Types of Katana Blades. A Complete Buying Guide

The Comprehensive Guide to Buying a Katana

Summary

• 5 major katana blade geometries exist.
• Shinogi-Zukuri dominates historical and modern smithing.
• Full tang and carbon steel matter more than polish for performance.

Key Takeaways

• ⚔️ Shinogi-Zukuri – Classic samurai blade with perfect balance between cutting power and durability.

• ⚡ Unokubi-Zukuri – Lightweight “Cormorant’s Neck” design for speed and agility.

• 🔪 Kissaki-Moroha-Zukuri – Double-edged tip offering superior thrusting performance.

• 🪶 Hira-Zukuri – Flat, razor-sharp profile ideal for precision and lightness.

• 🌀 Kanmuri-Otoshi-Zukuri – Tapered, maneuverable blade used in long-reach swords.

• 🕶️ Ninjatō – Straight, stealth-optimized sword for close-quarters combat.

• 🗡️ Osoraku-Zukuri – Long-tip design with strong piercing power.

• 🏯 Chokutō – Ancient straight single-edge sword — the precursor to the curved katana.

TL;DR

There are many types of katana blades, each crafted for unique balance and purpose. The Shinogi-Zukuri remains the most versatile, while Unokubi-Zukuri and Hira-Zukuri favor agility. Knowing how blade shape, steel, and hamon work together helps you choose a katana that matches your style — be it for training, collection, or display.

Introduction

Japanese swords, renowned for their craftsmanship, elegance, and historical significance, encompass a variety of types. Each with unique characteristics and purposes. From the revered samurai swords to military and ceremonial blades, understanding these distinctions provides insight into Japan’s rich martial heritage. This guide explores the diverse world of Japanese swords, focusing on their categorization and the intricate details of katana blade styles.

Categories of Japanese Swords

Command Swords

Command swords were symbols of rank and authority, carried by Japanese military officers. These swords served three main functions:

1. Representing the officer’s rank.
2. Commanding troops in battle.
3. Providing a weapon for cutting and thrusting in close combat.

Different designs of command swords featured unique guards and handles, often decorated with motifs like dragons and wrapped with materials such as copper wire and sharkskin.

Military Swords

Japanese military swords, also known as war swords, varied across branches such as the army, navy, and air force. These swords were nicely crafted, with distinctions in blade, guard, handle, and scabbard designs based on the rank and branch of the officer.

Army Swords

Army swords consisted of a steel blade, brass guard with cherry blossom motifs, and a handle wrapped with brown silk ribbons. The scabbards were lacquered steel, often decorated with copper cherry blossom patterns. Notably, during World War II, a unique type of army sword was manufactured with a round steel guard and aluminum handle, featuring the character “東” (East) and a serial number.

Navy Swords

Navy swords, particularly those of vice admirals, were finely crafted with distinctive features such as a black scabbard covered with sharkskin and platinum-plated cherry blossom decorations. These swords often bore inscriptions indicating their historical origin and the craftsman’s name.

Air Force Swords

Air force swords resembled army swords but included specific emblems and inscriptions indicating their origin and craftsmanship. The scabbards were decorated with flight motifs and lacquered in colours like brown.

Samurai Swords

Samurai swords were the exclusive weapons of the Japanese samurai and were divided into functional and ceremonial swords.

Functional Samurai Swords

These swords featured similar blade forging techniques to military swords but with unique handle, guard, and scabbard designs. The scabbards were made of wood, lacquered in various colors, and often hand-painted with designs.

Ceremonial Samurai Swords

Ceremonial swords were elaborately decorated, with high-quality steel blades and ornate handles and scabbards featuring copper-silver plated decorations. These swords were often inscribed with historical dates and the names of notable samurai.

The Katana

The katana, a symbol of Japanese craftsmanship and samurai tradition, is renowned for its elegance, sharpness, and unique design.

Katana Anatomy: Essential Terminology

Understanding the parts of a katana is crucial for appreciating its craftsmanship and selecting the right sword. Here are the key components of a katana:

• Tsuka (Handle): The handle of the sword, often wrapped with ray skin and silk or cotton cord for grip.
• Tsuka-ito (Handle Wrapping): The cord wrapped around the handle to provide grip and aesthetics.
• Samegawa (Ray Skin): The ray skin used under the handle wrapping to improve grip.
• Mekugi (Peg): The bamboo peg used to secure the handle to the tang.
• Mekugi-ana (Peg Hole): The hole in the tang and handle through which the mekugi is inserted.
• Tsuba (Guard): The handguard positioned between the blade and handle, protecting the hand.
• Fuchi (Handle Collar): The collar at the base of the handle, securing the tsuka-ito.
• Kashira (Pommel): The butt cap of the handle, often intricately decorated.
• Saya (Scabbard): The wooden scabbard, often lacquered, that houses the blade.
• Sageo (Cord): The cord used to secure the saya to the wearer’s belt.

• Kojiri (Scabbard Tip): The end cap of the saya, often made of metal.

• Koiguchi (Scabbard Mouth): The reinforced opening of the saya where the blade is inserted.
• Habaki (Blade Collar): The metal collar around the base of the blade, ensuring a snug fit in the saya.
• Seppa (Spacers): Metal washers placed on either side of the tsuba to secure it tightly.
• Nakago (Tang): The unsharpened part of the blade that extends into the handle.
• Nagasa (Blade Length): The length of the blade from the tip to the beginning of the tang.
• Kissaki (Tip): The pointed end of the blade.
• Mune (Spine): The back edge of the blade.
• Hamon (Blade Pattern): The visible pattern on the blade, resulting from the differential hardening process.
• Hi (Fuller/Blood Groove): The groove in the blade to reduce weight and improve balance.
• Boshi (Tip Temper Line): The temper line that extends into the kissaki, often with a distinctive pattern.
• Shinogi (Ridge Line): The line running along the side of the blade, separating the flat and angled surfaces.
• Yokote (Tip Line): The line that separates the kissaki from the rest of the blade.

Katana Blade Types

However, not all katanas are created equal. The variations in blade shapes and styles reflect the diversity and sophistication of Japanese sword-making. Let’s delve into the different types of katana blades, each with its own unique characteristics and historical significance.

(Photo references are provided in the end of this article.)

Shinogi-Zukuri

One of the most common and recognizable katana blade styles is the Shinogi-Zukuri. This design features a distinct ridge line (shinogi) running along the length of the blade, separating the flat surface of the blade (hiraji) from the angled portion (kitae). The Shinogi-Zukuri is known for its excellent balance between cutting power and durability, making it a favorite among samurai warriors. Its well-defined shape provides both aesthetic appeal and functional strength, suitable for both combat and ceremonial purposes.

Kissaki-Moroha-Zukuri

The Kissaki-Moroha-Zukuri is a less common but fascinating blade style. This type features a double-edged tip, with the second edge extending down the back of the blade from the tip. This design provides enhanced piercing ability and versatility in combat. Historically, the Kissaki-Moroha-Zukuri was often used in shorter blades such as tanto, but it can also be found in longer katana blades, offering a unique blend of cutting and thrusting capabilities.

Hira-Zukuri

Hira-Zukuri blades are characterized by their flat, triangular cross-section without a shinogi or ridge line. This blade type is typically seen in shorter swords and daggers like the tanto, but it can also be found in some katanas. The simplicity of the Hira-Zukuri design allows for a razor-sharp edge, making it extremely effective for precise cuts. However, the lack of a ridge line means it may not be as durable as the Shinogi-Zukuri in heavy combat.

Unokubi-Zukuri

The Unokubi-Zukuri, or “Cormorant’s Neck,” is a blade style designed for optimal balance and agility. This type features a thicker spine near the hilt that tapers down to a thinner profile towards the tip, resembling the neck of a cormorant bird. This unique design reduces the blade’s weight while maintaining its strength, allowing for faster and more agile movements. The Unokubi-Zukuri is favored by practitioners who prioritize speed and precision.

Kanmuri-Otoshi-Zukuri

Similar to the Unokubi-Zukuri, the Kanmuri-Otoshi-Zukuri also features a tapered design but with a more pronounced drop in the back edge of the blade. This blade type is known for its light weight and excellent maneuverability. The Kanmuri-Otoshi-Zukuri is often used in longer swords, providing a balance between reach and ease of handling. Its design makes it a preferred choice for practitioners of certain kenjutsu (swordsmanship) styles.

Ninjato

The Ninjato, also known as the ninja sword, is a blade style often associated with the clandestine warriors of feudal Japan. Unlike the curved katana, the Ninjato typically has a straight blade, making it distinct and easily recognizable. The straight design is thought to be more practical for the quick, decisive movements favored by ninjas. Additionally, the Ninjato is usually shorter than a standard katana, allowing for greater ease of concealment and versatility in confined spaces.

Osoraku-Zukuri

The Osoraku-Zukuri blade is known for its exaggeratedly long kissaki (tip), which can constitute a significant portion of the blade’s length. This design provides exceptional thrusting capabilities, making it highly effective in piercing armor. The Osoraku-Zukuri style is often seen in tanto but can also be found in katana, offering a unique aesthetic and combat advantage.

Chokutō

Chokuto is an ancient Japanese sword. It holds significant historical and cultural value, representing an early stage in the evolution of Japanese swordsmithing. Predominantly used during the Kofun and Nara periods (3rd to 8th centuries AD), this weapon is characterized by its straight, single-edged blade, contrasting with the more commonly known curved katana.

The chokutō’s design reflects the combat needs and metallurgical techniques of early Japanese warriors. Typically shorter and thinner than later swords, it was crafted for both slashing and thrusting, making it versatile in close combat. The chokutō not only served as a practical weapon but also symbolizes the transitional period in Japanese history, where the foundations of samurai culture and martial arts were being established. Today, the chokutō is a rare and valued artifact, offering insight into the early martial traditions and craftsmanship of Japan.

Timeblade Guild proudly presents a fusion katana featuring a chokutō-style zukuri blade tip, delivering an ideal balance of cutting efficiency and thrusting power. The subtle 1 cm curvature enhances cutting precision, and the 920 g weight ensures optimal control and agility

Selecting the Perfect Katana

Choosing a satisfactory katana is a meticulous process, especially in today’s market where most katanas are non-customized. Here are some key considerations for selecting a katana based on blade shape and intended usage:

1. Blade Length and Proportions: For a blade length of 2 shaku 4 sun (approximately 72.7 cm), the total length of the sword should be 3 shaku 2 sun (approximately 97 cm). The handle should occupy one-fourth of the total length, with the remaining three-fourths being the blade and the scabbard.

2. Tang Length and Thickness: The ideal tang length is around 7 sun (approximately 21.2 cm) if the handle length is 8 sun (approximately 24.2 cm). The thickness of the tang affects the balance and weight distribution of the blade.

3. Blade Width: The blade’s width at the base should not exceed 3.5 cm, and the width at the tip should be within 3 cm (approximately 8.5 sun).

4. Blade Thickness: The thickness at the base should be about 0.6 cm, and the thickness at the tip should be within 0.5 cm. The thickness at the base and tip should differ to ensure good cutting performance.

5. Blade Base Thickness: A thicker blade base is effective for cutting hard objects but may get stuck in softer targets. A thinner blade base with a standard width performs well on various cutting targets.

6. Fuller (Blood Groove): A fuller produces a sound as the blade cuts through the air. While some practitioners prefer swords without a fuller, it primarily affects weight balance and flexibility rather than cutting performance.

7. Blade Weight: The bare blade should weigh around 800 grams for training purposes. Exceeding this weight is not conducive to training sword techniques.

8. Hamon (Blade Pattern): The hamon should ideally occupy about one-fourth of the blade’s width. A simpler, straighter hamon is preferable for practical swords to ensure better cutting ability.

9. Mekugi (Peg Holes): Two mekugi-ana (peg holes) in the tang and handle, with two mekugi (pegs) installed, provide greater safety. A single peg is less secure for practical use.

10. Sword Length: The ideal length for a practical sword is between 2 shaku 2 sun and 2 shaku 4 sun. Longer swords can affect the angle of the grip and force application.

Note:

When it comes to sword fittings, practitioners of Iaido often prefer the “Tensho Koshirae” style, while the “Higo Koshirae” kashira is more suitable for real cutting due to its rounded design.

Customizing Your Katana

Given that 80-90% of katanas owned by enthusiasts are ready-made rather than custom-made, some modifications may be necessary:

1. Adjusting Weight Balance: If the blade feels forward-heavy, insert lead weights between the tang and the kashira to change the weight balance.

2. Shortening the Blade: Grind down the area covered by the habaki (collar) to shorten the blade if it is too long. This process, known as “Suriage,” can also adjust the length if the tang is too short.

3. Reducing Blade Weight: Consider ordering a blade with a fuller to reduce the weight if the blade feels too heavy.

Conclusion

The world of katana blades is rich with diversity, each style reflecting the ingenuity and adaptability of Japanese swordsmiths. From the balanced and versatile Shinogi-Zukuri to the stealthy and practical Ninjato, each blade type offers unique advantages suited to different combat scenarios and aesthetic preferences. Whether you are a martial artist, a collector, or simply an enthusiast of Japanese culture, understanding these variations can deepen your appreciation for the art and history of the katana.

Additional Materials:

To see the usage of katana in HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) check this article. 

Let’s not forget about the Pop-Culture. Katanas have a special place in it. Demon Slayer bridges the traditional Japanese religion with pop-culture making a pop-religion.

If you want to order a custom-made katana, please, check here.