Battle Ready Katana

The term in Japanese to describe the katana sword was commonly utilized to classify one of the most popular and deadliest curved swords of the samurai warrior; it is also considered as the finest edged weapon in the world of military history due to its effectiveness on the battlefield. Origins of the Japanese nihonto date all the way back to the straight-bladed weapons that have appeared during the ancient times, and from these straight-bladed swords, the tachi eventually appeared and were considered as the very first nihonto to feature an arched blade.

The Decorative and Battle Ready Katana

Compared to the much larger European-styled blades, the Japanese katana can easily be identified by its curved and single-edged blade. Throughout generations of a samurai family, the samurai katana was often passed down to the next heir of the weapon; so with that, each of the katana blades were specifically outfitted with various fittings. When these swords were kept for display or are carried around during a parade, the owner could brandish the weapon’s ornate tsuba with a variety of matching accessories of that particular theme. When outfitted specifically for battle, the blade would have a simpler and a more practical tsuba that is also accompanied by a battle wrapped tsuka.

Battle Ready Katana

A fully functional katana can also be referred to as the battle ready katana since it is a forged to be able to perform Tameshigiri (test cutting), while also being conveniently functional for training or practice. These battle ready katana are created by hammering and pounding on a folded or high carbon steel billet to acquire a specific shape; after the rough and severe process of shaping the sword’s blade, this will be hardened through the simple tempering or classic differential hardening. Japanese swords are more likely to feature differential hardened blade so the steel cutting edge is tougher while simultaneously maintaining an adequate flexibility with a soft spine.

Fully functional blades are also referred to as battle ready swords are now available in numerous online shops offering swords for sale; there is a plethora of battle ready swords being offered for both the seasoned martial artists and the backyard cutters that are around. Most of these battle ready katana are perfectly hand-forged using high carbon steel to produce a blade that is very sharp upon purchase. For those who are in search of a battle ready katana sword, there are numerous weapon shops online to visit, but to choose the perfect piece for the user, it would be smart to first determine what the weapon will specifically be used for. Keep in mind that these battle ready katana are thoroughly hand-forged and might not be “perfect”, however each unique in it’s own way.

Battle Ready Swords

The term battle ready is often utilized by sword enthusiasts when they speak of fully functional swords. It simply means that the weapon is created to be sharp and durable and it is made to be utilized for its main purpose. A fully functional battle ready sword should features some apparent characteristics and listed below are the following:

Carbon Steel Blades

Battle ready swords are mostly made out of carbon steel since stainless steel is too brittle for a long blade; a large number of the cheaper swords that are being sold in the market are produced from stainless steel which makes these pieces quite easy to break. Although stainless steel is undeniably great for knives, it gets quite brittle on any piece that has a length that measures longer than twelve inches; because of this, stainless steel is definitely not a recommended material for a battle ready sword.

Full Tang

Full Tang means that the blade of the weapon goes all the way to the handle; the most feeble point of a lot of contemporary blades is the handles – specifically the metallic insert right into the sword tsuka, attached to the blade that is known as a tang. Unless the sword is a full tang, it will most likely break when struck hard against any surface, and that will be extremely dangerous.

Heat Treated or Clay Tempered Blade

The battle ready swords are made specifically for cutting purposes and are usually clay tempered and heat treated to produce blades that are not too brittle or soft. If a weapon being sold is described as carbon steel yet does not mention how it was actually heat treated, there is a big chance that the weapon has not been heat treated. Keep in mind that weapons that not all heat treated blades are not qualified as real functional swords.

 

Constructed Properly

Finely constructed battle ready swords mean that its tsuka, as well as all its other parts, are made precisely and adequately to withstand all the rigors of cutting. Keep in mind that a battle ready sword is not indestructible but these are made to endure such activities like cutting through targets and training / practice.  Decorative swords are the complete opposite of the battle ready swords since these blades were made specifically for decorative purposes and display.

Using a Battle Ready Katana

When utilizing a battle ready samurai sword such as the samurai katana, it can definitely be a lot of fun but it should always be done with utmost care and safety. The cutting katanas of the Japanese feature blades that are finely polished, as well as a sharpened edge that can readily cut through tatami mats and other proper sword targets. When learning how to cut through targets, doing this accurately will take some time so avoid getting discouraged if the cuts are not as quick and clean as one would typically aim for.

To learn all the necessary things to properly wield the sword, it would be best to consider the martial art form called Iaito to learn all the intricate and detailed steps of how to draw a katana. For those who prefer a more advanced form of learning when it comes to sword fighting, practicing or training for kendo would be the best choice. Kendo utilizes kendo shinai’s or bamboo swords, as well as protective gear for training and tournaments