The arrival of Matthew Perry in 1853 and the subsequent Convention of Kanagawa caused chaos in Japanese society. Conflicts began to occur frequently between the forces of sonnō jōi (尊王攘夷派), who wanted to overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate and rule by the Emperor, and the forces of sabaku (佐幕派), who wanted the Tokugawa Shogunate to continue. These political activists, called the shishi (志士), fought using a practical katana, called the kinnōtō (勤皇刀) or the bakumatsutō (幕末刀). Their katana were often longer than 90cm (35.43in) in blade length, less curved, and had a big and sharp point, which was advantageous for stabbing in indoor battles. [42] Gendaitō (modern or contemporary swords) [ edit ] Meiji – World War II [ edit ] Katana mountings decorated with maki-e lacquer in the 1800s. Although the number of forged swords decreased in the Meiji period, many artistically excellent mountings were made. Iwasaki, Kosuke (1934), "Muramasa's curse (村正の祟りについて)", Japanese sword course, volume 8, Historical Anecdotes and Practical Appreciation. (日本刀講座 第8巻 歴史及説話・実用及鑑賞), Yuzankaku, pp.91–118, doi: 10.11501/1265855

Junko Oishi. "Analyzing the words of Wae-geom and Wae-geom-sa in Classical Korean literatures". p.72. Archived from the original on 9 December 2022 . Retrieved 9 December 2022. Perrin, Noel (1980). Giving Up the Gun: Japan's Reversion to the Sword, 1543–1879. Boston: David R. Godine. p.140. ISBN 978-0-87773-184-9.

a b c d e f Leon Kapp; Hiroko Kapp; Yoshindo Yoshihara (1987). The Craft of the Japanese Sword. Japan: Kodansha International. p.167. ISBN 978-0-87011-798-5. From the late Muromachi period (Sengoku period) to the early Edo period, samurai were sometimes equipped with a katana blade pointing downwards like a tachi. This style of sword is called handachi, "half tachi". In handachi, both styles were often mixed, for example, fastening to the obi was katana style, but metalworking of the scabbard was tachi style. [35] a b History of Japanese swords "Muromachi period － Azuchi-Momoyama period". Nagoya Japanese Sword Museum Touken World. Kokugo Dai Jiten, Revised Edition) (in Japanese), Tōkyō: Shogakukan, 刀 ( katana) entry available online here

Roger Ford (2006). Weapon: A Visual History of Arms and Armor. DK Publishing. pp.66, 120. ISBN 9780756622107. Adrian Akmajian; Richard A. Demers; Ann K. Farmer; Robert M. Harnish (2001). Linguistics: An Introduction to Language and Communication. Massachusetts: The MIT Press. p.624. ISBN 9780262511230. A knife where the handle fits within a clenched fist and the blade comes out from between two fingers.Yumoto, John (13 December 2013). The Samurai Sword: A Handbook. Tuttle Publishing. pp.6, 70. ISBN 978-1-4629-0706-9. It is said that the following three objects are the most noteworthy objects when appreciating a blade. The first is the overall shape referred to as sugata. Curvature, length, width, tip, and shape of tang of the sword are the objects for appreciation. The second is a fine pattern on the surface of the blade, which is referred to as hada or jigane. By repeatedly folding and forging the blade, fine patterns such as fingerprints, tree rings and bark are formed on its surface. The third is hamon. Hamon is a white pattern of the cutting edge produced by quenching and tempering. The object of appreciation is the shape of hamon and the crystal particles formed at the boundary of hamon. Depending on the size of the particles, they can be divided into two types, a nie and a nioi, which makes them look like stars or mist. In addition to these three objects, a swordsmith signature and a file pattern engraved on tang, and a carving inscribed on the blade, which is referred to as horimono, are also the objects of appreciation. [67] [68] A Japanese sword authentication paper (Origami) from 1702 that Hon'ami Kōchū certified a tantō made by Yukimitsu in the 14th century as authentic Understanding the components of a katana is essential for those who want to learn how to sharpen a katana properly. The blade is the most critical part, and it's where all the sharpening action happens. The blade's surface needs to be treated with care to maintain its razor edge. It's not just about making the blade sharp; it's about preserving the blade's integrity and ensuring it's ready for anything.

Sharpening a katana sword is not something you rush into. It's a process that requires careful preparation. In Japan, the art of katana sword sharpening, or 'Togi', is considered a formal art form, one that takes years, even decades, to master. But don't let that put you off. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and a healthy respect for the blade, you'll be well on your way to sharpening your katana. The katana's blade is made of steel, carefully hand-forged and polished to a perfect mirror finish. The blade's edge, the cutting surface, is the sharpest part, and it's where you'll focus most of your sharpening efforts. The hilt, or handle, is typically made of wood, wrapped in ray skin and silk for a comfortable, secure grip. Recognizing these components is crucial because each part requires different care. The more you understand the katana's components, the better you'll be at maintaining and sharpening your own blades. The Importance of a Sharp Katana Mass-produced swords including iaitō and shinken in the shape of katana are available from many countries, though China dominates the market. [56] These types of swords are typically mass-produced and made with a wide variety of steels and methods.Depending on choice, the Eastern inspired knife ranges accompany with a wooden ‘Saya’. For those looking for a more Westernised nature, the knife ranges feature a quality leather sheath. Both offer perfect protection for your knife and its sharp edge. Katana can also be known as dai or daitō among Western sword enthusiasts, although daitō is a generic name for any Japanese long sword, literally meaning "big sword". [10]