For many years the question of how to properly display Japanese swords has been an issue. Many people have many theories. It has even been suggested that due to the fact that most “Japanese” style swords manufactured today are not even from Japan but in fact from China, then the display procedure shouldn’t matter. Perhaps this is true but for this article we will be only discussing Nihonto – forged and assembled in Japan.

The Japanese daisho, the Katana and Wakizashi set, should be displayed on the horizontal sword stand with the sharp edge of the blade on top. The sword would then be curving downward. A good rule of thumb is to always display the swords on their stands as they would have be worn traditionally. The only Japanese sword, when resting on the horizontal stand, that would curve upward, would be the Jintachi. The Jintachi was worn hanging from the belt, blade edge downward. The Jindachi can also be displayed on the vertical stand – handle at the bottom, blade pointing upwards, sword curving inward.

Handle (Tsuka) – To the right or to the left?

There is varying opinion on which way the handle should be facing on the horizontal stand. To the right is conducive for drawing the sword right off of the stand. Where if the handle is to the left, one would have to pick up the sword and turn it over before drawing. Some say that a handle facing to the right is a sign of aggression and to the left is a sign of peace. Others say that the handle facing to the right is the sign that the owner is trained in swordsmanship and to the left indicates that he is not and perhaps received the weapon as a gift. As I said, opinions vary on this one.

By: Ted Hanulak

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Swords, especially the combat and display varieties, don’t really have much utility in modern times unlike your typical knife. That is why most people buy swords just to grow their collection.

Collecting swords is an enjoyable hobby but it could also be very expensive. This is especially true if you are collecting rare and antique swords. If you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars in collecting antique swords, then you can simply collect replica swords or customized modern display or combat swords.

There are many types of swords. It would be too difficult to list them and accurately categorize each type of sword. For starters, you can start your collection by purchasing replica or display swords.

What You Should Know About Replica Swords

Replica swords can also be categorized as custom swords. That’s because these items are made by copying the original sword design but blacksmiths typically include their own customized design.

The most common customized replica sword is the Japanese katana. The original combat katana is a dangerous weapon. It has razor sharp edge and known to cut a man in half with just a single stroke. However, display katana have blunt edges. Although there are items that are really sharp so you better be careful in handling this type of sword.

Other collectors tend to choose swords they saw in movies. For example the long bladed katana which was seen in the movie Kill Bill is a very popular item among sword collectors. You can order this type of sword from the Internet.

Most replica swords are very durable. These swords are made using the same principles in making the original. There are other display replica swords however that are not combat ready. This means the blade will be brittle and could break if excessive blunt force pressure is applied. But for most combat ready replica sword, you can use it to spar with another swordsman without inflicting damage on the blade.

Collecting Practice Swords to Learn Swordsmanship

You can also collect practice swords and use them to refine your skills in sword fighting. Usually, practice swords have blunt edges in order to protect the novice swordsman from serious injury.

Practice swords are more affordable than specialized customized display swords. So you can collect as many as you like and also learn how to handle them.

One of the best types of practice sword you can use is the Japanese wooden sword. Actually this wooden sword can also be used for combat and tournament play. The best thing is you will not get cut by using this sword. But you need to remember that the ancient Japanese used wooden swords for combat also. This means they can still injure you if not properly handled.

Collecting swords is fun and an enjoyable hobby. You may have to prepare yourself for some expenses but the majesty of your sword collection would be very rewarding and worth the expenses.

You can also make this hobby a profitable business. You could sell your swords or auction them if you want.

By: Shiyu v

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