Are you someone who has a keen interest in learning about the different kinds of swords used by Japanese people throughout their long-dated history? Well, you have come to the right place as in this article you’ll learn all about tanto swords and their importance in the world of Japanese martial arts.
History of tanto swords
Amongst the many types of swords out there, the tanto sword is a traditionally made Japanese sword that was used and manufactured in the Heian period. This sword was commonly used by the Japanese people as a unique weapon, but its use spread into martial arts.
As the era of northern and southern courts began, the tanto was ultimately altered a bit to increase the overall length of the blade from 30cm to 40cm. As time progressed, the blades became thinner, and their overall appearance was slightly modified to fit the evolving culture of japan.
Features of tanto swords
The tanto sword went through many stages of modifications through the decades due to the changing of eras. Overall speaking, though, the blade length of the tanto swords ranges from 15 to 30cm, and the blade type comes in double or single-edged, which adds to its uniqueness and strength as compared to other traditional swords of the same kind out there. The tanto swords were commonly carried by the great soldiers of samurai as well as some women due to their low weight and high efficiency.
How to carry tanto swords
In the early stages, the tanto sword was commonly carried by samurai as well as some women but not the commoners. For the women, they would carry a type of tanto sword, which is called kaiken, as a form of self-defense against enemies. When the tanto sword came into being, the soldiers would carry the tanto sword on the battlefield along with tachi instead of the traditional katana or wakizashi.
The price of tanto swords
When it comes to the price of tanto swords, it is slightly less expensive as compared to other traditional swords, mainly because of their size and weight. As tanto swords have a length that varies from 15-30 cm, less heat is required in the manufacturing process, and the shining process is not as complicated. The price of Tantosword varies from $150 to $450, while some unique, high-quality tanto swords, which are made from strong metal, may have a price ranging up to $550.
Types of tanto swords
There are various kinds of tanto swords out there, each with its unique features. Amongst the most common and popular are the Shinogi, shobu, and hira. The shinogi sword is has a blade that has a furrowed center that goes through the entire blade length, whilst the shobu sword has a smooth angle blade which is a common and relatively easier to shape.
The Hira sword is unique as it has a rather triangular edge of the blade which ultimately mimics the illusion of a diamond. This type of tanto sword requires minimal additional tools, and the manufacturing process is easier.
Conclusion
So now you know why, amongst many swords out there why tanto swords hold immense importance in the culture and history of Japanese people. Tanto swords not only comes with an array of shapes and length blade but is also efficient due to their lightweight and strength.
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