#Chart of katana length based on height manual

To carry a Japanese sword, a number of parts are needed, including the scabbard and the hilt (tsuka: the handle of a Japanese sword) in addition to the sword itself (toshin: the drawn blade). The inside of a Japanese sword is therefore not a solid object, but is made of many thin layers of steel, and despite its thin appearance, the sword is very heavy. The smith strikes the steel repeatedly to stretch it, then laminates it to create a denser sword. The original material is high quality iron sand, which is then melted down in the traditional Japanese tatara method to produce tamahagane, the core material of the Japanese sword. The Japanese katana, a long thin blade, is made by repeatedly bending and forging a very pure metal called tamahagane. So, what load did they really carry? We will explain it to you based on the weight of a Japanese sword. At that time, there were no means of transportation, and it was normal to walk several dozen kilometers. How much does a katana weigh?ĭuring the Edo period, warriors carried two Japanese swords at their waist, one Uchinata and the other Wakizashi. Let's take a closer look at the weight of Japanese katanas and the differences in the way they feel when held in the hand. We see brilliant katana wielding in period wars, but how heavy is a real Japanese katana? Katanas are quite heavy because they are weapons from a time before the advent of light metals. It is easier to compensate for a shorter length sword by slightly raising your hand/arm’s position (to bring the point up to eye level) than it is to compensate for a longer sword by lowering your hand.Compared to the swords of other countries, Japanese katanas have a slim and elegant appearance, which gives them an image of lightness and weightlessness. We would generally suggest against rounding 1-1/2-inches or more, but if necessary, we would suggest rounding down to the nearest size.

For 1-1/2-inches: since most swords are sized in 1″ increments (a few are offered in 2″ size increments) it would be rare to have a 1-1/2-inch rounding issue, unless we were back-ordered on some sizes and you needed a sword very quickly.

If you are within 1-inch of a sword size: round down to the nearest size.

If you are within a 1/2-inch of a sword size: round up to the nearest size.

Army NCO Sword, USMC Officer Sword, Air Force Sword, and academy swords ( West Point, or Army Academy) – above measurement minus 2 inches.

Army Officer Saber, Navy Officer Sword, Coast Guard Officer Sword, USMC NCO sword, NOAA Commissioned Corps Sword, and Public Health Service Sword – above measurement minus 3 inches.

Using this measurement, the correct sword length depends on the type of weapon:

Measure from your eye level to the “V” between your thumb and your index finger.Stand at a modified position of attention with your arm extended down at your side and your fingers extended down. If one does not have another sword or saber on hand, measuring for the fit is possible.The best way to size a sword or saber is to hold another sword or saber in the “Carry Sword” position to see how the length fits.For the measurements described in 3, below, do not subtract inches.Ĭeremonial at Ease with an academy sword (Army/AF only) What sword or saber length do I need? In this position, the weapon tip is placed on the deck centered between the feet, sword vertical, right hand flared pointing down and left hand wrapped around it with thumb and index finger wrapped at the wrist. A sword blade that is too long not only looks odd and non-uniform, but also risks knocking off headgear or increases head movement when going to the “Carry Sword” position.Ĭeremonial Drill: A longer sword/saber is necessary due to executing Ceremonial at Ease.

#Chart of katana length based on height manual

Regulation Drill: For those intending to execute manual of arms, blade length is important. A 30-inch blade length is the most common length, generally fitting those between 5’8″ and 5’11” in height. You can see the sword is too small for meįor those intending to mount the sword or saber on a wall and having no intention of executing manual of arms (draw sword, present arms, parade rest, etc.), blade length is not critical.