| Did you know that samurai swords had a very | | | | exactly like a katana in regards to shape and |
| specific purpose in ancient Japan? These days | | | | workmanship. The main difference was that the |
| most people buy swords for either display, cutting | | | | wakizashi had a shorter blade, which made it |
| practice, self-defense or martial arts practice. | | | | perfect for indoor battles or fights where limited |
| If you understand how samurai swords were | | | | space was available. |
| used in the old days, it will most certainly help you | | | | 3. How samurai swords were used involves more |
| to make a wise decision the next time that you | | | | than just these two swords, however. The |
| want to buy a sword. | | | | Nodachi was the largest sword that a samurai |
| So how were samurai swords used in Japan by | | | | would carry. You can spot a Nodachi by its |
| ancient warriors? | | | | extra-long blade and massive handle. These |
| Let me explain 4 ways: | | | | samurai swords were best suited for ninjas with |
| 1. The Katana was always the ninjas favorite and | | | | maximum power and strength due to their |
| most important weapon. You can recognize a | | | | extreme size and weight. |
| katana sword by its ray skin wrapped handle, | | | | 4. Somewhere along the line in ancient Japan, a |
| single-edged blade with slight curve, and round | | | | blade smith decided that the katana was too big |
| hand guard. The curved blade gave warriors a lot | | | | and the wakizashi too small. This is exactly why |
| of added cutting power in battle situations. | | | | he created the "Chisa" katana. This samurai sword |
| 2. The Wakizashi was a secondary or "backup" | | | | looks just like a katana or wakizashi but has a |
| weapon for ancient samurai warriors. You should | | | | blade that measures up somewhere in between |
| know that most Wakizashi swords look almost | | | | the two. |