The history of Samurai swords is closely
intertwined with the history of Japan and the dynasties ruled the country
throughout the centuries. Swords that are identified as “samurai swords” share
the some general features:


  1. made of steel

  2. single bladed

  3. tempered steel

  4. curved blade


Interestingly, and contrary to the public
belief, the art of sword making was first introduced to the island by the
Chinese and Korean smiths.



The samurai sword periods can be divided to
4 major periods:


Chokuto/Ken Period (Up to 900 AD)



Also
known as the ancient swords, swords made in this period were manufactured by
Korean or Chinese smiths as well as the early Japanese smiths in Yamato and
Mutsu region. There are a very few example of these swords in existence today.
Although the blades were made of steel, tempering was faulty. The majority of
samurai swords from this period were straight or “Chokuto” type.





Koto Period/Old Swords (900 to 1530)



Swords
made in this era are from the Heian and Kamakura period in the Japanese
history. After periods of relative peace under Fujiwara clan rule, Japan
entered a period of pro-longed war and hostilities lasting for centuries. It
was during this period that the Japanese successfully repelled the Mongols
attempted assault to invade Japan. During this era, power was only obtained
through warfare.



Samurai
swords made during this period were designed for the warriors on horsebacks.
The cutting edge of swords was four feet or even longer. The straight sword of
Chokuto period gradually changed to single-bladed sword with curvature.
Unfortunately there are a few of the swords from this period still in
existence.



Numerous
schools of smiths were established throughout the country. These schools were
predominantly close to major centers of administration where demand was high as
well as regions with deposits of iron and charcoal used for forging. The five
provinces where the majority of the schools of smiths were located were known
as the five schools; Mino, Yamato, Soshu, Bizen and Yamashiro.



During
the Sengoku period, between 1467 to 1530 AD, due to a series of feudal civil
wars throughout the region, the demand for swords increased exponentially and
smiths turned to mass production. This led to a decrease in sword quality.






Pictured above:13th century Fukoka Ichimonji Sukezne






Pictured above: 12th century Naminohira Yakiyasu Tachi


Shinto Period/New Sword (1530 to 1867)



More
than half of the swords found today are from this era. The civil war was over and
Japan enjoyed peace brought by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Oda Nobunaga. This led to
the Samurai sword losing its practical value. The length of the sword was
shorted to about two feet. The Samurai wore these swords between the hip and
the sash. The tradition and unique methods of Five schools were vanquished and
what is now known as Edo, Tokyo became the center of sword making and attracted
many excellent smiths.



Toward
the end of this period, the art of sword making declined. Sword makers paid
more attention to the aesthetics rather than practicality and usefulness. Many
swords from this period have extravagant engravings of dragons and flowers r qather
than the grooves and Sanskrit characters of the old swords.






Pictured above: 17th century Kanbun Shinto Katana






Pictured above: 17th century Wakizashi


Shin-Shinto Period/Modern Sword (1868 - current)



This
is the era marked the beginning of modern Japan and with it the downfall of the
art of samurai sword making. Under Meiji Restoration introduced by Emperor
Meiji, swords could no longer be worn by Samurai. Many swordsmiths lost their
trade and turned to making horseshoes, knives and ordinary blacksmithing. At
the beginning of 20
th century, many swords were exported to France
and United States. 



American collectors took a keen interests in Japanese swords
and many present-day swords and sword mountings in the US Museum exhibits are
from these collections. Post-World War II, many American servicemen brought
back swords with them as war souvenirs. 



An estimated 250,000 to 350,000 swords
were brought back to the US and there are currently more Samurai swords in the
United States than there is in Japan.



Tiger Elite Katana by Paul Chen



Pictured above: 21st century Tiger Elite Katana by Paul Chen Hanwei



Practical Plus Katana by Paul Chen



Pictured above: Practical Plus Katana by Paul Chen Hanwei








If
you are interested to learn more about the Samurai Swords, we recommend you
reading
The Samurai Sword - A Handbook
by John M. Yumoto.



Source: History of Samurai Swords


David Cottle

UBB Owner & Administrator