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Knowledge Base

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What 3 swords did samurai use?


Samurai warriors in feudal Japan typically used three primary types of swords as part of their armament. These swords were chosen based on their specific roles and functions in combat. The three swords commonly used by samurai were:


  1. Katana: The katana is the most iconic and well-known sword associated with samurai. It features a curved, single-edged blade and a long grip that allows for two-handed wielding. The katana was the primary weapon of the samurai and was used for both cutting and thrusting techniques. It excelled in one-on-one combat and was known for its sharpness, balance, and versatility.
  2. Wakizashi: The wakizashi is a shorter sword that served as a companion weapon to the katana. It had a similar design but with a shorter blade, typically measuring between 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches) in length. The wakizashi was worn together with the katana and served as a backup weapon for close-quarters combat, indoor fighting, or situations where using the longer katana was impractical.
  3. Tanto: The tanto is a short dagger or knife used by samurai. It had a straight or slightly curved blade and a length typically ranging from 15 to 30 centimeters (6 to 12 inches). The tanto was primarily used for stabbing and thrusting attacks in close combat. It served as a personal self-defense weapon and was often employed when the samurai's primary weapons were unavailable or as a utility tool for daily tasks.


The combination of the katana, wakizashi, and tanto formed what is known as the "daisho," which means "big-little" in Japanese. Carrying these three swords together was a symbol of a samurai's social status and their adherence to the samurai code of bushido. The daisho represented the samurai's readiness for various combat situations and their commitment to honor, duty, and self-defense.