By Santiago Gutierrez

If you know anything about Japanese swords, you most definitely have heard of the Katana and Wakizashi. These are the two primary swords that a warrior would carry at all times in ancient Japan. So what is the difference between these two important swords, and what is their significance? In this article I will compare the Katana and Wakizashi to help you decide which one is more practical for you!

A Japanese samurai would traditionally carry two swords: a katana and a wakizashi. These two swords are collectively referred to as "daisho" which means large and small in Japanese. The Katana is the larger sword of the two and is usually recognized by its single-edged blade and distinct curvature. The wakizashi, although similar in shape and style, has key differences that separate it from the katana. Due to the fact that the wakizashi is smaller than the katana, it is usually thought of as a backup weapon that would be used in situations where the katana is too large. Ancient samurai warriors would always carry one of each sword even when they were inside of a building.

What does this all mean to you? You should take your size and strength into account when choosing between the katana and wakizashi for your personal use. If you want a Japanese sword to use for practice or cutting drills but you are a little on the small side, you should consider purchasing a wakizashi. If you feel confident that you are strong enough to handle the size and shape of a larger sword, then the katana might be perfect for you.

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All the best,

Santiago Gutierrez http://www.swordsell.com/