Enhance Your Collection With Authentic Samurai Swords

One of the recognizable deadliest weapons in the world is the Samurai Sword. These swords have been an iconic symbol of Japan for centuries. The basic designs of authentic samurai swords have remained consistent over the centuries. Recently in San Jose, the annual 'Spirit of Japantown Festival' was celebrated. Along with other things, the visitors were able to get samurai swords evaluated free of charge as well. An expert from the San Francisco Sword Society was present. The participants were very happy to get the chance of consulting with the experts.

The Japanese 'tachi', a precursor to the more popular 'katana' first appeared around 600 A.D. The long, curved, one-bladed Katanas are considered as authentic samurai swords. These were developed during the 10th century and were used to carry out surprise attacks on the enemies. The warriors used to wear these swords on their belts, with the bladed side facing upwards. Two other popular shorter samurai swords are the Tanto and Wakizashi. Only the samurai warriors are allowed to carry these swords in pair.
After World War II, the US had banned the productioOne of the recognizable deadliest weapons in the world is the Samurai Sword. These swords have been an iconic symbol of Japan for centuries. The basic designs of authentic samurai swords have remained consistent over the centuries. Recently in San Jose, the annual 'Spirit of Japantown Festival' was celebrated. Along with other things, the visitors were able to get samurai swords evaluated free of charge as well. An expert from the San Francisco Sword Society was present. The participants were very happy to get the chance of consulting with the experts.
The Japanese 'tachi', a precursor to the more popular 'katana' first appeared around 600 A.D. The long, curved, one-bladed Katanas are considered as authentic samurai swords. These were developed during the 10th century and were used to carry out surprise attacks on the enemies. The warriors used to wear these swords on their belts, with the bladed side facing upwards. Two other popular shorter samurai swords are the Tanto and Wakizashi. Only the san of samurai swords. However, the ban was lifted afterwards under the condition that these would be made and owned only for the artistic value. As many US soldiers secretly bought authentic samurai swords, many could be found in the US till today. However, most of the swords found today are for display only and not to be used in any type of combat.
Authentic samurai swords are made from Japanese steel known as Tamahagane. Two different steels, a softer one inside and a harder one wrapped around it, are combined to make the blade. Thus the blade has a hard, razor sharp edge for cutting and the core is able to absorb shocks, reducing the chance of getting the blade broken or bent. File markings are done on the sword-blade, which are used to assess the aging of the steel. There are many companies that make replica of authentic samurai swords. The swords are made with a great deal of decoration to make them more appealing.
If you are interested in collecting samurai swords, log onto Swordandaxe.com. They are one of the first online supplier of handmade weapons since 2000. You can get the finest quality katana swords here at affordable prices. They carry many brands of authentic samurai swords made by renowned forgers like Cas Hanwei, Cheness, Cold Steel, United Cutlery, Musashi, and many more. They are always ready to assist you in any way both before and after the purchase.

The Many Different Types of Japanese Swords

Types of Japanese swords can be confusing when a new collector is looking to purchase different swords for their weaponry collection. There are several different sword types to choose, and they can all be very daunting in the beginning. However, once the collector begins to understand the differences between the Japanese swords, they will be able to identify them easily.

Japanese swords were traditionally used for fighting, and there are several different types of Japanese swords according to style, design, shape and size. The manufacturing techniques and level of skill behind the sword making will also determine the sword types. Traditionally all Japanese swords would be classified as Katana swords. However, these are also a class on their own, and Samurai Katana swords are very popular to own.

There are several varieties of the Katana available, and collectors and martial arts specialists will need to know the differences between the swords. The historic Katana has a curved, single edged blade and is traditionally held with two hands. The distinctive, long handle allows for a better grip as the blade is incredibly long. These sword types are associated with the Samurai soldiers of Feudal, which battled in the 15th century.

The Tachi Sword is slightly longer than the traditional Katana and is more curved in appearance. These types of Japanese swords would have been used by the warriors on horseback, who needed to draw their swords quickly. Although many novice collectors mistake this sword for the Samurai, the blades are made differently and have distinctive differences.

The Wakizashi sword has a traditional shoto blade, which measures on average between 30 and 60 centimeters. These sword types are very similar in style to the Katana; however, they are far shorter and are often used as a dagger. Warriors would carry both the Wakizashi and a Katana into battle allowing them to have two different weapons.

The Nodachi sword is one of the largest types of Japanese swords, and was the style which was chosen for the battle fields. They are very similar in appearance to the Tachi sword; however, they are far longer and sturdier in style and design. The distinct length of the Nodachi swords made them ideal for battling outside; however, they were often too long for combats indoors.

The Shin Gunto Sword types were the chosen weaponry of Japanese warriors, and were considered part of the uniform. The officers of the Imperial Japanese Army choose these types of Japanese swords to use in battle. The speed of the fights in Japan were incredibly quick, and the design of all of the different types of Japanese swords allowed for as much damage to be done to a person in a very short space of time.

A single cut from any of the different sword types will inflict a major wound and in some cases a fatal injury. The swords were designed to kill, and the Japanese warriors perfected the art form of using the swords to ensure that they won. All of the different types of Japanese swords look incredible in a collection, and this is what many are bought for today.

Art Discoveries and Formation of Chinese Sword

Throughout a long period of time, archeological discoveries continuously unearth ancient Chinese weapons, some of them ancient kung fu weapons. Recently, a 2,200 year old metal and jade weapon was unearthed. While jade is considered as a decorative element, forging a weapon of this type has never been within the bounds of imagination of many archeologists, up until now.In many Hollywood films, these Ancient Chinese Weapons and Armor have been featured. Just what is the history of these Kung Fu accessories and how has the art of creating such weapons evolved since then?
As far back as 6,000 years ago, the ancient Chinese fashioned many types of weapons ranging from meteorite metal, iron, bronze, bamboo, wood, stone and jade. Because they were martial arts weapons, some of them were supposed to mimic or simulate the movements of animals and insects, whether real or in myth. Long before Hinduism and Buddhism brought Kung Fu from India, the Chinese had already mastered the art of melee weaponry and combat. The influence of Kung Fu merely improved ancient Chinese fighting styles. In actual fact, weapon fabrication, technique of usage, materials and shape greatly depended on the ruling dynasty or emperor at any period of time. A single dynasty may last for many centuries so weapons of a future dynasty may also have been influenced by a previous one.
The Chinese sword fall into two categories, the Jian and Dao. The Jian is a single hand double edged straight sword. Grips for Jian swords were made of fluted hardwood. They were sometimes wrapped in ray skin or in cotton cord.The Dao is a single edged curved sword longer and heavier than the Jian. It is often referred to as a Chinese broadsword or saber. Dao blades curve moderately and have a canted hilt, curving in the opposite direction to the blade. There is also a disc-shaped or S-shaped guard.Chinese Sanmei metamorphosed for 2,500 years beginning with bronze then moving on to iron and then steel. At first, during the Han Dynasty, the weapon of choice for mounted cavalry was the Dao. Later on, the lighter Jian became the most commonly used infantry and cavalry sword because of its lightweight.
Like the history of Chinese swords, ancient Chinese armor also went through a metamorphosis. Early Shang Dynasty armor was light plated turtle shells tied together with cord. Later on, these were replaced with one-piece leather or bronze breastplates. In the 2nd Century B.C., plated wrought iron armor began to appear. These were laced together with leather and sometimes had overlapping leather plates as well.During the period of the Ming Dynasty, light plated armor woven into leather and cloth fabrics became the norm since this did not hinder martial arts movements. It only covered the most important body parts vulnerable to injury. Trading with Arab and Persian neighbors introduced the Chinese to the European chainmail which was widely copied by many rich nobles,officials and military officers.

Everything You Need to Know About Ninja Culture and Buying Swords Online

There are lots of people who are fond of Japanese culture. Perhaps you have been two apartments and houses with swords hanging on the walls. Indeed, Japanese swords are magnificent. In general, Japanese culture is incredibly interesting. There are many fans of Japanese swords and culture in the U.S. and Europe. Actually, it's not problematic to find interesting information about Japanese culture online. Moreover, there are auctions and online stores that sell various swords. It should be mentioned that kids love studying history of ninja. So, down the page are helpful tips on choosing swords and ninja clothes on the net.
As already said above, Japanese stuff attract lots of people from across the world. Thus, many online stores offer Japanese swords and clothes. Besides, folks sell unique swords at auctions. So, if you want to buy a genuine samurai sword, but have no experience and relevant knowledge, you have to be really careful, as there are lots of fakes and scammers in the market. Such swords can be extremely expensive, especially when it comes to ninja swords. There are risks of buying a fake sword for 500 $. That is why, before performing a transaction make sure this is not a fake. There are several ways to do that. Firstly, you should check reputation of the seller. There are lots of offers on Ebay. Look at the seller reputation. If this person sells genuine Japanese swords, he or she should have positive reviews. It is recommended to look for sellers from Japan. Secondly, if you want to buy a sword from a conventional store, you may ask for certificates, i.e. papers stating where the sword was produced. Alternatively, you may ask for professional assistance from antique experts.
As known, there are many forums and communities in social networks dedicated to Japanese culture. There you will find lots of people with the same passions. If you need advice you will get it. Besides, it is cool to communicate with people with identical hobbies. Such people organize offline meetings from time to time to share experience, have fun, exchange swords and clothes etc. So, joining such web sites is definitely an excellent idea for fans of the sword culture. Japanese culture is fascinating, as already said above. You will find plenty of books and websites on the net depicting its beauty. If you want to practice martial arts, you will definitely need additional information.
Please, visit our website if you lack knowledge on ninjutsu. You will find mind blowing articles and pictures on ninja. By the way, your kids will surely enjoy studying this culture. Be a brave warrior. As known, Japanese warriors are brave, fair and smart. Good luck!

Ancient Chinese Weapons and Armor- The Kung Fu Connection

Throughout a long period of time, archeological discoveries continuously unearth ancient Chinese weapons, some of them ancient kung fu weapons. Recently, a 2,200 year old metal and jade weapon was unearthed. While jade is considered as a decorative element, forging a weapon of this type has never been within the bounds of imagination of many archeologists, up until now.
In many Hollywood films, these Ancient Chinese Weapons and Armor have been featured. Just what is the history of these Kung Fu accessories and how has the art of creating such weapons evolved since then?
As far back as 6,000 years ago, the ancient Chinese fashioned many types of weapons ranging from meteorite metal, iron, bronze, bamboo, wood, stone and jade. Because they were martial arts weapons, some of them were supposed to mimic or simulate the movements of animals and insects, whether real or in myth. Long before Hinduism and Buddhism brought Kung Fu from India, the Chinese had already mastered the art of melee weaponry and combat. The influence of Kung Fu merely improved ancient Chinese fighting styles. In actual fact, weapon fabrication, technique of usage, materials and shape greatly depended on the ruling dynasty or emperor at any period of time. A single dynasty may last for many centuries so weapons of a future dynasty may also have been influenced by a previous one.
With the discovery of iron, many types of iron weapons could now be forged and mass produced at a faster rate. In practical terms, iron was, of course, stronger and could last longer and so the quality of ancient Chinese weapons and armor greatly improved.

More money than sense Chinese man spends $16,000 on sword for virtual martial arts game

Whilst the season of giving might be over for yet another year, it seems one computer gamer has marked the end of the festivities by treating himself to one final Christmas gift.
The avid gamer spent a staggering $16,000 on a virtual sword - the only one of its kind, which he will use when he eventually begins playing a martial arts game that has not yet gone on sale in the Far East.
The man who won the auction will now be able to slay characters using his sabre when the highly-anticipated martial-arts game Age of Wulin is released in Mainland China.

Winner: The avid gamer, left, proudly displays the a plaque after his bid of $16,000 won him a virtual sword for the online game Age of Wulin

To mark the launch of the title, Snail Games, the software developers held an online auction in which its users could bid for exclusive items.
Other items sold during the sale included a sheath for Hook of Departure which was sold for $1,600 whilst a a Lordly Spear Sheath fetched $2,500.

Other relatively modest purchases were made with pre-paid time cards amounting to just  $15 whilst enhancement materials went for a mere $30.
Meanwhile, rare mount that characters can take advantage of in the game cost an estimated $70 during the sale.

Adventure: Age of Wulin gamers have already had the chance to play the beta version of the game

Age of Wulin is set in medieval China, and based on the folklore surrounding martial arts and the adventurers who practice it.
In the game, players meet and interact online and roleplay in a new fantasy setting as they undertake quests, enhanced through various interactive community functions.
The English version of Age of Wulin is expected to be available, initially as a closed beta shortly after the Chinese open beta in Spring 2012.