Samurai Katanas

For nearly a thousand years, the Katana has been seen as the symbol the Japanese warrior class. By the 11th century, it had gained it’s classic curved blade and had became the weapon of choice for the Samurai. The Katana was used only as a last resort, as it was thought to be the soul of the warrior. By the 16th century, some of these weapons were thought to be cursed, due to the number of people it had killed. By the onset of World War II, the Katana had become a machine made item, that was still carried as a badge of honor. In 1938, the Japanese government created the “type 98″ katana, which became a military specification. Many swords were taken back to the United States with the American soldiers who could buy one for very little money. By the end of the 50’s, there were more of these swords in the United States, than in Japan. In recent years, the Katana has become an icon for the virtual generation. In movies and in video games, the Katana is still seen as a warrior’s weapon. Collectors from all over the world proudly display their Katanas, whether antique or modern. Though there are some that are machine made, the Japanes Katana is still hand forged using the same techniques as they did nearly a thousand years ago.