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SBG Sword Forum :: Training :: Asian Martial Arts (JSA, Gumdo, etc) :: What size Katana Blade should you use? Author Topic: What size Katana Blade should you use? (Read 1,926 times) Hissatsu Knight member is offline The Lyrical Pirate Joined: Dec 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 156 Location: Where there be Pirates... Karma: 8 What size Katana Blade should you use? « Thread Started on Jan 12, 2007, 4:15pm » A rough table of comparative blade length in relation to height Blades are usually measured in an old Japanese system of length similar to our Imperial system, but a little 'off' what we are use to. A SHAKU is a little less than 1 foot (11.93") A SUN is a little more than 1" (1.19") 1/10 of a SHAKU. A BU is a little less than 1/8 inch (0.119 inches) 1/10 SUN OK, what size Katana Blade should you use Hmmm , good question, some schools / ryu are known for longer Katana, some for shorter [The majority ] Unfortunately *many* production Katana blades are made on the long side, this is particularly evident when it comes to the Tsuka [handle], it is also very tempting for the first time buyer to go for the *biggest* katana they can buy for there money, which I guess is OK if it's to be kept on a katanakake [katana stand], and never to be used for Tameshigiri [cutting] or Iai. The problems come when these monster handled katana are brought out to cut water bottles and such the like, it is then that the owner finds biggest is not necessarily best!!! There is also the fact that swords get heavier as they get longer, and a blade may be right for length but wrong for weight. Although there isn't any authoritative way of measuring your appropriate sword length other than ask your Sensei, below are some good general guidelines, that *should* help. Measuring length? This depends pretty much on your hight and length of arms. Feudal swords were made for people rarely over 5' tall, and are too short for an average modern European. A good rule of thumb is to hold the Tsuka [handle] with the right hand right up against the Tsuba [guard] and then place the kissaki [point] on the floor in front of your right foot with your hand along side your leg. If the angle the blade makes is less than 15 degrees of vertical, it's too short. If the angle is 20 degrees or more, it is too long. Or, another easier way to measure the correct length is to grasp an iaito/Shinken loosely in the right hand with a correct grip, drop the arm down naturally to the right side, and see if the tip of the blade clears the floor by an inch or so just around your right little toe. Or you can use the VERY rough guesstimates given in the table above. The designated length of the blade [Nagasa] disregards the tang [Nakago] The length is taken as a straight line from the munemachi [the notch on the back where the habaki fits the blade] to the kissaki, the tip. I hope the above is of some use, but please remember it's only a guidance atvvb Bill Link to Post - Back to Top   Logged "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." ~ George Orwell Forum Jump--------------------» Home--------------------» General--------------------- General Discussion Board --- SBG Site News and Updates- Sword Manufacturers Talk --- Manufacturers and Vendors Shop Talk --- SBG Discounts- SBG Competitions and Members Collections Gallery --- Members Collections --- Archived Competitions- SBG Special Projects --- SBG Beauty and the Blade Calender --- Kokoro Ichi Project--------------------» Discussions of Swords, Traditional Weapons & Medieval Equipment--------------------- Ancient Swords- European Medieval and Renaissance Swords- Fantasy Swords- Japanese Swords- Chinese Swords- Post Renaissance and Military Swords- Other Traditional Weapons- Armour and Shields--------------------» Reviews--------------------- Sword Reviews --- Review Index --- VIP Reviewer Lounge --- VIP Reviewer Profile- Other Weapons and Armor --- Review Index--------------------» Sword Smithing, Customization and Design--------------------- Sword Repair and Maintenance- Sword Customization Projects- Weapon Making Discussion --- Sword Making Stickies --- Fable Blade Creations- Training Weapon Making Discussion- Tools and Toolmaking- Member Designs--------------------» Training--------------------- General Sword Training- Live Steel and Stage Combat- Asian Martial Arts (JSA, Gumdo, etc)- Western Martial Arts (WMA)- Cutting Vids and Tips--------------------» History--------------------- Sword History- Other Traditional Weapons- Misc History--------------------» Off Topic --------------------- SBG Forum Cafe --- Administration --- politcs-graveyard --- Technical Stuff and FAQ- New Members Welcome Wagon!- Firearms Discussion & History- Role Playing Threads