Japanese Swords

In modern times the most commonly known type of Japanese sword is the Shinogi-Zukuri katana, which is a single-edged and usually curved long sword traditionally worn by samurai from the 15th century onwards. Other types of Japanese swords include: tsurugi or ken, which is a double-edged sword; ōdachi, nodachi, tachi, which are older styles of a very long single-edged sword; wakizashi, a medium sized sword; and the tanto which is an even smaller knife-sized sword. Although they are pole-mounted weapons, the naginata and yari are considered part of the nihontō family due to the methods by which they are forged. Japanese swords are still commonly seen today; antique and modernly forged swords can easily be found and purchased. Modern, authentic nihontō are made by a few hundred swordsmiths.