by unforth

Review of the Japanese Bushido Dragon Samurai Nodachi Sword

Collectors of Japanese weapons are usually quite knowledgeable in the history of samurai swords and knives.  Dating back to the 1400s, the katana, a Japanese sword, was considered much more than a weapon.  Often referred to as the “Soul of the Samurai”, the Nodachi was extremely connected to the Samurai Sword.

A Samurai Sword is Family

Japanese tradition and honor run deep in Asian governments and communities.  So respected were the katana that they were treated as a living, breathing being in many homes.  This is because the Bushido teaches that the katana is literally the samurai’s soul.  It was not unusual to have this sword named and welcomed as part of the family.  No wonder that the Japanese Bushido Dragon Samurai Nodachi Sword is one of the most sought after collector items of all the Japanese weapons.

Swordsmithing

A Sword Maker of international reputation was the first to craft this particular katana that only adds further to the appeal of this blade to those who observe this work of art within the midst of a museum setting.  Swordsmithing remains a creative practice in Japan today with the Japanese Bushido Dragon Samurai Nodachi Sword being one of the most honored.  A swordsmith will diligently work to make this type of samurai as close perfect as possible.

Special Qualities of the Japanese Bushido

High quality forged steel make up the 67 inch curved blade that gleams brightly among any sword collection.  The sword handle is magnificently trimmed in gold tone metals.  Carefully woven in and around the handle is a detailed traditional dragon that adds spirit and charm to this incredible piece.  A matching red trimmed sheath completes the sword’s distinguished look.

History of the Samurai Sword

Many times collectors will place a smaller sword, known as a wakizashi, next to the Japanese Bushido Dragon Samurai Nodachi Sword, since the two are usually possessed as a pair called a daisho which means “large and small”.  

Many centuries ago, the presentation of the daisho was made to the male child upon his thirteenth birthday when he was then considered a samurai and he was then issued an adult name.  The wakizashi was referred to as the “honor blade”.  Never would a warrior surrender his wakizashi and although weapons were not allowed in many homes and living spaces, one was not questioned to remove their “honor blade”.

There are many other Japanese weapon models that are much older and offer even more fascinating study.  The religion and history surrounding Japanese weapons are intriguing and powerful.  Once you study the background associated with different types of swords, knives and read of the battles fought and won, you will feel the energy that has become a part of the Japanese nation.

by grrlie

A Closer Look: Sw768Bl Blue Dragon Katana Sword Review

Have you ever wondered why the Japanese samurai is a one of a kind warrior and his weapon has become a excellent collector’s item? Since the ancient time, it is not uncommon to witness some of the finest hand crafted samurai swords, which are pounded and hammered by trained artisans. The weapon that brings respect and integrity is considered as a priceless treasure for most samurai.

A decorative sword like the SW768BL Blue Dragon Katana Sword is a katana with an unsharpened edge. Its edge can be sharper than a razor, but this blade was not processed using the conventional procedure of forging a katana, and therefore it is a decorative sword only. But, it features an authentic blue handle wrap with faux ray skin and oxidized copper furniture. The blade is 27 inches long and an overall weight of 2.1 pounds, yet it is another one of the finest collection for a reasonable price.

What’s the difference between a functional sword from a decorative katana? An authentic sword undergoes the traditional Japanese katana making process. Originally, the blade should be made from two distinctive metals, which adds strength and performance. Usually 1050 and 1095 high carbon steel is being forged together for several times and this process is repeated until a minimum number of folds has attained. This procedure will produce an brilliant edge which is flexible and resilient enough to shearing.

Clearly, most decorative swords are not folded this way. This thing couldn’t even cut through ice on a warm day. Some of these items are made sharp but they are typically made from stainless steel or aluminum. They are dubbed as “wall hangers” and are excellent looking replica’s of some 16th century samurai katana.

On a real katana, you can see the visible undulating textures on the blade. This is noticeable since the blade is folded several times during forging. After the pounding process, the blade is hand polished to several stone grades to eliminate the existing metals and cause a smooth shiny surface. The blades are then clay hardened and edged at least 12 times. Furthermore, some craftsmen had chiseled some patterns and information on the blade making it more exotic.

While a decorative sword like the SW768BL Blue Dragon Katana can be made sharp and looks deceiving as it could appear to cut your enemies on a battleground, trust me, the blade can be easily broken after two strikes.

Why you need to have a piece of it?

The guard (Tsuba) is constructed from oxidized copper and is inscribed with dragon patterns. The tsuba commences with a copper blade collar and ends with a copper fitting which intensifies the dragons in the relief. The handle is bundled and covered with faux ray skin, which is then wrapped with a blue silk wrap. This sword is not a real fighting sword; but it is secured with two pegs.

The scabbard is basically made of wood. Some of the existing Blue Dragon Katana today is wrapped with ray or shark skin and is lacquered in black with glossy finished. The SW768BL Blue Dragon Katana Sword is unique among the rest, with its black scabbard and with an engraved blue dragon sketch, you cannot find something similar like this.

Like the bokken, this is also not a real fighting sword and it is prone to oxidation. So, if you’re plotting to own something like this, it will be helpful to know how to care and clean this equipment.