The Samurai sword is one of the most popular battle weapons of all time. Swords have been used as weapons by numerous other cultures for nearly three thousand years, but the Samurai sword changed the way fighting with swords is done.

Samurai swords first made their appearance in Japan around 240 A.D. and slowly began to improve with modification. In the fifth century A.D., the Japanese began to produce steel swords. These swords were stronger and more durable than iron. By the sixth century, the Japanese began manufacturing Samurai swords with an original hardening technique that made their sword-making process unique.

As can be seen on the TV show “Deadliest Warrior,” aired on Spike TV, the Japanese sword can rupture or cut right through certain battle armor and shields. Japanese Samurai practiced their technique relentlessly, as one wrong move could spell death. In the eighth century, most Samurai swords began to be created with a curved blade instead of a straight one. This favored fighting on horseback, rather than ground combat, which was more popular at the time.

In 1334, during the pinnacle of the Samurai class, Japanese smiths began forging straight blades again when ground fighting came back into vogue. Longer blades were called for and the development of these swords came to be known as “odachi”. The odachi swords were so long and heavy that they had to be wielded with two hands. They created a devastating impact when they landed on their target, usually causing a fatal blow. But they were heavy and cumbersome and hard to use against shorter, faster swords.

Thus the odachi sword was shortened with the cutting edge facing up. This type of sword became known as the “katana,” and is still one of the most popular of all Japanese Samurai swords to this day. The total length of the blade was about 40 inches. Warfare in Japan changed drastically when the Portuguese exposed the Japanese to firearms in 1542. Swords were modified to be better after that, but the Japanese Samurai could not stand up to bullets. Eventually their class died out, and after World War II, Japanese sword making was banned by America.

In 1953, sword-making was allowed again and a number of Japanese sword smiths continued to carry on the tradition of forging beautiful and strong Japanese Samurai swords. The sword has been popularized in many martial arts movies, such as Kill Bill, The Last Samurai, Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon and Bruce Lee’s movies. Today, many people still practice “kendo,” the ancient art of Japanese sword fighting. Kendo proponents respect and honor the Samurai sword and most own at least one authentic sword.

Many people collect swords and some decorate their homes or offices with authentic Samurai swords. If you are looking for a unique decorative look in your home or office, try showcasing an authentic Japanese Samurai sword or two. Oriental-Decor.com carries a magnificent line of authentic Samurai swords at very affordable prices. Check out our selection today.