Tracing Samurai Sword from Legend To Present Day

In ancient Japan, swords were not mere weapons but the soul of the then samurai warriors. This explains most of the Japanese culture revolves around the samurai warriors and their swords. In fact, the only people allowed to carry swords were these elite soldiers. The samurai swords were a symbol of personal honor and the social rank of the wielder in the society.

The samurai were elite members of the military and were required to adhere to Bushido, which simply means the ways of the warrior.

Bushido was a code of ethics that guided these warriors and was associated with a number of values including integrity, compassion, loyalty, courage, and respect. The Bushido also highlighted values of living and dying in honor.

Dark Age of the katana

The period after Muromachi witnessed fewer wars. This led to a significant drop in the demand for the katana. Superior weapons such as guns would later be introduced forcing the sword making craft to be abandoned. Needless to say, this had a negative effect on the craftsmanship since the skills of the earlier smiths were no longer passed down to the later generations.

Fortunately, the katana sword would make a comeback and rise in popularity when emperor Shogun Hideyoshi allowed the samurai warriors to carry the katana. This was followed by four centuries of peace after which the katana was viewed as a fine piece of arts associated with the long history of Japan. Samurai swords for sale made at that timer are commonly used for decorative purposes.

The year 1876 saw the start of civilization and both warriors and citizens were forbidden from carrying swords. This was a dark period for the katana and the sword making craft as smiths were forced to close their trade. Japan adopted modern weaponry from the West countries.

Modern katana swords

The katana is still ranked high as a respected sword although it is hard to find a sword smith who can create the sword with the same passion, meaning, spirit, and art common with ancient sword smiths. Today, katana swords are used in martial arts training, décor, and for display purposes. However, the sword still carries the historical and ceremonial importance in it home country much like the jujitsu fighting technique. The katana is still viewed as the deadliest weapon in the history and culture of Japan.