Basic guide to the variety of Nihonto swords

Nihontos, those iconic Japanese swords, are renowned for their beauty, precision, and power. However, what many don’t know is that there are different variants of swords, each with its own characteristics and specific uses. Let’s explore the most common types of katanas available in the market, as well as the options offered by our website Supein Nihonto for enthusiasts of these iconic swords.

Katana/Tachi:

The katana/tachi is the most recognisable and emblematic type of all katanas. With a blade of approximately 60-70 centimetres in length, this sword is known for its elegant curvature and sharp unique edge. The traditional katana was primarily used as a combat weapon by samurais during Japan’s feudal period, and its design is optimised for a perfect balance between speed and power. At Supein Nihonto, we offer a wide selection of Katanas/Tachi, crafted with the highest quality materials and expert craftsmanship to ensure their authenticity and durability.

Wakizashi:

The wakizashi is a shorter version of the traditional katana, with a blade typically measuring between 30 and 60 centimetres in length. This sword was used as a secondary weapon by samurais, both in combat and in everyday situations. It was often carried alongside the katana as part of the samurai’s sword set, known as daisho. The wakizashi was also used as a symbol of status and honour and was a popular choice for the ritual suicide known as seppuku. At Supein Nihonto, we offer a variety of wakizashis, with different styles and finishes to meet the needs of every customer.

Tanto:

The tanto is a Japanese dagger with a straight blade, approximately 15-30 centimetres in length. Although smaller than the katana and wakizashi, the tanto was equally important in samurai culture, both as a combat weapon and a utilitarian tool. It was carried as a kind of general-purpose knife, useful for everyday tasks such as cutting food or defending oneself in emergencies. At Supein Nihonto, we offer a selection of authentic tantos, crafted to the same quality standards and craftsmanship as our katanas and wakizashis.

At Supein Nihonto, we take pride in offering a wide variety of katanas, wakizashis, and tantos, selected to meet the needs and preferences of our customers.