The terms "samurai sword" and "ninja sword" are often used in popular culture to differentiate between swords associated with samurais and those associated with ninjas. However, it's important to note that there is no specific type of sword exclusively attributed to ninjas. The differentiation between samurai swords and ninja swords is primarily a product of fiction and pop culture rather than historical accuracy.

Samurai Sword (Katana):

The katana is a traditional Japanese sword that is closely associated with the samurai warrior class. It has a curved, single-edged blade, circular or squared guard (tsuba), and a long grip that accommodates two hands. The katana was primarily used by samurais on foot and on horseback, and it symbolizes the samurai's skill, honor, and code of conduct (Bushido).

Ninja Sword:

The term "ninja sword" is a broad and generalized term used to refer to swords that are often associated with fictional portrayals of ninjas in popular culture. These depictions usually feature shorter, straight-bladed swords with various design elements such as straight guards (tsuba) or hidden blades. However, historically, ninjas were not known to possess a distinct type of sword. Instead, they utilized a wide range of weapons and tools depending on their mission and circumstances, including common swords, daggers, and even farming tools adapted for combat.

In summary, the key difference between a samurai sword (katana) and a ninja sword is primarily based on popular culture and fictional representations rather than historical accuracy. The katana is a well-known weapon associated with samurais, while the concept of a specific "ninja sword" is a product of imagination and creative interpretations.