Bushido Katana Sword
Like two gunslingers ready to pull the trigger in a showdown, the samurais faced each other with their determined hand on the hilt of their Bushido katana sword. Both were braced, poised and ready to split the other with an immediate downward or up from underneath stroke, to settle the feud quickly, once and for all. Decisive as only the motion of the blade could be, the red spray spouting from a cleanly severed torso would announce the victor; the only one to walk away.
The Bushido katana sword itself speaks volumes not only of the way of the Samurai, but of the Bushido code which meant loyalty, mastery of oneself, and honor as well as acceptance of death. This was the way of the ultimate Japanese warrior. His swordsmanship was as tempered as the blade and was required by a stringent philosophy combining two religions, both Shinto and Buddhism. It spoke with a clear voice and with a wisdom and serenity much admired by the people of Japan then and now. Ultimately it was the epitome of self-discipline and grace.
The act of sepukku or self sacrifice represented the sense of pride and honor that bounded the warriors to their dedication to the Samurai way of life. So was the efficient and cool defense by the Bushido warrior as he registered the same detached but violent response to any who dared challenge him. With a Bushido katana sword in hand and Bushido principles to uphold, the Samurai presented a formidable threat.
Whether it is used as a weapon or found on a display stand the Bushido katana swords are still crafted with the same respect as they were forged 200 hundred years ago for the Samurai. Blades are still hand forged and clay tempered by the same methods used to produce high quality edges relied upon in centuries past. Traditionally the Bushido katana sword is the ultimate samurai sword and is characterized by a single edged, slightly curved blade, 23 or more inches long and fitted to a curved sheath. The tsuka which is cushioned with ornate animal skin is pretty long, one third the overal length of 40 inches, as its meant to be held with both hands.
There is a visible temper line or hamon in many of the swords which features a grain pattern in the steel called the hada. The hilt on the sword is relatively minimal and may be round or square in shape. The aerodynamics of the blade is not affected by the size of the sword whilst its swinging through the air towards its target. A bloodgroove which extends along the blade is a feature of some swords. Its purpose hardly needs explanation. The saya of the sword is often encased in wood and lacquer and then decorated with natural designs or other floral patterns. Like simialr objects which are meant to be worshipped it may come with a stand for displaying and a kit for cleaning the blade before it returns to its scabbard and rack.
Many Bushido katana swords today are made flawless and battle ready as they are tools of the warrior. Such craftsmanship hearkens back to a time when quality and philosophy, religion and violence were forged together in a brilliant flash of serious steel.
