Types of Japanese Swords: From Ancient Blades to Modern Legends

December 09, 2025

At a Glance: Japanese swords evolved across centuries, each designed for specific roles in battle and ceremony. From long, curved katana blades to short daggers and straight ceremonial swords, these weapons reflect Japan’s artistry and precision. Their unique characteristics shaped martial art traditions and defined the samurai warrior’s identity throughout Japanese history.

The Japanese sword has long symbolized honor, mastery, and balance. Across the Heian, Kamakura, Muromachi, and Edo periods, swordsmiths perfected the craft of forging single-edged blades that were as beautiful as they were deadly. These swords varied by form, length, and purpose, from curved katana designed for swift cutting to straight blades made for ceremonial purposes. Each piece tells a story about ancient Japan, its warriors, and the evolution of swordmaking.

Types of Japanese Swords

Japanese swords are often categorized by physical form. This includes long swords, short swords, straight blades, and polearms. Each type reflects differences in blade length, curvature, and function. Together, they illustrate the ingenuity of swordsmiths and the discipline of those who wielded them.

Long Swords

Long swords were the primary weapons of the samurai class. These curved blades offered reach, power, and control in open-field battles. Their sharp edge and balanced design made them ideal for cutting strikes and defensive techniques.

Katana

Blade Length & Curvature: Typically 60–80 cm with a gentle curved blade for precise cutting.
Edge Type: Single-edged blade.
Era/Origin: Originated in the Kamakura period and became dominant during the Muromachi period.
Wearing Style: Worn edge-up through the obi (belt).
Primary Use/Role: Designed for cutting and slashing in close combat.
Typical Wielder: Samurai warrior.
Distinguishing Features: Elegant curvature, visible hamon (temper line), and long two-handed grip.
Cultural or Symbolic Meaning: Seen as a status symbol and soul of the samurai.

Tachi

Blade Length & Curvature: Longer and more curved than the katana, often 70–80 cm.
Edge Type: Single-edged blade.
Era/Origin: Heian period through Kamakura period.
Wearing Style: Suspended edge-down from the belt.
Primary Use/Role: Used by cavalry for sweeping attacks.
Typical Wielder: Mounted samurai.
Distinguishing Features: Pronounced curvature and ornate fittings.
Cultural or Symbolic Meaning: Represented military rank and craftsmanship in early Japan.

Ōdachi / Nodachi

Blade Length & Curvature: Often exceeded 90 cm with a pronounced curve.
Edge Type: Single-edged sword.
Era/Origin: Popular during the Nanbokuchō and early Muromachi periods.
Wearing Style: Carried on the back or by attendants due to size.
Primary Use/Role: Battlefield weapon for cutting cavalry and long-range strikes.
Typical Wielder: Elite foot soldiers.
Distinguishing Features: Extremely long blade requiring great strength and control.
Cultural or Symbolic Meaning: Often used interchangeably, but historically ōdachi (“great sword”) was the broader term, while nodachi (“field sword”) referred to longer versions specifically used in open combat.

Nagamaki

Blade Length & Curvature: Blade around 60 cm with a long handle roughly equal in length, sometimes longer.
Edge Type: Single-edged.
Era/Origin: Late Kamakura to Muromachi period.
Wearing Style: Carried and wielded like a long sword or polearm.
Primary Use/Role: Effective for slashing enemies on horseback and often used like a naginata when space allowed.
Typical Wielder: Infantry or elite guards.
Distinguishing Features: Long grip wrapped in samegawa and silk.
Cultural or Symbolic Meaning: Bridged sword and spear fighting styles.

Short Swords / Daggers

Short swords served as secondary or backup weapons. Samurai carried them for indoor defense or ritual use when longer blades were impractical.

Wakizashi

Blade Length & Curvature: Typically 30–60 cm with moderate curvature.
Edge Type: Single-edged.
Era/Origin: Muromachi to Edo period.
Wearing Style: Worn edge-up beside the katana as part of the daishō set.
Primary Use/Role: Companion sword for close quarters or as a backup weapon.
Typical Wielder: Samurai class.
Distinguishing Features: Shorter blade and balanced handling.
Cultural or Symbolic Meaning: Symbolized samurai social status and personal honor.

Tantō

Blade Length & Curvature: Usually under 30 cm; straight or slightly curved.
Edge Type: Single-edged or occasionally double-edged blade.
Era/Origin: Heian period through Edo period.
Wearing Style: Worn at the waist, often concealed.
Primary Use/Role: Used for stabbing in close quarters or ceremonial purposes.
Typical Wielder: Both men and women of the samurai class.
Distinguishing Features: Compact size, strong point, and ornamental scabbard.
Cultural or Symbolic Meaning: Associated with self-defense and samurai honor.

Kodachi

Blade Length & Curvature: Around 50 cm with a light curve.
Edge Type: Single-edged.
Era/Origin: Kamakura period.
Wearing Style: Worn edge-up at the waist.
Primary Use/Role: Shorter version of a long sword for tight combat spaces.
Typical Wielder: Young samurai or guards.
Distinguishing Features: Similar style to a katana but with a shorter blade.
Cultural or Symbolic Meaning: Considered a shorter variant of tachi; some scholars debate whether it was a distinct class.

Straight Blades

Straight blades were the earliest forms of Japanese swords. They reflect the transition from imported styles to the unique curvature that later defined Japanese swordsmithing.

Chokutō

Blade Length & Curvature: Straight blade, typically 60–70 cm.
Edge Type: Single-edged.
Era/Origin: Ancient times, before the Heian period.
Wearing Style: Worn edge-down from the belt.
Primary Use/Role: Slashing and thrusting before curved designs emerged.
Typical Wielder: Early Japanese warriors and nobles.
Distinguishing Features: Straight form and simple fittings.
Cultural or Symbolic Meaning: Represents the earliest phase of Japanese sword development.

Ken (Tsurugi)

Blade Length & Curvature: Straight, double-edged blade; some exceeded 70 cm in length.
Edge Type: Double-edged blade.
Era/Origin: Early Nara and Heian periods.
Wearing Style: Often displayed or carried ceremonially.
Primary Use/Role: Ritual or symbolic use rather than combat.
Typical Wielder: Priests or monks.
Distinguishing Features: Symmetrical, double-edged design used for spiritual or ceremonial functions.
Cultural or Symbolic Meaning: Used for temple offerings and religious ceremonies.

Polearms / Extended-Reach Weapons

Polearms extended a warrior’s reach on the battlefield. Their construction combined sword-like blades with long handles for sweeping and thrusting attacks.

Naginata

Blade Length & Curvature: Blade 30–60 cm attached to a long wooden shaft.
Edge Type: Single-edged curved blade.
Era/Origin: Kamakura to Edo period.
Wearing Style: Held with both hands.
Primary Use/Role: Battlefield weapon against cavalry and infantry.
Typical Wielder: Warrior monks and women of samurai families.
Distinguishing Features: Long pole for distance fighting and curved cutting edge.
Cultural or Symbolic Meaning: Represented skill, discipline, and defense of honor.

Yari

Blade Length & Curvature: Straight blade ranging from 15–50 cm mounted on a pole.
Edge Type: Double-edged or multiple-edged variations.
Era/Origin: Muromachi to Edo period.
Wearing Style: Carried by infantry.
Primary Use/Role: Thrusting and piercing armor.
Typical Wielder: Foot soldiers and samurai guards.
Distinguishing Features: Straight blade and versatile point design.
Cultural or Symbolic Meaning: Represented unity and strength among warriors.

Modern Japanese-Inspired Blades from Zombie Tools

Japanese swords have been integral to warriors for centuries, from the cutting-edge katana to the versatile wakizashi. These blades were crafted for combat, status, and ritual, each with its unique design and purpose.

The Zakasushi is our take on the Japanese wakizashi, traditionally a companion sword to the katana. Miyamoto Musashi, the legendary samurai, developed a technique called "two heavens as one," where he wielded a katana in one hand and a wakizashi in the other. The Zakasushi is built for close combat, decapitating a disabled opponent, and carrying indoors when protocol requires the katana to stay outside.

For those seeking a tactical option, The Apokatana offers a 28-inch blade with a reinforced spine for durability and cutting momentum. Lightweight and practical, it’s perfect for the warrior on the move. Made with 80CRV2 steel and paired with a Kydex sheath, it’s built for quick strikes and easy carry. Shop Zombie Tools for high-quality blades that combine the best of Japanese tradition and modern durability.