We return to the history of the Japanese sword 2,000 years ago. The first metal sword was discovered from a grave in Japan. The oldest sword is called Jo-ko-gatana (ancestral sword). The sword with a knife on both sides is known as ken or Tsurugi, and those with a single knife are referred to as tachi. Wei Dynasty
From 3 to the 8th century, Chinese and Korean sword craftsmen came to Japan, and at that time the swords were usually straight, made Korean and Chinese. The two-edged Tsurugi Sword is accepted as a gift from China, and they are listed as Japan's first swordsmanship. Ken (ryo-to-ken) performed for 7 to the 8th century. Tachi developed into a katana during the mid-10th century, as Japanese horsemen needed weapons suitable for surprise attacks.
HeianPeriode: 794-1184
The first swords made in Japan are straight and have low quality that they do not last long because of the climate. At that time, the swordmaker did not master it until the middle of the Heian Period (794-1184).
The new method of forging the sword used creates a knife with soft and soft surface. It is also during this age that sword makers put signatures on their creations. A tachi (a curved sword longer than Katana) is forged by Sanjo Munechika as the first knife to sign.
KamakuraPeriod: 1190-1337
This was a time when sword-making became so popular and swordsmen had gathered in one place. The best sword-forging technique was during the years 1190-1337 (Kamakura period), so much of the sword was valuable as a national treasure undertaken during this period.
Nanboku-cho Period: 1334-1393
The year 1334-1393 is the Nanboku-cho period and the rebellion and conflict between two Godaiko emperors (Go-Daigo Southern Court) and Ashikaga Takauji (Court Northern) are in hand. This has led to war for more than 50 years and the demand for swords is increasing rapidly. Long blades are created and suitable for combat on foot.
MuromachiPeriod: 1337-1570
During the years 1337-1570 (the Muromachi period), Japanese samurai need a long sword weighing more suitable for one-on-one fights. Some swords are longer than 3 ft. (90cm). In this period the sword is curved and shorter than the traditional tachi. With the top-facing cutters making the wearer while cutting the opponent becomes much easier.
Sengoku Period
At the end of the Sengoku period, many tachi were cut short, and using the concept of "tachi" (tachi koshirae) turned into "katana" (katana koshirae). This causes the loss of many good swords.
EdoPeriode: 1596-1867
It was in the Edo era, fine quality swords were made. With materials that are easier to obtain such as steel and wood so as to add to the experience of Japanese swordsmen more advanced, there is a clear distinction between the quality of swords made during the previous period and those made in the Edo Era. The use of swords gained popularity so the school of swords was founded.
The sword made during the Momoyama period into Keicho-Nenkan (1596-1614), known as kotou or katana Furui. Katana produced after this period is called shin-katana.
ShowaPeriode: 1926
During 1868-1926 (at the beginning of the Showa period), a shin-shintou sword was made, and a showa-katana sword with a machine-made blade followed.
At the end of this period, firearms were introduced to Japan and the history of Japanese swords began to fall. Soon afterwards, carrying a sword becomes illegal that even samurai's right to carry swords is taken from them. As a result, the sword industry declined. In 1953 swordmaking was ratified again but their request never returned.
Along with the style of the sword, their forging techniques evolved over time as well. The transition from Kofun to Nara period (c 300-794) gives an example of this change. In the Kofun period, the hamon is often absent or unclear. Whereas during this Nara meiliki different hamon, then straight, become dominant.
During the Kamakura period (1185-1392), the Soshu school of sword-making began to forge the sword using a mixture of steel with different strengths. This creates a very strong sword, and from this Kamakura period it is in charge of making the sword among the most highly praised.
Pandaibesi to this day is still practicing forging katana with traditional technique method. This sword is often quite expensive, but for serious collectors this item is very valuable.
