Japanese weapons: deadly beauty and elegance

The East is a delicate matter, especially with regard to military art. Asia has presented to the world many samples of magnificent cold weapons, among them - traditional Japanese katana and many other equally striking Swords.

It should be noted that even in China, in the homeland of Kung Fu, the cult of the sword was not as developed as in Japan. The sword was considered the soul of a samurai, and his loss was equated with a loss of pride. Such a tremulous attitude towards arms has deep historical roots. Only in Japan there is a periodization of the types of swords. For example, Japanese weapons up to the year 900 refer to the ancient period and were, obviously, of Chinese origin. At that time, the sword cult in Japan was only beginning, and the most famous master was Amakuni from Yamato who lived in the VIII century. By the XVI century, a period of old swords lasted, when a new class in society appeared - the samurai. With the advent of the military class, Japanese cold steel became a source of pride and an indicator of the status of the owner. During this period, lived and worked the legendary master Muramasa, who forged swords so sharp that they could cut a leaf floating on the water.

Until the 19th century, the period of "new swords" lasted. Now the sword itself was no longer of military significance, becoming only an element of the costume. Therefore, in this period of unprecedented heyday, the decoration of weapons reached, and the sword turned into a work of art. Now there is a period of "modern swords". Traditional Japanese weapons, especially cold ones, are threatened with extinction. Therefore, in Japan, every effort is made to preserve the ancient art of forging unique swords.

By the way, the katana is not the only Japanese blade. So, among other types of cutting-cutting Japanese weapons, one should note a taty - a large sword, the length of the blade is more than 61 cm. This sword was used for horse fighting and had a relatively large bend. Since the XV century, the Katya has replaced the Tati. Its blade is longer and can reach 80 centimeters in length. Today it is the most popular blade among collectors. Together with the katana, a short wakizashi blade is used. Together they form a set of daisyos. Wakidzashi were irreplaceable in battle in a narrow space, and also used in several fencing techniques along with a katana. The samurai knife, tanto, was used for both military and civil purposes.

Forging blades and working with metal has always been considered a sacred activity, and the profession of a blacksmith has been revered by all nations. However, the Japanese in this surpassed all. Being an object of worship, Japanese weapons, especially samurai swords, were never forged ahead. The master could start to forge a sword only if he received an order from a samurai. In the process of forging, several layers of steel were used, as a result of which a unique pattern appeared on the blade. It was he who was considered the measure of the cost of the blade and the quality of the work of the master. This drawing is called a jamon.

The blade has not only a modest combat rim, but also a ceremonial version. Gards were also the subject of collecting, along with other elements of the sword. Today, Japanese weapons can be bought in a variety of places, but the advantage is still better to give proven suppliers and dealers.