The Samurai were privileged to wear two swords, and at one time had the right to cut down any commoner who offended them. One sword was long; the other short. The long sword was more than 24 inches. The short sword was between 12 and 24 inches.
The Samurai often gave names to their swords and believed it was the "soul" of their warrior ship. The oldest swords were straight and had their early design in Korea and China. The Samurai's desire for tougher, sharper swords for battle gave rise to the curved blade we still have today.
|
