But this method will give you good feedback and confirmation of results.Ī second method I found useful goes like this: Sit down and place your hands on the table. Most katanas measure about the same size, so there won’t be much difference in the length of their handles. That will provide a very close approximation about how long your tsuka should be. Measure your forearm, from elbow to wrist. These take into consideration your own body ratio. There are several ways to measure the handle. How to Pick The Best Katana Handle Length If you are of average height but well-built and strong, then don’t hesitate to pick a slightly longer blade, if that is what you want. Keep in mind that most sword-producers don’t offer a wide range of choices, perhaps only a couple of different options in terms of katana length. Our table allows you to complete your online order with the right measurements. Its blade size should be specified under the product description section, on the retailer’s webpage. It can be helpful when you buy your first samurai sword. So, the actual katana will be 30% longer, on average. Please note that the table lists only the length of the blade, handle not included. These values are optimized to match your needs and physical capabilities. It provides accurate measurements for your sword, based on your own length. Don’t go any further than that, you wouldn’t want to mop the floor with your new katana!ĭepending on your height, check the following table. But make sure there is at least an inch between the tip and the floor. If you prefer a slightly longer sword, that’s OK. Hold the sword to your side, and the tip should reach just below your ankle bone. Method 1 – Stand Up With Katana To the Side Here are some ideas and tests you can use to make sure you pick the best katana length and size. You can make the right choice base on your height, strength level, fitness, and speed. When looking to buy a katana, you should be aware of your physical condition and body size. Keep in mind that the average height of a medieval-era Japanese male was much smaller (around 155 cm).įor the most part, swords are not “one size fits all“. A typical katana would have measured somewhere between 60-70 cm, excluding the handle, and about 100 cm total. They had a system of classifying different blades according to purpose: ceremonial, domestic, duel and battle-field weapons.Īs far as katanas go, each bladesmith school had its own standards when making a sword. There were no general standards for the katana length. For people who prefer the metric system:ĭepending on the length, the Japanese sword-makers divided their blade into three categories of items: We can use it from now on as an additional unit of measurement, especially for nihonto (authentic hand-made katanas). That is a close approximation and it is quite reliable. The bladesmiths used to measure them in units called “shaku”. What differentiates these Japanese blades is length. Let’s see how they measured and categorized these swords, in the next chapter.Ĭategories of Japanese Swords – Length and Function Aside from the katana, they had three or four different blade choices, depending on the situation. That is how the Samurai solved their problem of choosing the right sword type and length. Those were turbulent times back then, especially for elite warriors loyally serving the Emperor. It was also more maneuverable and swift than a much longer katana. The wakizashi was effective indoors, in close-quarter for self-defense in unforeseen encounters. These blades represented social status, financial power, and rank. The katana was too long and heavy for normal routine, so wearing it all the times easily became cumbersome. Probable, the same craftsman did the blade-smiting. These blades were similar in design compared to the katana. In daily routine(non-combative, normal circumstances) they only carried a wakizashi and a tanto. In fact, they only used the katana in battle and duels since it was most effective on the battlefield, against other infantry troops. It is our misconception that they only fought with swords. For some reason, it's always the standard katana that presents the most difficulty.īefore we understand how to calculate the correct katana length, we need to look back at the samurai practices, to comprehend solutions to the problem of choice.Ī Samurai is a master in all combat situations: from close-quarter fighting to expert marksmanship with the bow and arrow. I have been researching this for some time, and I never heard anyone ask: "How long should my short sword, kukri, or machete be?".
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