I wrote an article about the durability and sharpness issues in modern samurai blades. Whether you are of high-born status or a meager peasant, nowadays you can buy exceptional mono-steel katanas. However, considering the high quality and cost of the katana, it makes sense that less wealthy folk wanted their own, cheaper version of the katana: the uchigatana. But I guess, more low tiers are better than a few premium blades when the enemy is at your doorstep. To me, it is surprising that they would bother to make such poor swords in the first place. The uchigatana would oftentimes be replaced after only one battle - because it wore out or broke off. The materials were of lower quality, to the extent where the swords were actually considered disposable. So, we have a first glance in the katana vs uchigatana comparison. The uchigatanacomparatively, took a much shorter time and did not require superior jewel steel and blacksmithing. The sword was made of premium materials and could take a long time to complete. A katana was generally considered to be of a much higher quality. The primary difference between the two swords is the quality of craftsmanship. The uchigatana is an interesting sword it looks like a katana, with a single-edged, curved blade, yet it is not a katana.
Katanas have a guard that is circular or square, and the aforementioned upward-facing blade, which the katana was the first sword to possess. An ancient sword, the katana originated in the Muromachi period of The katana came into being as war conditions changed, and the demand arose for a smaller blade one which could be used indoors, for one. One of the most distinct characteristics of the katana is a blade with a curve.Īs the katana was made for slicing, this only makes sense. Scarcely is the blade drawn when the opponent must block the strike or die. Thanks to this, the katana is lightning-quick. This sword has an upward-facing blade so that the wielder can draw and strike swiftly, almost simultaneously. To understand them, we will start off with the most renowned blade: the katana. There are some notable differences between each of the Japanese sword types. This is understandable, if you ask me, especially with regards to the odachi and nodachi. These are few of the swords that are mixed up frequently. The odachi vs nodachi vs katana is an ongoing dispute among both amateurs and historians. If you are confused, you are certainly not alone.įortunately, there are some simple yet effective ways to identify Japanese swords. This can make telling the swords, and their respective names and characteristics apart, tricky. There are endless forum debates about the differences between the odachi vs nodachi vs katana. Some share similarities yet are distinctly different while others have different names and yet are virtually the same. Throughout the history of Japan, there have been some unique sword designs and models.