Used to denote bushi or aristocratic warriors, the Japanese samurai were warriors during pre-modern or feudal Japan. Later on, the term samurai was applied to all the warrior classes of the country. Samurai rose to power in the 12th century and ruled the government and society until the Meiji Restoration. We’ll explain this and more as we unravel the history of the samurai in this article.           Getting to Know the Samurai As told, bushi or samurai were feudal Japan period warriors who became the country's highest-ranking social caste during the Edo Period bef ..read more

The katana, a sword so mystical it captivates sword lovers worldwide. Its elegant shape and remarkable strength underscore centuries of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and a master’s dedication to swordmaking. Underneath its majestic yet deadly form is a structure no sword enthusiast can readily appreciate. That’s the tang or nakago. Experts say a katana isn’t a katana if it doesn’t have a full tang. So, what’s a full tang katana, and where can you buy one? Relax as we shed light on these riddles. What’s a Full Tang Katana? The katana is the most iconic Japanese sword. It has several e ..read more

Polishing a Japanese sword is crucial to bring out the characteristics many sword enthusiasts worldwide seek. Traditional Nihonto (Japanese swords) like the katana, tachi, and wakizashi look more formidable and elegant, with their blades shimmering when the spotlight shines. Unlike polishing conventional blades like knives, Japanese sword polishing is an art. Experts say transforming a newly-forged blade into a masterpiece takes longer than forming the sword. But why should you polish a Japanese sword? Who’s responsible for polishing these blades? Are there types and stages of polishing these ..read more

Buying a katana isn’t the same as picking a kitchen knife or any other bladed tool from the shelf. After all, this Japanese sword is more than a deadly weapon. It’s the Land of the Rising Sun’s national pride, a testament to its people’s dedication to perfection.  Knowing what mistakes to avoid when buying a katana should help you navigate the intricate world of katana selling. Ideally, you will want an authentic katana on your display stand. Don’t worry. We will share the top 6 mistakes you must avoid to ensure you bring home only the best blade from Japan. 1. Thinking that all katana is ..read more

Fighting demons, monsters, and other unimaginable creatures is beyond modern comprehension. But that’s not stopping avid Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba cosplayers from donning their favorite characters’ attires and wielding their most celebrated weapons. And if you’re new to cosplay and want to bring out the best in Koyoharu Gotoge’s creations, this article is worth the read.  Consider this your straightforward guide to Demon Slayer katana. You will also learn more about Nichirin swords, including their colors and associated breathing techniques. It should give you a heads-up on your cosp ..read more

Japanese swordsmiths are a cut above the rest. These craftspeople don’t rely on modern machinery to create stunning (and deadly) bladed weapons. Instead, they reflect on old traditions handed down across generations of expert swordsmiths. Unsurprisingly, Japanese swords are some of the best worldwide.  Until the Second World War Although a WW2 Japanese sword can hold its own against pre-Meiji Period blades, the demand for it among the Japanese military brass somehow undermined swordsmiths’ dedication to high-quality swords. It was nearly impossible to keep up. Many were machine-made, whil ..read more

Buying a Japanese sword is like shopping for an automobile. You could go to a car dealer and pick a subcompact, midsize sedan, SUV, truck, or wagon. It’s the same with Japanese swords. These tools come in different types, serving various purposes. Your choice depends on your objective and appreciation of these instruments of destruction.  So, what Japanese swords should you know? Are there other bladed weapons from the Land of the Rising Sun worth your money? Let’s find out. Japanese Swords of the Samurai and Other Warriors The Nihonto, or Japanese sword, is one of the most beautiful blad ..read more

One Piece has over four million loyal fans in Japan alone. Millions more are diehard followers worldwide. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the most sought-after themes in cosplay events. Its wacky characters with crazy hairstyles and colors are enough to tickle one’s imagination. Their katana and other bladed weapons are worth the admiration, too. People new to the manga or anime series would want to pick the right sword for cosplay. But what is a One Piece katana? What characteristics do these swords have? Hang on to your seats because we will embark on a journey of discovery and exploration – One ..read more

No one can question the Samurai’s courage, bravery, loyalty, and dedication to duty. Their mastery of the Samurai sword is beyond comparison. However, training, sword-wielding skills, and commitment mean nothing without an equally trustworthy weapon.  Defeat in battles is easy with subpar Samurai swords. Hence, a Samurai is only as effective as his Katana, putting the responsibility of creating reliable slashers squarely on the shoulders of a Samurai swordsmith. But who does the world consider the most famous Samurai swordsmith? Please continue reading to find out. Goro Nyudo Masamune&nbs ..read more

A samurai duel would be a spectacle if feudal Japanese legends are true. A fight between two talented adversaries with razor-sharp swords would be the ultimate testament to the katana’s deadliness. Whoever slashes quickest, employs the smoothest blow, and strikes the other with surgical precision wins. Although most samurai legends come from battles between warring clans or revenge-motivated action (think 47 Ronin), one story passes from the early 17th century to the new millennia. The Miyamoto Musashi vs. Sasaki Kojiro samurai duel of 1612 has all the elements of a legendary clash. With over ..read more