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With many functional katanas featuring different lengths and characteristics, it’s no wonder people often ask: how long is actually a katana? This article will explore the different aspects of katana length and dimensions, with examples from both famous historical blades and modern reproductions.
What Is the Average Length of a Katana?
| Overall length | 90-110 cm (35-43 in) |
| Blade (Nagasa) | 60-80 cm (24-31 in) |
| Handle (Tsuka) | 25-30 cm (10-12 in) |
| Weight | 1-1.4 kg (2.2-3 lbs) |
The total length of a katana in koshaire(with the battle ready fittings) from the tip to the pommel is typically between 90 and 110 cm or 35 to 43 in inches. This number is based on both modern functional katanas and real historical examples.
When it comes to katana length, the most critical factor has always been fitting the sword to its user. A swordsman would wield a blade proportioned to their own height and arm length for optimal balance and control.
How Long Is a Katana Blade?
The blade, or nagasa, generally measures between 60 and 80 cm (24−31 inches). The measurement only includes the blade’s visible cutting portion, not the tang. A blade shorter than this, typically between 30 and 60 cm, would be classified as a wakizashi, which is another japanese sword type. This length is measured in a straight line from the very tip of the blade (Kissaki, 切先) down to the notch on the spine where the polished blade ends and the unpolished tang begins.
Here are a few historical katanas and their respective blade lengths:
Mikazuki Munechika
Originating in the late Heian period, the Mikazuki Munechika was crafted by the legendary swordsmith Sanjo Munechika. Its design includes a quite slender blade, which is 80 cm long (31.5 inches, or roughly 2 shaku, 6 sun, 4 bu) and has a gentle 1.1-inch curve.
Yamatorige
The Yamatorige is a tachi (see, Katana vs Tachi) from the 13th century that has a curvature of 1.3 inches. The blade is wide and thick, exemplifying swords from the mid-Kamakura period and a length of 79 cm (31.1 inches or about 2 shaku, 6 sun).
Karakashiwa
The Karakashiwa is a samurai sword from the 14th century crafted by Kuninobu. Its name comes from the full-blade temper pattern, which resembles the leaves of a Chinese hackberry tree. The blade’s length is 79.8 cm (31.4 inches or about 2 shaku, 6 sun, 3 bu).
Koryu Kagemitsu
The Koryu Kagemitsu is another Japanese sword forged in the 14th century by the master swordsmith Kagemitsu. This magnificent sword has a length of 73.9 cm (29.1 inches).
Okada Giri
Okada Giri is a blade from the 13th century with a pronounced curvature of 0.83 inches. The tip of the blade is in a short style known as ikubi or “boar’s neck,” which was typical for the time. The blade also has a wide body. Two round grooves, called bo-hi (棒樋), are carved on both sides of the blade. The blade length is 69.1 cm or 27.2 in inches.
Here are some of the best modern katanas and their respective blade lengths.
Watanabe no Tsuna
The Watanabe no Tsuna is a modern katana forged by Longquan swordsmiths. This blade is designed for heavy cutting, a purpose reflected in its deep curvature. It has a blade length of 72 cm (28.3 inches) and a total length of 107 cm (42.1 inches). The sword’s curvature (sori) is 2.8 cm (1.1 inches) at its deepest point.
Shinto Katana
The Shinto Katana is a popular sword made by Hanwei forges. It has a blade length of 68 cm (27 inches) and a total length of 99 cm (39 inches).
Summer Lotus
The Summer Lotus is another modern katana made by Dragon King for cutting exercises. It features a blade length of 71 cm (about 2 shaku, 3 sun, 4 bu).
What Is the Typical Length of a Katana Handle?
The average katana handle length, or tsuka, commonly ranges from 25 to 30 cm (10−12 inches). A general guideline is that the handle should be long enough to accommodate both hands with a small amount of space between them. However, this is highly dependent on preference and the school of swordsmanship (ryuha). Some styles that emphasize powerful, leveraged cuts may favor a longer tsuka, while others that utilize faster, more subtle wrist movements might prefer a shorter one.
How Wide Is a Katana Blade?
A katana blade tapers from a wider base at the hilt (Motohaba) to a narrower point at the tip (Sakihaba).
- Width at the hilt (Motohaba): Approximately +-3.2 cm (1.25 inches).
- Width at the tip (Sakihaba): Approximately +-2.3 cm (0.9 inches).
This taper, known as funbari, is not just about aesthetics or weight reduction. The geometry significantly influences cutting dynamics. A blade with a more pronounced taper might feel quicker and excel at thrusting, while one with a more uniform width might feel more powerful throughout the length of a slicing cut.
How Thick Is a Katana Blade
The blade’s spine, or Kasane, also has a distal taper, meaning it is thickest at the hilt and thins towards the tip.
- Thickness at the hilt (Motokasane): Around 6−8 mm (0.24−0.31 inches).
- Thickness at the tip (Sakikasane): Tapers to about 4−5 mm.
This feature is crucial for balance, but the specific cross-sectional geometry (the “meat” behind the edge, or Hira-niku) is just as important. A thick, robust blade is durable and can withstand impacts with armor or bone, but a thinner blade with less Hira-niku may offer a sharper, cleaner cut at the cost of some resilience.
How Much Does a Katana Weigh?
Including its handle and fittings, typically weighs between 1 and 1.4 kg (2.2–3 lbs). While its weight can vary based on factors such as blade length, width, and materials, most katanas fall within this common range. A person should know that the balance point of the sword is far more critical to its handling than its total weight.
A well-balanced 1.3 kg katana can feel significantly lighter and more agile in the hand than a poorly balanced 1 kg sword. The weight and material of the fittings (koshirae), such as the handguard and pommel, are used to tune this balance point.
Tsuba (guard) Size
The handguard, or tsuba, generally has a diameter between 7.5 and 9 cm (3−4 inches). The size is a compromise between offering sufficient hand protection and not being so large that it impedes movement or gets caught on clothing. During the peaceful Edo period, tsuba often became larger and more artistically elaborate, functioning as status symbols.
In contrast, swords intended purely for combat might feature smaller, more practical guards. Their shape is also far from standard, appearing in round, lobed, square, and countless other custom forms.
Last Words
The typical overall length of a katana ranges between 90-110 cm (35-43 in) with the blade ranging between 60-80 cm (24-31 in) and the hilt 25-30 cm (10-12 in). Their length can vary based on historical period, the swordsmith, and the intended user. To see a comparison between katanas and other samurai swords, check out our article here. For the exact lengths of other Japanese sword types, you can find them in our other article “15 Japanese Sword Types You Should Know(With HQ Pictures)“.
How long is the longest katana?
The longest known katana(single-edged japanese sword) is the Haja-no-Ontachi, with an overall length of 465 cm (183 inches) and a weight of 75 kg (165 lbs). It was forged in the Edo period (1603-1867) and is considered a ceremonial or display piece rather than a functional weapon. While often referred to as a “katana” by a modern audience, a sword of this size is a specific type called an odachi/nodachi, or “great great sword. See, Katana vs nodachi.
Are all katanas the same length?
No, katanas are not all the same length. Its length can vary significantly based on historical period, the swordsmith, and the intended user.
Why does the length of a katana vary?
The length of a katana isn’t standardized because its design evolved over time to suit changes in warfare, and swords were often custom-made for the individual warrior. The dimensions of a katana are a direct reflection of its purpose, the time period it was made, and the person who wielded it.
