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Knowledge Base

“Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.” ― Terry Goodkind

What are the sizes of samurai swords?


Samurai swords, commonly known as "nihonto," come in various sizes and types. The three primary types of samurai swords are the katana, wakizashi, and tanto. Here are their general size descriptions:


  1. Katana: The katana is the longest and most well-known samurai sword. It typically has a curved, single-edged blade with a length ranging from around 60 to 80 centimeters (24 to 31 inches). The handle (tsuka) is long enough to accommodate two hands for wielding the sword effectively.
  2. Wakizashi: The wakizashi is a shorter companion sword to the katana and was commonly worn together with it by samurai. It usually has a blade length between 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches). The wakizashi is designed for one-handed use and can be used for both cutting and thrusting.
  3. Tanto: The tanto is a shorter dagger-like sword with a blade length typically ranging from 15 to 30 centimeters (6 to 12 inches). It is primarily used as a stabbing weapon and for close-quarters combat. Tantos were often carried by samurai as a secondary weapon or for self-defense.


It's important to note that while these size ranges are common, there can be variations in the dimensions of samurai swords depending on historical period, individual swordsmiths, and regional preferences. Furthermore, there were other specialized types of samurai swords, such as the nodachi (a large two-handed sword) or the kodachi (a short sword), which had their own distinct sizes and purposes.