Katana

: This article is about the Japanese sword. For the motorcycle, see Suzuki Katana..

Technique

The katana is primarily a cutting weapon, rather than a stabbing one. Considering the broader case of Japanese swords, rather than the specific case of the shinto katana, technique varies over time depending on the style of fighting prevalent in military operations of the time.

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In certain eras, the sword becomes longer and is intended for use from horseback. At the same time, footmen may accompany a horseman and be armed with shorter katate-uchi at their side. This is a katana with a shortened length and handle, intended for one handed fighting only.

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As armor and enemies changed over time, the shapes of blades changed from heavier profiles to lighter profiles, with different intentions for use in fighting.

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The sword was mostly considered as the weapon of last resort on the battlefield though, being used only after the bow, or spear was no longer feasable. However, during the Edo period Samurai went about unarmored and armed with daisho, in which case it would be the first weapon to be used.

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