A Step-by-Step Guide on How the Katana Is Made/Forged

Samurai swords have always been thought of as an extension of the warrior’s soul. Perhaps it is this deep understanding that led to the careful and meticulous crafting of the samurai swords.  While you may mainly know them as samurai swords, in Japan, they’re more commonly referred to as a katana.

The Katana predates most commonly used swords, with reports of its mention dating far back as a millennium ago. Still, the Katana has never bowed to pressure, and the sword is still as impressive and lethal today as it was back then.

The samurai sword has a unique shape and elements, which differentiates it from most of the other swords. However, there’s one sword that is mostly confused for the Katana, and that’s the wakizashi sword. While there are similarities between the Katana and wakizashi, there are still notable physical and functional differences between the two. For example, the samurai sword is considerably shorter, measuring only a half to two thirds the size of the Katana

As a result, Katana was more preferred in the battlefield, while wakizashi was often used during close combat. Additionally, from the size, Katana is meant to be held by both hands, while you can opt for one hand while using the sword

One of the exciting bits when immersing your mind into the world of katana swords is the craftsmanship. The process from which a katana is forged is one of authentic beauty and awe. In case you are wondering how to make a real sword from folding steel, here’s what you can learn from the Katana.