak, so obvious in the day, now hid him better than black ever could. Hearing nothing but the quiet muffled sounds of people going about their nightly business, he quickly glanced left and right down the alley, then stood up and entered through the window.  This deep into the castle, no one expected intruders, so the windows and doors were usually left unlocked.

The room was simple, as expected of a Samurai.  The few items therein were of high quality. Mitsuharu quickly glanced around the rest of the room, his keen eyes missing nothing.  His target was Hōjō Narinaga, a mid-ranking Samurai moving quickly up the ranks. The Hōjō family, and Narinaga in particular, had thwarted too many carefully laid plans, and for those successes he had received awards, honors, and most dangerously, more power.  Thus, the Hatori clan had decreed that he be assassinated, and Mitsuharu had been chosen for the task.

Seeing nothing in the room indicating that Narinaga would soon return, he turned to leave.  As he raised his foot to step through, he sensed that something wasn’t right. Glancing behind him, he noticed the door, which had been closed before, was now open.  Turning around in a flash, he saw that inside the doorframe stood Narinaga, his target, hand already on the hilt of a Wakizashi…

The Samurai

The Samurai were a noble class in feudal Japan who occupied the upper tier of society just under their lords.  Originally little more than hired mercenaries to protect rich landowners, they became an important part of society with the rise of of the Minamoto clan who seized control of Japan in 1192 and set up a military government.  They would remain an integral part of society for almost seven centuries.

The Samurai were skilled warriors and, contrary to popular belief, were adept at using various weapons including bows and spears.  However, their primary symbol, and mark of their status, were their paired swords – originally a Tachi and Tanto, later evolving into a Katana and Wakizashi.  These swords were worn with their kimono, and marked their identity as Samurai. While the Katana was the longer and thus, primary weapon, only the Wakizashi was allowed to be worn indoors.

The Samurai are well known for their code of honor, which celebrates killing an opponent honorably, often face-to-face, and discourages underhanded attacks or ambushes.  As Samurai were the top tier of society and most of the threats to society came from domestic sources they could expect their opponents – mainly other Samurai – to adhere to the same style of combat.

The Ninja

The Ninja, on the other hand, were commoners.  Generally coming from the lowest tiers of society, Ninjas were basically assassins or spies for hire, willing to do or accomplish any task – for a price.  As they did not enjoy any of society’s protections, they were willing to use whatever means necessary to get the job done, even if those means were considered dishonorable.

While they may have existed as early as the 12th century, the formation of the Ninjas as we know them today occured in the 15th century.  They were most prominent in the Igla provence, and from the clans in that area we derive most of our knowledge of them. Because of the Ninjas’ commoner status, not as much interest was taken in recording them literarily as was taken in recording the Samurai.

However, even with the lack of contemporary sources, or perhaps because of it, legends abound about them.  While many are fanciful, such as stories of them having the ability to levitate or move things around with their minds, others are more likely.  Traditions say they carried a straight sword, unlike the Samurai’s, which was curved. While the Samurai would traditionally dress in a kimono, a bright, loose-fitting garment that leaves the head exposed, the Ninja, according to legend, would wear dark, tight-fitting clothing that covered the head, revealing only the eyes. 

The Escape

…Cursing himself for not hearing the footsteps approaching the door (how had the man snuck up to him?), Mitsuharu  quickly judged the distance between himself and Narinaga.  The room was small, a mere 12 by 15 shaku (approx 4×5 meters), and once Narinaga drew his Wakizashi, there would be even less room to manoeuvre.  Quickly drawing one of his two Tantos, Mitsuharu prepared to throw it. 

Knowing that a trained Samurai with a Wakizashi beats a commoner-wielding Tanto in any fair fight, Mitsuharu knew that he would lose if he didn’t do something quickly to make the fight unfair.  Thus, he hesitated for only a split second before throwing the Tanto and leaping backward through the window into the alley. As he did so, he heard the rasp of steel and saw a corresponding gleam of candlelight on metal as Narinaga drew his sword.

The alley was vacant, so Mitsuharu quickly sprinted to the nearby corner where he had previously noted were some boxes allowing a quick escape onto the roof. He quickly climbed them, and just as he stepped onto the roof, he saw Narinaga rushing out of the alley into the main street.  Mitsuharu flattened himself against the roof, while loosening the straight sword he carried in case he was forced to use it. He was careful to cover the exposed steel to ensure no moonlight would give away his position. Silently cursing for the second time that hour, he vowed he would return one day and finish the job.  After making sure Naringa hadn’t noticed his whereabouts and was heading off, probably to report what had happened to the guards, Mitsuharu quickly dropped down into the alley on the other side, and soon once again melded into the shadows.

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Source: https://www.bladespro.co.uk/blogs/news/ninja-vs-samurai

from BladesPro https://bladesproco.wordpress.com/2018/10/10/the-ninja-vs-the-samurai/

[susiemedina93]

The Soul of a Sword – From Iron to Steel

Johnny looked down and pursed his lips as he mulled over everything he had just seen.  Then he looked up as a thought came to him. “You did a great job explaining the types of swords, and even the progression of materials in the earliest blades.  But I notice that while most of the swords here are made from steel, you barely mentioned the progression of materials from iron to steel.”

The shopkeeper brightened.  “That’s because the use of steel in a sword was a complex, though interesting historical development.” He went over to two swords that were arrayed vertically, with one above the other.  Both had distinctive banding patterns on them.

“The first steel swords would have been made about the same time as the first iron swords, because improperly making an iron sword can actually result in a steel one, albeit of very poor quality.  Heating iron with charcoal will introduce carbon into the iron, which is the second ingredient needed to form the steel alloy. However, the key to making steel swords consistently and of high quality requires one to control the carbon content, making sure it is homogeneously spread throughout the entire sword, and to control the tempering and quenching of the steel to a fine degree.  Thus, the first consistent production of high-quality steel was in India around 600BC where later they invented crucible steels, such as Wootz”

“Crucible steels were ingenious in their own way.  See, coal or charcoal fires have two problems – they are usually not hot enough to completely melt the iron, resulting in an uneven carbon distribution and they introduce too much carbon, forming a substance known as pig iron.  Pig iron is too hard and brittle to be used in a sword, but, and – this is key – it has a lower melting point that can be reached by ancient methods. The Indians discovered that by soaking wrought (low-carbon) iron in molten pig iron, the carbon would slowly diffuse from the pig iron into the wrought iron, and thus the carbon content could be controlled (though it was still an imperfect process).”

“Wootz steel was  exported to all of the known world, and, later, the Arabs brought the process to Damascus, resulting in Damascus steel that was made using a process not fully rediscovered today.  Damascus steel is famed for its unique banding pattern, and modern research has revealed the presence of carbon nanotubes in the metallic structure.  Unfortunately, as the process is still lost, only swords that replicate the look can be created today.”

The next sword the shopkeeper came to was curved, and had only one cutting edge.  “In Europe, iron typically came from homogeneous ore that could be cut in blocks from which one or more swords could be made.  However, in Japan they had iron sands, which meant that the iron needed to be homogenized before it could be made into steel. Now, heating up iron ore will naturally remove many of the impurities, but the problem is that the furnaces of the time had a hard time heating the whole quantity of ore to the needed temperature.  Fortunately, many of the impurities in iron have a lower melting point and will flow out of the half-molten iron, but not all of them. However, even with many of the impurities removed the steel was still not high enough quality to make a sword. So the Japanese came up with an ingenious way of homogenizing the steel.”

“The process they used was called ‘folding’, and this worked by hammering the steel flat, folding it, and forge welding it to itself.  This had the advantage of evening out any impurities in the blade and, in addition, could also remove a bit more of them by forcing out the molten impurities using the pressure of the hammer stroke.  The disadvantage of folding is that it reduces the amount of carbon in the steel, turning it back into iron if done for too long. Thus a balance must be struck between removing impurities without losing too much carbon.”

“Japanese swords have a unique aesthetic look, combining the layered look of the folded metal with the swords’ distinctly curved blades and single-edges.  The reason for this is that, unlike many European swords which focused on thrusting, Japaneses swords were designed primarily for cutting. The curve was because two different types of steel were combined – one hard and brittle that could hold the sharp edge needed for cutting, and the other tough and flexible that could bend without breaking.  This forging method, however, takes much more labor and skill, increasing the costs of the blades.”

“Today, we have the best of both worlds.  We can import iron ore from anywhere in the world and completely melt it, allowing us to have homogeneous steel with a chosen carbon content.  However, the ancient sword forging methods are not lost, and all the swords here have been hand-produced using traditional methods dating back hundreds of years.  We just have the advantage of using modern sources for the steel – ensuring consistently high quality blades at much more affordable prices.”

“So”, concluded the shopkeeper, “do you have any more questions?”.  John looked up, smiled, and said, “No, you’ve been most informative”.  “I see some Clay Tempered Steel Swords. Can I take a closer look at them?”  “Of course”, replied the shopkeeper enthusiastically. “Follow me”.

**

Learn more:

Clay Tempered Katana

Elite Katana

Folded Carbon Steel Katana

Source: https://www.bladespro.co.uk/blogs/news/the-soul-of-a-sword-from-iron-to-steel

from BladesPro https://bladesproco.wordpress.com/2018/09/26/the-soul-of-a-sword-from-iron-to-steel/