Oriental Weapons

Oriental swords were not simple weapons, but had a special value and meaning; we could even say that in certain cases they were considered sacred objects. Thus, in Japan, for example, already in the myths related to Shintoism, we find a sword as a symbol of power and strength. This sword is said to have been a gift from the Sun goddess to her grandson, the first emperor Jinmu Tennō. But it was not only for the Japanese that this traditional weapon had such importance; other Eastern nations, such as China and Korea, also gave their swords and other types of traditional weapons special treatment, and in their myths, they often endowed them with magical powers.

The Best-Known Oriental Weapons

Each of the countries in the Orient had its own traditional weapons, which they usually used in their famous martial arts. In this category, we invite you to discover the most known and used types of oriental weapons in ancient times.

Some of the best-known oriental weapons that you can find in our store are the following: 

·         Katana: this was the Samurai's saber, known worldwide for its cutting ability. This quality made it popularly known as the “hand guillotine”. This weapon is characterized by its robust design, with a single curved edge, about 70 cm long, and generally weighing one kilo. It was made of iron and wood. The manufacturing process of a katana was very complicated and delicate, so it could even take months.

·         Tachi: this was the Japanese sword that predated the katana, which had a slightly more curved shape and a significantly greater length. The longest tachi known dates from the 15th century and measures more than 3.7 meters in total length, and was probably used as a ceremonial weapon, as handling this enormous blade would have been quite complicated. Tachi was mainly used by cavalry, as it was difficult to handle on the ground. It was made of iron and wood.

·         Tanto: this was a traditional Japanese weapon, similar in shape to a katana, but much shorter and with an edge similar to a dagger. It was usually used in emergencies for a surprise attack. It was a double-edged weapon, measuring between 15 and 30 cm. The materials used for its manufacture were iron and wood.

·         Wakizashi: also known as shōtō, this was a short Japanese saber, whose length varied between 30 and 60 cm. Due to its size, it was more manageable than a katana, so it was often used for fighting in confined spaces. It was made of iron and wood.

·         Sai: this was a weapon whose origin is probably in Japan, although it is not known for certain. There are two versions about its development. One says that the Sai comes from an agricultural tool, and the other that it was an evolution of a dagger. It is a stabbing and throwing weapon, with a lethal radius of 3 m. It normally had an unsharpened blade, with a very sharp tip, but there are also versions with a sharpened edge. On the sides of the blade were placed guards, also pointed and much shorter than the blade itself. It was made of iron, and its handle could be covered with cloth.

·         Butterfly Knives: in China, this is a traditional knife, which was very popular due to the ease of learning its handling technique. Its particularity lies in its "S"-shaped handle, which protects the fingers of the person holding it. 

·        Dao or Tao Sword: this was a Chinese sword, considered the "general of all weapons". It was the precursor of the Japanese katana, as well as most curved swords in the Far and Middle East. It was a weapon with a slightly curved and double-edged blade. This traditional Chinese weapon primarily served to deliver slashes and thrusts. The shape of the Dao sword varied greatly over the years, eventually having blades of different widths and lengths. The blade was made of bronze, iron, and later steel iron.

·         Kukri or khukuri: this was a traditional Nepalese curved knife, which was practically a hybrid between an axe and a knife. It was used as a tool and as a bladed weapon. A Kukri blade was usually single-edged and measured about 30 cm. It usually had a rather thick spine, around 5 cm. It was usually made of iron, with a wooden handle.

Immerse yourself in the elegant and enigmatic world of traditional oriental weapons on our website.

Oriental Weapons from the exclusive collection of “Oriental Weapons” manufactured by Marto.