7/20/11

Samurai Swords As Historical Collectibles

By Lindsey Herring


Indeed, people can grow crazy about their pastimes; some have even went as far as collecting ancient weapons. Samurai swords are no exception in this case, knowing how these blades were popularly used by legendary figures in Japanese war.

Warriors who are at their finest often go to battle looking as regal on their horses, carrying their blades with them and ready to strike at their adversaries. With a wooden scabbard known as saya made with buffalo rings at the opening, Samurai blades are drawn out more easily out of their cases.

Blades were treated like high beings; they were even provided names as samurais believed their blade companions to have spirits. The original straight bladed materials have evolved into the famous curved ones in the 8th century due to the easiness it provides during mounting and hitting targets.

Samurai blades come three major classes, two of which were carried by the military dictators called Shoguns. The first one was Katana which was the longest, measuring up to 24 inches. Wakizashi was much shorter at 12 to 24 inches compared to the first kind, and is used in the same manner as Tanto, the third kind which is a small knife.

Owing to their historical value, people should buy blades that are of good quality only. Choosing pure steel against any material would guarantee strength of the sword and the way it is forged should be just like how ancients weapons had been. A heating treatment called hamon ensures the sword maintains it luster and shine despite abuses in battle.

To get as much feel as the real warriors in Japan, choosing the design is quite crucial. The curve should look as majestic as real ones do and its functionality should be exceptional. The connection between the owner and the sword should be evident in the way the warriors move to strike, and this is what people should try to find.

Being able to test the materials would be necessary to warrant its quality. In fact, the ancient swordsmen have tested the blades by striking at the smaller and bigger bones of corpses. This was highly important for a precise strike to enemies.

To guarantee maximum attention to the samurai swords, purchasers have to make sure the sellers provide warranties for their materials. Nevertheless, for satisfaction to be achieved by clients, shops have to have proper policies regarding returns and refunds.




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