Historic Replicas

For much of its history, war was a part of life in Japan.  Only 20% of the country is usable farmland, and powerful Japanese clans clashed frequently as they attempted to seize and control it.  Japanese swords have been used on the battlefield for thousands of years, and have deep cultural significance for the Japanese people.  The first swords in Japan on record were a gift from China to the Japanese Queen Himeko in 240 A.D.  Many more swords were imported from China in the next several years, and they became common on the battlefield around that time. 

By the 5th century, the Japanese were using straight, single-edged swords called chokuto.  These swords were made of steel, but still weren’t of the highest quality.  It wasn’t until 700 A.D. that the legendary swordsmith Akamuni forged the curved, folded-steel blades made famous in movies and cartoons.  Japanese combat had evolved from foot to horseback, and the cavalry were usually swinging their blades downward; smiths discovered that swords with curved blades had much greater cutting force, and the classic Japanese sword was born.  Originally these swords were called tachi, and had some flaws.  For example, the tip of the sword broke easily and couldn’t be fixed.  Japanese smiths were persistent, though; for five centuries, they diligently improved the sword’s design.  Finally, in the 14th century, they produced the katana, one of the most famous swords in history.  Thanks to its shape and the special steel used to build it, the katana’s cutting ability became legendary throughout the world.