The term samurai swords used in Japan is misconception. Samurai itself is the name for Japanese warrior. While the sword is called Ken. To facilitate the readers to mention all the swords in this paper used the term samurai sword.
Samurai sword in Japan is divided into many types. The division of the types of swords by size. Each blade measured by the size of "Shaku" where 1 Shaku means about 30 cm. Here are the types of samurai swords are classified by length:
1. TANTO
You ever see the film Goemon, you surely know this sword. The sword was carried by women as self defense. The size is about 25 cm swords, knives categorized.
Its use is usually for stabbing a sudden. Women carry the ancient Japanese Tanto behind the obi (kimono belt) for self-defense or to spontaneous attacks.
2. WAKIZASHI
You are a fan of Final Fantasy, certainly no stranger to figure Yojinbo. Swordsman who can cut anything. One of the attacks have wakizashi. Wakizashi is a type of samurai sword with a length of 30-60 cm, the samurai used to use it as a secondary weapon.
3. KODACHI
Kodachi, Shinomori Aoshi's favorite weapon Gatana Jupon members in the manga series Samurai X. Kodachi longer than the wakizashi, but shorter than the katana. Usually used as a shield in hand - to - hand combat.
Because not all the katana (less than 2 Shaku) then do not violate the rules to bring the sword in the Edo period that may be taken by ordinary people (formerly only allowed to carry swords samurai). More curved than wakizashi sword. The sword is light enough so that allows users to move swiftly.
4. KATANA
Katana is a typical ninja sword. Each ninja has the katana behind their backs. You are a fan of the movie Ninja Hatori, certainly no stranger to this Sword. This sword is a sword with a length generally between 70-80 cm.
Type single-edge and curved. used in addition to the ninja, the sword is also carried by the samurai to represent social status. Usually taken in pairs with the wakizashi or Tanto that is used for close-quarters combat where the katana is used to open-quarter combat.
5. TSURUGI
The sword that is not similar to any other type of sword. The sword is not crooked but straight like a sword korea. Tsurugi is a type of sword Broadsword, heavier than other swords. Very suitable for the new enemy with thick shield or armored.
6. CHOKUTO
Just like the katana, just not curved but straight. Found before the Heian era before the Japanese found the sword arch technique (which was a unique way.)
Because the straight sword is difficult to use and rarely used in combat. After the discovery of the katana, chokuto still produced but mostly serves as a ceremonial sword.
7. NINJA-TO
Sword of the ninja, in addition to the katana, the ninja ninjato is optional. Compact and lightweight making this sword easy to put into the clothes. The fundamental difference between the katana and ninja-to lie in its design. Ninjato not curved like a katana but it straight.
8. NODACHI & ODACHI
A very long sword. It is the longest sword with a length of nearly 80 cm. The sword is not suitable for close combat because complicated by its size.
The sword is used to divide the horse cavalry. In the manga series Samurai deeper Kyo, he used the sword of this type. Although it was not suitable for close combat. The making of this sword are included in the category of difficult, so the sword is a rare sword.
9. NAGAMAKI
With a long sword blade and handle of the same. Included in the category of dagger, used for sudden attacks. Use of this sword is not as efficient as Tanto. But this sword has more beauty
10. NAGINATA
Naginata is a spear with the blade katana. Used virago medium range combat. The handle is made of wood and curved katana lance eye. It is suitable for the type of Chaos fighting.
11. YARI
Yari is a spear type. Unlike the naginata, spear made straight eye. Straight form is effective to use stab enemies that come from the front. Usually used to block the rate of men the enemy forces. This weapon is used by Madarame Ikaku the manga series Bleach.
