Katana
From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings
The katana is the weapon of choice for most samurai. It is a curved single edged blade approximately 78cm to 1 meter in length. It is typically paired with a wakizashi to form a set called a daisho. The blade is stored in a scabbard called a saya which is often considered to be a part of the sword and cared for accordingly. Symbolizing both the status of the samurai caste and the soul of the warrior, the katana is handed down from generation to generation. Someone who touches the blade of the katana without the permission of its owner must face dire consequences. [1]
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[edit] Parts of the Blade
| If a Samurai cannot be bothered to care for his swords, he had best not dare to rely upon them in turn.
- Mirumoto Rosanjin
Complete Exotic Arms Guide page 7
|
There are five distinct parts of the Rokugani katana.
- The hamon, which is the tempered pattern along the edge of the blade.
- The kissaki, or tip of the weapon.
- The monouchi, which is the first eight inches of the cutting edge of the blade.
- The mune, which is the back of the blade roughly eight inches from the end.
- The shinogi, which is the backside of the blade half the length from the handle.
All blades also feature the tang, which is the section of metal that extends into the handle. The tang is often marked by the personal mon of the man who made the blade or the person who tested it. Most blades are not flawless, and these flaws are known as kizu. The can present as blisters, stress fractures or wrinkles on the metal. [2]
[edit] Testing the Blade
Each weapon smith has a different way of testing their blades to see if they live up to the standards set by their clan. The Unicorn and Lion Clans test their new blades on convicted criminals, and the record for most criminals cut through is eight (set by Akodo Mayuko in 643). The Kaiu test their blades against a helm created by another Kaiu, and the Kakita Blades are tested against a tall stone locaded in the mountains above Kyuden Doji. The tang of the blade is marked with the depth and angle the cut made. [2]
[edit] Status
The katana is a large part of Rokugani culture. It acts as both the soldier's standard-issue weapon and as a symbol of a samurai's status. Wearing a katana signifies that the wearer is apt in swordsmanship and must use it to defend the empire as well as his family honor. Those who do not carry a katana are permitted to employ a yojimbo or personal champion to fight in their stead. By Imperial Decree, only members of the Samurai caste (see Celestial Order) are permitted to carry and use a katana. Rokugani culture dictates that samurai use the katana when fighting one another.[citation needed]
[edit] Clan Designs
The design of katana vary from clan to clan, and in seasons of war and peace. The hilt of the katana is often longer when made in times of war. This allows the wielder more control and leverage, but makes it bulkier and less fashionable. Katana created in peace time will often have a shorter hilt, and be more decorative in appearance.[citation needed]
[edit] Katana Techniques
Use of the katana varies, as techniques differ in the Empire. Its primary mode is that of a slashing weapon. Its design caters to cutting flesh and bone, not heavy armor or other weapons (though finely crafted and ancient katana are known to accomplish this). Thrusting moves are also used, but are not as common. Katana can be wielded with one hand, two hands or in conjunction with a tessen or wakizashi in the off hand.[citation needed]
