15 Japanese Sword Types You Should Know(With HQ Pictures)

While the samurai katanas are undoubtedly the most iconic Japanese swords, many other types were used throughout history, each with distinct purposes and characteristics. This post will explore the most important historical Japanese sword types, detailing their design, features, and intended use.

Samurai Sword Types

Katana

The Katana is the most famous and well known Japanese sword type used by the samurai warriors. It features a slightly curved blade with a single edge and is used with both hands for maximal performance. These iconic blades were primarily crafted during and after the Kamakura period. They were also highly elaborate, showing stunning hamon lines (the visible temper line on the blade) and often featuring beautifully made tsuba (handguards) and other high-quality fittings. These swords were carried with the cutting edge facing up (same as we display them today), just by sliding through a belt.

The Katana was perfectly optimized for combat on foot, excelling in precise cutting techniques and allowing for quicker draws. More than just a weapon, they became a cherished symbol of the samurai’s spirit and skill, representing a pinnacle of traditional Japanese sword craftsmanship.

While “katana” is the name most of us use, in Japanese 刀 (katana) simply means any single‑edged blade, which also means there is another classification for katana types. The classic samurai sword we imagine is actually called 打刀 (uchigatana)—the post‑tachi style carried edge‑up.

Tachi

The Tachi is the ancestor of the Katana(check, Tachi Vs Katana), used primarily by mounted samurai before the 1400s. Its key features include a deep curve and a single sharp edge, a design that made one-handed slashing attacks from horseback highly effective. It could also be used on foot with two hands for powerful cuts. The Tachi was worn hanging from a belt with the edge facing down. These traditionally made swords were often elaborate and sometimes served a ceremonial role.

Read: The Best Tachi Swords: Our Recommendations for Use & Collection

Kogarasu-Maru (Type of Tachi)

The Kogarasu-Maru, meaning “Little Crow,” is a legendary Japanese sword renowned for its unique and ancient design. In fact, this is a type of tachi with a slightly different design. Unlike most traditional Japanese tachis which feature a single cutting edge, the Kogarasu-Maru possesses a distinctive double-edged tip with a slightly different shape, more optimized for thrust attacks. Believed to have been forged in the Heian period (794-1185 AD), its slightly curved blade was primarily designed for sweeping cuts from horseback.

Kodachi (Type of Tachi)

The Kodachi is just a smaller version of the traditional tachi. While sharing its curved blade and general aesthetics, the Kodachi’s compact size allowed for quick, agile maneuvers, making it ideal for close-quarters combat or as a secondary weapon. It was typically worn suspended from the belt with the cutting edge down, similar to its larger counterpart. Its smaller stature made it suitable for situations where a full-sized sword might be cumbersome, or for individuals who preferred a lighter, more nimble blade.

Wakizashi

The Wakizashi is a Japanese one-handed short sword often paired with the Katana(check, Katana vs Wakizashi), forming the traditional daisho samurai set. It was worn at the waist and used for close combat, indoor fighting, and as a backup weapon. Lightweight, fast, and with good reach, the Wakizashi is said to have been the most widely used sword among samurai.

Because of its balance and size, it’s still considered one of the best swords for self-defense in modern times. Its design has also inspired many modern tactical blades used for outdoor tasks or personal defense. As for traditional samurai wakizashis, they are still used in martial arts or kept in collections.

Tanto

The Tanto is a small, single-edged Japanese blade more like a knife or dagger. Samurai carried it alongside their main swords, and it was used in tight spaces or as a last-resort weapon. Though compact, the tantō was sharp, strong, and capable of piercing armor at close range. It was often crafted with the same care and detail as a full-sized sword.

Nodachi

The Nodachi, or Odachi, is one of the largest Japanese swords and the biggest sword samurai used on the battlefield. These huge, sharp weapons appeared during the late Kamakura period (1185–1333) and were used until the Muromachi period (1336–1573). Its size gave it great cutting power and reach, especially against cavalry or groups of enemies.

Because of its length, it was usually carried on the back or held by an assistant before battle. Using it required strength and skill. The Nodachi featured a long, single-edged curved blade often measuring over 35 inches (90 cm) in length and weighing between 4.4 and 6.6 pounds (2 to 3 kg).

Read: Nodachi vs Katana

Nagamaki

The Nagamaki is another large Japanese weapon, but with the blade and reach of a regular katana. What made this sword appear larger was its extended handle, almost equal in length to the blade. The Nagamaki looks like a mix between a sword and a polearm, designed for sweeping slashes and wide movements on the battlefield.

Samurai used it to fight enemies at a distance while still keeping the control of a sword. The long handle allowed powerful two-handed strikes, making it effective against both foot soldiers and cavalry. Though not as common as other blades, the Nagamaki stood out for its unique balance and is still admired today for its rare and bold design.

Naginata(Polearm)

The Naginata is a formidable Japanese polearm, characterized by its long shaft topped with a curved, single-edged blade. It was a versatile weapon, primarily wielded with two hands, allowing for wide, powerful arcs and effective thrusts. Historically, the Naginata was used by various warriors, including samurai, foot soldiers, and notably by sōhei (warrior monks) and onna-bugeisha (female warriors). Its extended reach and cutting power made it effective against both mounted and unmounted opponents.

Other Japanese Sword Types

Ninjato

The sword of the ninja, also known as the Ninjato, is another short sword used in Japan, characterized by a straight blade and a typical square guard (tsuba). Its design made it practical to carry and quick to draw — things that were especially important for ninjas.

Unlike the more refined curves of the katana, the ninjato focused on function over form, favoring stealth, speed, and utility(check, Ninjato vs Katana). Though its exact history is debated, it has become a lasting symbol of the ninja’s secretive and agile world. Today, it’s popular in martial arts, movies, and collections alike.

Read: The Best Ninja Swords in 2025

Chokuto

Characterized by its straight, single-edged blade, the Chokuto is one of the oldest Japanese sword types. It’s said to have been influenced by Chinese designs, mainly the dao, which was already in use at the time. The Chokuto was used for stabbing and slicing in close combat, as it was shorter and built differently compared to katanas. Though it eventually faded from use as curved blades proved more effective in battle, they remains important as a historical sword that marks the beginning of Japan’s sword-making tradition.

Tsurugi

The Tsurugi (or Ken) is considered one of Japan’s earliest sword types. Unlike the later, typically curved Japanese blades, it featured a straight, double-edged design, ideal for both thrusting and cutting. Originating in ancient Japan, the Tsurugi was deeply intertwined with rituals, mythology, and sacred symbolism. While some were used in battle (with or without a shield), many served primarily ceremonial purposes. Its design is believed to have been influenced by Chinese Jian swords.

Warabiteto

The Warabiteto is an early Japanese sword with a straight or slightly curved blade, believed to have been used before the rise of the samurai class. Its name comes from the “warabi” fern, which its handle is said to resemble. The blade was often wide and thick, made for powerful strikes, and used by ancient warrior groups in Japan. Though not as refined as later swords like the katana, the warabiteto shows the beginnings of Japanese sword design. Today, it holds historical value as a rare example of Japan’s earliest edged weapons.

Gunto

The Gunto refers to a style of Japanese sword produced for military officers and soldiers primarily during the late 19th and 20th centuries. Unlike the traditionally forged and artistic katana, tachi, or wakizashi, Gunto were often mass-produced using more modern manufacturing techniques to equip a large standing army.

They maintained the general appearance of traditional Japanese swords, often featuring curved blades and handles designed for two-handed grip, but their primary purpose was as a functional military sidearm rather than a cherished family heirloom. There were different types with different characteristics and lengths.

Shikomizue

The Shikomizue is a hidden blade sword, cleverly disguised as a simple walking stick or cane. Unlike traditional swords, it had no visible guard or fittings, ensuring its purpose remained concealed. The shikomizue saw significant use during the late Edo period in Japan, particularly from the late 18th century through the mid-19th century.

This was a time of relative peace under the Tokugawa shogunate, but also a period where the traditional samurai class faced evolving social roles. Publicly carrying a real sword became increasingly restricted for many and this is where the shikomizue found its niche. It was used for surprise attacks or self-defense, often by undercover samurai, spies, or travelers who needed to stay discreet.

Last Words

Throughout history, Japanese swords evolved to meet the changing needs of warfare, culture, and technique. Different types were developed for specific battle applications, whether for horseback combat, close-quarters fighting, or distance fighting. Each blade design reflected the demands of its time, showing how form and function were carefully balanced. Together, these swords tell the story of Japan’s martial past and the craftsmanship behind it.

Read: Samurai Sword Vs Katana

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