Katana is the sword of choice of Samurai warriors of Japan. Its origin can be traced back to the Heian period (794-1185 AD) when the culture flourished and the warfare changed from open field combat into more close-quarters battles. This change necessitated the need for a more specialized weapon and it became necessary to develop a sword that would allow for both a one or two-handed grip, as well as a long blade to cut off limbs.

The Katana was developed in order to fulfill three conflicting requirements: it had to be strong enough not to break under stress, flexible enough to bend and able to cut quickly. This was accomplished by using different steels with differing hardness and through special forging techniques such as differential heat treatment, or yaki-ire. This process left behind a wavy line, known as hamon, on the blade, which is a signature feature of the katana and a key factor that sword connoisseurs examine for artistic value.

The katana was also made unique by the fact that it was worn suspended from a long sheath, called a Saya. This sheath could be as simple or as elaborate as the owner wished and was often designed to reflect the personality of the warrior. The making of a katana was not just an art; it was a sacred process that was a direct reflection of the spiritual beliefs of the Japanese people and this can be seen in the intricate detailing of the hilt, or tsuka, as well as the sheath itself. buy demon slayer katana online