What is the European equivalent of a katana?

There isn’t a “European katana”, but there are several swords and sabres that more or less mirror some features of katana or similar Japanese swords.

What are extra long katanas called?

The nagamaki (長巻, “long wrapping”) is a type of traditionally made Japanese sword (nihontō) with an extra long handle, used by the samurai class of feudal Japan.

Which type of sword has a curved blade?

A scimitar is distinctive-looking sword, with its short, curved blade.

What is a sword with a long hilt called?

Longsword. These days, the term longsword most frequently refers to a late Medieval and Renaissance weapon designed for use with two hands. The German langes Schwert (“long sword”) in 15th-century manuals did not necessarily denote a type of weapon, but the technique of fencing with both hands at the hilt.

Are katanas lighter than Longswords?

Comparing the katana to the longsword is like comparing apples to oranges. Each one is unique with its own defining characteristics. The longsword is a longer, heavier sword with more stopping power, while the katana is a shorter, lighter sword with a stronger cutting edge.

Are katanas heavier than European swords?

Japanese katanas actually tend to be a bit heavier than European swords of the same blade length. European one-handed swords from any point in history (I’m heavily generalizing here) tend to be around 30–36 inches of blade and around 2–3lbs.

What is the name of Sephiroth’s sword?

Masamune
His weapon, the “Masamune”, which has been featured in numerous Final Fantasy titles, is an elongated nodachi that he learned to use during his days in SOLDIER. The Masamune is named after the famous Japanese swordsmith Goro Nyudo Masamune, whose blades are considered national treasures in Japan today.

How long is Sephiroth’s sword?

According to the Final Fantasy Wiki, the blade’s length varies, but it is somewhere between 6 and 8 feet long. Knowing Sephiroth’s true height could give some insight into Masamune’s exact dimensions, but according to various sources, his measurements also vary, ranging from 6’1″ to 6’4″.

Why are Arabian swords curved?

Curved swords are designed for slashing attacks, which are more effective against unarmored or lightly armored opponents, especially when used from horseback.

Did Samurai use naginata?

Naginata were originally used by the samurai class of feudal Japan, as well as by ashigaru (foot soldiers) and sōhei (warrior monks). The naginata is the iconic weapon of the onna-bugeisha, a type of female warrior belonging to the Japanese nobility. Naginata for fighting men and warrior monks were ō-naginata.

What is the average katana curve measurement?

Katana curve measurements depend on the blade style, however, the average curve should be approximately 1.5 cm. Most of the Japanese records mention that katana was the most aesthetic sword created by Japanese blade-smiths as it had a curved blade. However, the curved blade wasn’t meant to be aesthetic.

Why do Katanas have curved blades?

Technically speaking, the katana’s curved blade came in contact with a target faster than the straight sword. It has a lower center of mass, closer to the handle. This was very important in a close-combat environment. I hope that now you have an idea about the main purposes of the curved blade.

What is the average curve of a samurai sword?

The first thing we all notice about samurai swords is the curvature. That is called sori in Japanese. Katana curve measurements depend on the blade style, however, the average curve should be approximately 1.5 cm. Most of the Japanese records mention that katana was the most aesthetic sword created by Japanese blade-smiths as it had a curved blade.

What are some common misconceptions about the katana?

This is probably the most common misconception about the katana curve. Curvature might be an advantage if the katana wasn’t so slightly curved. Middle Eastern swords like the heavily curved scimitar certainly got an edge over a straight sword. The curve of the katana is just too slight.