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| '''Katana''' is a type of ], without doubt the most common sub-category. Originally used as a general term for single-edged sword, as opposed to {{Nihongo|'']''|剣 or つるぎ}}, which is double-edged sword. Later used specifically for describing nihontō that are around 70~90 ] long with a curved blade and is different from {{Nihongo|''Chokutō''|直刀 or ちょくとう}} that is of a straight blade. | '''Katana''' is a type of ], without doubt the most common sub-category. Originally used as a general term for single-edged sword, as opposed to {{Nihongo|'']''|剣 or つるぎ}}, which is double-edged sword. Later used specifically for describing nihontō that are around 70~90 ] long with a curved blade and is different from {{Nihongo|''Chokutō''|直刀 or ちょくとう}} that is of a straight blade. | ||
Revision as of 11:19, 16 December 2007
For other uses, see Katana (disambiguation).
Katana is a type of nihontō, without doubt the most common sub-category. Originally used as a general term for single-edged sword, as opposed to tsurugi (剣 or つるぎ), which is double-edged sword. Later used specifically for describing nihontō that are around 70~90 cm long with a curved blade and is different from Chokutō (直刀 or ちょくとう) that is of a straight blade.
Pronounced in the kun'yomi (Japanese reading) of the kanji 刀, the word has been adopted as a loan word by the English language; as Japanese does not have separate plural and singular forms, both "katanas" and "katana" are considered acceptable plural forms in English. Strictly speaking, the word "katana" only refers to the longer variants of nihontō.
The katana was typically paired with the wakizashi or shōtō, a similarly made but small sword, both worn by the members of the warrior class. It could also be worn with the tantō, an even smaller similarly shaped blade. The two weapons together were called the daishō, and represented the social power and personal honour of the samurai. The long blade was used for open combat, while the shorter blade was considered a side arm, more suited for stabbing, close quarters combat, decapitating beaten opponents when taking heads on the battlefield, and seppuku, a form of ritual suicide.
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