The history of Japan holds great value for the samurai culture and samurai swords. Swords are considered to be a symbol of status in the Japanese culture and are treated with importance accordingly. There are numerous types of swords used by a samurai warrior, two of the most popular of which are Katana and Wakizashi. Both of these swords originate to the olden days in Japan and were introduced after the introduction of the smaller tanto blade. These swords feature a single, curved blade made of high carbon steel. They both have similar shapes and use similar mountings. However, these swords have different characteristics and hold different cultural value. Therefore, here is how to tell them apart:
- The Katana was Introduced First: Although both these swords were introduced at almost the same time, the Katana was invented much earlier than the Wakizashi. Few of the reports mentioning the katana date as far back as the Kamakura period in Japan. This was when the swordsmiths were forced to make longer and stronger blades due to a heavy leather armor worn by their enemy soldiers in the Mongol army. Due to its construction, including the curved blade made of high carbon steel, and the way the Japanese soldiers carried it (blade side facing up) the Katana became essential in defence of Japan against the Mongol Invasion. The Wakizashi, however, was introduced much later during the 15th or 16th century, making it almost a hundred years younger than the Katana.
- The Katana has a Longer Blade: Even though there are some exceptions, in most cases, the Wakizashi has a much smaller blade measuring about 30-60 centimetres compared to the Katana whose long blade can measure anywhere from 60-73 centimetres. This means that the katana sword is usually double the size of a wakizashi. Due to their long blades, katana swords were the first choice of the samurai warriors as it enabled them to engage with their opponents at a much safer distance. Warriors felt that they could protect themselves better while using a katana. However, when it came to close-quarter combat, the weapon of choice was a wakizashi because of its smaller size.
- The Wakizashi is a Backup Weapon: One of the main differences between the swords was the way they were used. In Japanese culture, a samurai warrior was required by law to carry two swords at all times. One would be their main weapon of choice, and the other would be the backup. In this case, the Katana was used as the main sword by the samurai while the Wakizashi was considered the backup sword. This, in fact, became the signature of a samurai, as they were recognized by the two swords they carried.
- The Katana Requires Two-Handed Operation: Another difference between the two swords is the fact that because of its longer blade, a katana requires the use of both hands while the Wakizashi is yielded using one hand.
In conclusion, both swords have characteristics that put them in the same category; however, they also have features that individualize the swords. A katana is a weapon of combat whereas, the Wakizashi was a weapon carried commonly.
