We do prefer to use “Functional Japanese sword” over the term “battle ready sword” because we feel it more accurately describes the katana that we offer.
The term “battle ready katana” is popularly used to describe the functional katana and we do use the term on our website as well. When the katana was outfitted for battle it would have a simpler, more utilitarian tsuba and perhaps a battle wrapped handle (katate-maki tsuka). If the samurai sword was on display or carried in a parade it would likely show off an ornate tsuba (guard), with matching accessories of a particular theme. Each katana blade is outfitted with different furniture or katana fittings. The Katana blade was often passed down through generations of samurai in a family. Unlike the often larger European styled swords the Japanese katana is recognized by the single edged, curved blade. The tanto and wakizashi were the blades traditionally used for seppuka or harikiri by a dishonored samurai.
The functional Japanese sword comes in the full length katana, the mid-length wakizashi sword, as well as the short tanto. The Japanese sword is more likely to have a differential temper so the swords cutting edge is harder while maintaining proper flex with a softer spine. Through tempering is practiced on katana production but is more common on the functional European sword. After rough shaping of the sword blade occurs, the katana blade is hardened by either through tempering or traditional differential tempering.
Functional katana are produced by hammering a high carbon steel billet or folded steel billet into shape.
Related Categories Hanwei - Legends of Japan Samurai Tanto Practical Plus Series Economical Katana Folded Steel Katana Differential Tempered Katana Through Tempered Katana Forged Mono-Steel Katana Dragon King - Swords Of The Seasons Wakizashi What is a Functional Japanese Sword? (Functional Katana)Ī functional Japanese Sword also called the functional katana, is a forged Japanese sword that is not only decorative and collectible but is fully usable for the martial artist.