8/31/2023 0 Comments O katana sword![]() ![]() I would really appreciate if you leave feedback and suggestions in the comment field below. Japanese swords are organized into three categories. One shaku equals approximately 30 cm (11.9 inches). The unit used for measuring the length in a traditional way is called shaku. However, a sword with a 61 cm (24 in) blade and 20 cm (7.9 in) handle can already be classified as a katana as well, because the blade length is over 2 shaku. The average length of a katana ranges from 100 to 110 cm (39.4 to 43.3 in). There are three main categories: Blade Length (nagasa)Īt the end of this post, I’d like to summarise the main points we covered. The Japanese swordsmiths classify their weapons by blade length. Japanese swordsmiths use this measure all the time. I bet you were waiting for more information on the unit shaku. And voila you got the overall length of the katana. Then do some simple math and add the nagasa (blade length) to the length of the handle. The tsuka has a length of around 1 shaku (30 cm/11.9 inches) Yeah, measuring the handle of a katana should be a no-brainer.Īs katanas are double-handed swords the tsuka (handle) is quite long. To put it bluntly, you just have to measure in a straight line from the kissaki (point) to the habaki (metal collar).Īs seen in the image a simple folding metre stick will do the job. Developed later than the tachi, it was used by samurai in feudal Japan and worn with the edge facing upward. I get asked where exactly the start- and endpoint for determining the length of the blade is, quite often.įortunately for us, we don’t have to measure the curvature of the blade. A katana (, ) is a Japanese sword characterized by a curved, single-edged blade with a circular or squared guard and long grip to accommodate two hands. As the katana has a slightly curved blade most people get a bit confused on the measurement process. Yet there are a few rules we have to consider.įirst of all, we have to talk about how exactly we measure the length. Measuring the blade isn’t overly complicated. The property called nagasa indicates the length of the blade. The measurement unit shaku will be explained later on in this post. However, swords with a blade length over 2 shaku (61 cm/23.9 in) can already be classified as a katana. Traditionally its length is measured in shaku. ![]() The average total length of a katana is 105 cm/41.3 inches (3.5 shaku). ![]()
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