Are all traditional Samuri Swords/Katana's single edged swords?

Question

Were these swords (the authentic/traditional ones) solely a 'single edged sword' ??

Answer 1

Many were, due to the fact that the single edge and the curve that was adopted made a superb cutting blade, but not all were. There were older blades that did have two edges, and even now, some modern blades replicate those. The aforementioned Cold Steel double edged katana is one. Another piece of more traditional constitution is Bugei's Little Crow tachi. You can find it at www.bugei.com. Many of the blades done in this fassion have vanished, primarily due to the popuarity of the single edged blade.

Another variation is the two edged tanto, still widely produced (in comparison to other two-edged Japanese swords). Most of the two edged blades used in old Japan were referred to as ken as opposed to nihonto, because they more closely resembled the Chinese blades of the time.

This is my info, and I hope it helps. If I have made any mistakes, please let me know.

Answer 2

For the most part, although there were some that were made with a portion of the back sharpened (usually the upper 1/4). These were intended as battlefield swords to more readily penetrate the armor with a thrust than the traditional Katana. The design never really caught on and while the blades did enjoy some degree of usage in full scale battle, the didn't really have much use as a personal side arm.

Answer 3

Mostly, but not all. Now, we can get very technical with terms, but I'm not gonna. I'm assuming you mean the swords used in the feudal period(s) in Japan's history. I have seen authentic swords of that period (either in person or in books of good reputation) that were not just single-edged. I've seen a tanto (short sword, we generally think it's a knife) that was straight-bladed, and double-edged. In a book, there is a picture of a curved bladed sword with the back 1/4th of the blade sharpened. Cold Steel sells a replica of that sort of sword.

Answer 4

I find double edged swords are better to fight with. You can also do reversed slashes, with double edged swords. So that, itself. Is beautiful. They have more weight, that means more damage. They may be a bit slower than single edged swords. But, that is okay. Since their weight can overpower a single edged swordsman, and make him off balance. Imagine, a 8 to 10 pound double edged greatsword were to be swung at a 2 to 3 pound singe edged katana. The katana swordsman, would be scared of the greatsword swordsman. After, feeling his power. From the impact, of his larger blade.

Answer 5

Yes

Answer 6

yes if you see the fighting style youll notice they only ever strike with one edge of the sword

Answer 7

yeah the traditional were single edged

Answer 8

Yes!