Before the katana became the iconic sword associated with the samurai, several other sword types were used by samurai warriors in Japan. Here are a few examples of swords that were used by samurai before the katana:

1. Tachi: The tachi was a predecessor to the katana and was prominent during the Heian period (794-1185). It had a curved blade and was primarily used by cavalry samurai. The tachi was worn suspended from the belt with the cutting edge facing down, making it easier to draw and strike while on horseback.
2. Chokutō: The chokutō was a straight-bladed sword that was used during the Kofun period (300-600 AD) and early Heian period. It was the predecessor to the curved swords that would later evolve into the tachi and katana. The chokutō had a single edge and was often double-edged in later variations.
3. Tsurugi: The tsurugi was a double-edged sword with a straight blade. It predates the curved swords and was used during the Nara period (710-794) and early Heian period. The tsurugi was of Chinese origin and had a strong influence on the development of Japanese swords.

It's important to note that the distinction between these early sword types and the later katana can be fluid and sometimes overlap, as sword designs and terminology evolved over time. The katana, as we commonly recognize it today, emerged during the Muromachi period (14th-16th century) and became the primary sword of the samurai class during the following Edo period (17th-19th century).