Why are some katanas black?

For cutting, or just for decorative purposes. The black color is acquired after a specific treatment applied on the blade surface; though, as in regular Swords, there are some differences in the suitable methods to use to blacken the blade depending on the material used and the swordsmith.

Why do some katanas not have a tsuba?

The shirasaya (plain wooden hilt and plain wooden scabbard) is intended to store a blade not in use. It is a simple protective device for the sword (think of it as “sword pyjamas”). The simple wooden tsuka is not intended for use in combat and is not optimised for it at all.

What are the 3 types of katanas?

There are a few distinct types of Katana, Shinogi-Zukuri, Shobu-Zukuri, and Kissaki-Moroha-Zukuri. The difference between these broad categories of Katana are the type of blade used. Each of these blades is used for different purposes.

What makes a Katana authentic?

According to the purists, authentic katana swords should be handmade in Japan by a master craftsman, with a real hamon temper line to show for it. The sword should furthermore be razor-sharp, exceptionally balanced, and meticulously detailed.

Do black swords exist?

The Carracks black sword, sometimes called a crab sword, is a type of sword invented in Portugal, during the 15th century, designed to be used by soldiers and sailors in ships and caravels in the Age of Discovery.

What is a katana without handguard called?

There are indeed styles of sword without tsuba called aikuchi. It was usually confined to tanto and the occasional wakizashi, but a few examples of full size katana in aikuchi mounts do exist.

What are the characteristics of a katana?

Description. The katana is generally defined as the standard sized, moderately curved (as opposed to the older tachi featuring more curvature) Japanese sword with a blade length greater than 60.6 cm (​ 23 1⁄2 inches) (Japanese 2 Shaku). It is characterized by its distinctive appearance: a curved, slender,…

Are katana swords better than other swords?

Of course, in reality, katana are no better or worse than most any other type of sword. They were designed to function best within their own time period and culture, just as any sword.

Will the katana eventually become a discredited trope?

It seems possible that this will eventually become a Discredited Trope. Since the 2010s or so it has become far less universal in popular culture, and excessive boasts about the katana are frequently debunked or parodied online.

Can you shoot at someone with a katana?

A character with a katana is usually a Master Swordsman with Implausible Fencing Powers. Even more so than other heroes wielding swords, shooting at this guy is usually pointless unless you want your bullets parried. Basic laws of physics need not apply . Of course, in reality, katana are no better or worse than most any other type of sword.