There are various styles of Japanese swords, or nihonto, available today. Both antique swords as well as modern versions can be purchased 
depending on your preferences. Some of today’s Japanese swords are manufactured, but the authentic swords are made by swordsmiths. The various types of Japanese swords are classified by their size and also the manufacturing method.
The Katana is the most common type of Japanese swords and is a long, single-edged sword with a curved blade. Katana’s were used by the Samurai as early as the 1400′s. Samurai’s were Japanese warriors in feudal Japan and were considered to be a nobility military class. The Samurai used a wide variety of weapons, including spears, manrikigusari, and the bow and arrows, but the most common weapons used by the Japanese Samurai was know as the Katana.
Another well know Japanese warrior was known as the Ninja. The sword of choice for the Ninja was known as the ninjato. Ninja were specially trained stealthy warriors that used unconventional war techniques, such as assassination, sabotage, and martial arts. The Ninja’s sword was typically shorter than the Samurai’s Katana’s. This allowed the Ninja with a faster draw from the scabbard which gave them an advantage from the beginning.
Japanese, and specifically ninja swords are often purchased for a collection. Quality and strength of the blade is not necessarily a factor when the sword will only be used as a show piece. But, there are three things you need to keep these three things in mind:
1. The heat treatment of a sword during manufacturing determines the strength of the blade. If this process is not properly done the ninja sword may end up being to soft and will dent easily. Verify that the blade was manufactured according to standards.
2. The balance of the sword is very important and is crucial if the sword is going to be used. A sword that is not balanced correctly will not allow the user to control the sword as needed.
3. The Last important factor if the sword is going to be used is that it needs to be a made as a ‘full tang’ sword. This means the handle and blade are forged together. This creates a much stronger sword.
So, if the sword is to be used strictly for a collectors item the visual appearance is the most critical factor. However if the sword is going to be used for sword competitions and practice make sure the sword is listed as ‘fully functional‘ and keep in mind the treatment, balance, and forge of the sword.
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April 1st, 2010 at 7:35 pm
wait, which type of sword is that at the top?
April 6th, 2010 at 4:18 am
The sword on the top is the Real Ultimate Ninja 3000 Sword.
April 8th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
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