When your interest in hand-held equipment begins to grow, you will surely want to know about sharp swords and blades. Swords are traditional weapons that have existed and used for centuries. In this unique piece of writing, we will cover the following topics related to Japanese Katana.
- Introduction of Katana
- Artistry of Japanese Katana
- List of India’s National Swords
- Difference between Katana and Indian’s Swords
- Legalities and availability of Katana in India
What is a Katana?
Samurai sword which is also known as Katana is a single-edged sword with a slightly curved shape. It has been considered the most effective and perfect hand-held equipment that was developed till now. It is a type of Japanese sword that is characterized by a squared or circular guard. It offers an excellent grip and is easily handled, all credit goes to its long grip.
Katana is the successor of Tachi, which is one of the oldest and most widely used swords in Japanese history. Katana is a favorite choice of samurai. Why? Because it has a perfect slightly curved blade along with a sharp edge. Another reason why samurai choose Katana is, it is well-balanced. It is made in such a way that it allows perfect and controlled movements.
Katana is a superior sword that falls in the nihontō sword family. The length of the katana blade is approx. 24 inches (60 cm). In other words, the nagasa (nagasa is known as a blade length) of Katana is more than 2 shaku, which is approximately 2 Japanese feet.
What is the Artistry Behind Japanese Katanas?
Katana, which is the spirituality of the samurai and a symbol of authority, is overloaded with outclassed artistry. No doubt, Japanese Katanaswords are a blend of exceptional craftsmanship and outclass aesthetics with refined cultural aesthetics. If you already know about Katanas, then you can easily notice the beautiful artistry behind Japanese Katanas.
Tamahagane steel is a popular material used in the manufacturing of Japanese Katanas. It is a high-quality material that is prepared from iron sand. It is a traditional Japanese steel that is reserved for preparing high-quality Katanas. The impurities from the steel can be removed by smelting and refining the iron. The steel is forged numerous times to create even layers. This process is important to ensure the strength as well as the flexibility of the blade.
Once the forging process is done, it is followed by differential hardening. During this process, the blade is heated and quenched in oil or water. By doing this, the bladesmith can achieve a softer spine and a hard edge of Katana.
The curvature of Katanas is crafted during the process of forging and tempering. The sori (curve) is shaped carefully in order to optimize the balance and performance of the blade. Furthermore, the tip of the Katana which is called a Kissaki is shaped carefully for getting perfect precision.
Once the crafting of the blade is done, several artistic elements including the temper line (Hamon) and body (Ji) are made likewise. Several additional decorative components including Tsuba (guard), Tsuka (handle), and Saya (scabbard) are considered seriously during the crafting of Japanese Katana.
In short, each piece of Japanese Katana reflects the perfect artistry of the professional craftsman.
List of India’s National Swords:
Without any doubt, Indian culture has a great history of swords. In India, the sword is known as a Talwar. Just like the Japanese, the Indians also have famous swords that are known in the world. If you are residing in India and want to add some prestigious swords or blades to your collection, then this paragraph is just for you. In this unique section, we have listed the national swords of India. Let’s conclude them:
- Aruval
- Kukri
- Asi
- Bichuwa
- Kirpan
- Pata
- Khanda
- Ayudha Katti
- Bichuwa
- Pesh-kabz
- Urumi
- Katar
- Kayamkulam vaal
- Moplah Sword
- Urumi, etc.
How Japanese Katanas Are Different from Indian Swords?
If Katanas are the best option for Samurai, then it is not wrong to say that Talwar or Indian swords are perfect for warriors. Indian swords or talwar hold a significant position in battles. It was widely used by Rajas and warriors in the old centuries for fighting different wars. Japanese Katanas are different from Indian swords both in design and functionality.
A Katana has a gentle curve. On the other hand, Indian swords have a broad curve and it is equipped with double-edged blades. Both Japanese Katanas and Indian swords can be used for decorative purposes. Lastly, both types of blades are rich in design and aesthetics.
Are Japanese Katanas Available in India? What are the Legalities of Japanese Katanas in India?
Yes. Japanese Katanas are available in numerous countries including India. As these are very popular blades, they have gained popularity in every corner of the world. Whether it is Asia or Europe, blade enthusiasts and collectors greatly admire these wonderful pieces. However, their legalities can change depending on the country. Some legalities of Japanese Katana in India are listed hereunder:
- In India, possession, ownership, and sale of weapons and firearms are regulated under the Arms Act. According to this rule, Swords including Katanas fall in the category of “Prohibited Arms”. It is illegal to own a sword without a valid license. This ensures that you can own a Katana only with a valid license. The license can be obtained from the Deputy Commissioner of Police or the District Magistrate.
- If you already have a license, it is important to keep the sword in a locked or safe cabinet. Also, it is important to renew the license after every 3 years.
- It is illegal to carry a Katana in public without a valid reason. It should be used and stored for decorative purposes.
Where You Can Buy Authentic Japanese Katanas in India?
You can easily buy an authentic Japanese Katana in India online and offline. In India, Punjab and Amritsar are considered the hubs of swords. Dehradun is a popular swordsmith in India. Some popular online platforms where you can buy authentic Japanese Katanas include Etsy, Smewindia, Punjab Handicrafts, IndiaMart, etc.
Also, it is important to note that the blade should be purchased from a reliable dealer. It is important to consult a dealer who knows the background and true value of Japanese Katanas. Always choose a supplier who can offer you the important paperwork and can vouch for its genuineness.
