How long are katanas

Japanese Swords. August August 4 comments. Have you ever wondered how long a katana is? Me too! Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Whatsapp. You may also like. How to Disassemble a Katana? February What is Nugui Gami and its Alternatives? November July What is a Sai? Weapon Guide Long swords contain more mass than short swords, which makes them less maneuverable. On the plus side, they keep your opponent at distance.

They would have to step dangerously close to hurt you, thus risking their own lives in the process. Short swords weigh less, their mass is smaller, which allows you to swing faster and change direction more effectively. You can move more swiftly a shorter blade towards your enemy, change its movement fluidly mid-motion, or parry an attack.

Every extra inch of sword length is a millisecond delay, which can cost you your life. Check out this amazing article to see an odachi field-sword can weigh you down because of its massive size. So, the katana length debate is actually a discussion about trade-offs: speed and control, versus distance and safety. The challenge is the following: How do we combine the best aspects of both sides? A long blade that is fast, efficient, and well-balanced? Sword-makers have found some potential solutions which allowed them to improve their bladed weapons:.

Curve the swords backward. This is one of the reasons why samurai swords are so swift to draw and attack with. In contrast, sledgehammers and axes are painful to wield because their center of mass is located on the top-side axe-head , very far away from the grip. This makes them unwieldy and slow. However, by slightly curving the katana blade you preserve its length while lowering its center of gravity.

You can see that curved geometric shape in Middle-Eastern and Renaissance swords as well. An axe delivers a much more powerful blow because of the bulky head. One good swing can take down anything. But a katana is much more elegant. It sacrifices power for speed.

Groove out some mass from the blade. When you look at the European broadsword right side , you can see a beveled groove running down its middle. It looks like a hollowed section, where some metallic mass has been removed, thinning the sword spine.

By designing it that way, you remove some mass from its spine, which allows you to extends its length, without sacrificing too much maneuverability. Other cultures used this feature to improve their blade handling too. Make a longer, heavier handle. A long handle allows you to grab it with both hands, so you can swing with more force. Generally speaking, two-handed swords are longer than their one-handed counterparts. Instantly, the katana length can be increased. But the handle needs to be heavy enough to counterbalance the longer blade and give you more control over the weapon.

Otherwise, your sword will behave more like an axe exerting inertia over each swing. The blade and the handle should be balanced together for improved equilibrium. If the blade too long and heavy, it will generate the same centrifugal force an axe does.

I hope you now realize why length is important, and how crucial it is to optimize your katana size. In a battle to the death, it is unwise to make physics an enemy. Make it your ally! Every split second counts!

When looking to buy a katana, you should be aware of your physical condition and body size. You can make the right choice base on your height, strength level, fitness, and speed. Hold the sword to your side, and the tip should reach just below your ankle bone. That is the standard test for beginners. But make sure there is at least an inch between the tip and the floor. Depending on your height, check the following table. It provides accurate measurements for your sword, based on your own length.

These values are optimized to match your needs and physical capabilities. Please note that the table lists only the length of the blade, handle not included. Use the table according to your needs. It can be helpful when you buy your first samurai sword. Our table allows you to complete your online order with the right measurements.

I am 6 feet 1, and my first katana measured about 29 inches. Of course, I have been going to the gym. And I was doing push-ups like mad! This traditional training equipment is safer than real metal swords, making them ideal for paired sparring sessions or routine form practice. Foam weapons are also a popular modern option. In contrast, metal swords are usually displayed in the training area, only taken out to demonstrate mastery of solo forms.

Wooden, bamboo and foam equipment are enough for most practice situations. However, some schools often use metal swords during training. One prominent example is iaido , a discipline focused on unsheathing the sword quickly and delivering precise strikes.

Experience with the balance of a metal sword is key to mastery of this technique, so most practitioners of iaido own an iai-to for training purposes.

It's perfectly acceptable to let the look of a sword influence your decision. Samurai-style fighting is an ancient discipline. Its tools are instruments of war and destruction, but they also represent an elite social class of fighters.

That means the Japanese sword is a symbol of strength, beauty and control. Don't shy away from requiring a certain level of refinement and style. Consider the impact a beautiful sword makes during a demonstration.

Look for details indicative of fine craftsmanship, such as single-piece wood scabbards, engraved blades and meticulously polished edge patterns.

People acquire swords for many reasons. Some are collectors who appreciate the power and beauty of these items. Others need specialized equipment for practicing a martial arts style. Choose the right samurai swords for you by focusing on quality first, then considering quantity, size, purpose and appearance.