A genuine samurai katana is a 500-year-old weapon of Japanese origin. These weapons are very well known for their extreme beauty and high quality. There are two general ways to identify a genuine samurai katana. These two methods are physical examination and historical background. A samurai katana is in essence 3 weapons in one. It is a very sharp blade, it is a very strong-yet-light weight handle and a very strong yet light weight sheath. Here are ways to identify a genuine samurai katana:
Physical Examination
A genuine samurai real katana is still a weapon even 500 years after its creation. Therefore, it can cause harm, disfigurement and disability. Its historical background is of extreme importance for the genuine nature of the blade.
Historical Background/ Records
The history of a samurai katana must be known and understood to determine if the blade is genuine or not. It may also be possible to tell if a sword was forged using traditional methods or cheap modern ones by examining the history behind it. An authentic katana was created by a certain smith. There is no variation in the way it is made.
The Blade’s Appearance
The blade’s appearance is of importance as well, including it being in the exact shape and quality desired by the maker and its color or pattern. It should also fit the size of other katana blades, not be too short or too long and have an attractive forging pattern.
The Handle and Sheath
One needs to be careful to determine the quality of the handle. They should be properly made, not easily damaged and should fit the sword’s size. If it is a genuine samurai katana, it must also have its sheath attached to it as well.
The Sword’s Damage
In addition to physical examination and historical background, one also needs to know about how the weapon has been handled since it was created. The true signs of a genuine samurai katana are obvious. One can tell that it is genuine by the damage, pitting or blemishes it may have.
Historical Background
A genuine samurai katana is a 500-year-old weapon of Japanese origin, therefore, its historical background is very important. It must be documented and know its origins to determine if it is original and authentic or not.
The Fittings
The fittings of the blade must be in the right relation to the sword’s age and size and in good condition. There should be no signs of damage or disfigurement on them.
Sense of Weight and Quality
One needs to handle a genuine samurai katana in order to have a sense of its weight and quality (not necessarily sharpness). It should be light enough to hold but heavy enough to cause injury, if so desired. The blade’s forging pattern is also important.
