Samurai warriors in feudal Japan primarily used two types of swords: the katana and the tachi. Both swords played significant roles in samurai culture and warfare, although they differed in their design and usage.

The katana is perhaps the most iconic and well-known Japanese sword. It features a curved, single-edged blade with a distinctive hilt and guard. The katana was designed for one-handed use and was known for its cutting ability, balance, and versatility. It was the primary weapon of the samurai, often worn at the waist with the blade facing upward.

The tachi, on the other hand, is an earlier form of the sword and has a longer history. It also features a curved blade, but it is generally longer and more pronounced in its curvature compared to the katana. The tachi was traditionally worn suspended from the samurai's belt with the cutting edge facing downward, allowing for a smooth draw from horseback. The tachi was used during the earlier periods of feudal Japan and was often employed by samurai in cavalry warfare.

Over time, as warfare shifted and the need for versatile swords became more prominent, the tachi gradually gave way to the katana as the preferred weapon of the samurai. The katana's design, with its curved blade and balanced characteristics, proved to be more suitable for various combat scenarios on foot.

While the katana became the primary sword of the samurai, the tachi did not completely disappear. It retained its ceremonial and symbolic significance and was often used by samurai during formal occasions, such as weddings or processions, as a mark of prestige and status.

In summary, both the katana and the tachi were important swords used by samurai in feudal Japan. The katana became the more prevalent weapon for general samurai use, while the tachi maintained its ceremonial and historical significance.