The Samurai sword, as used first in the 15th Century by the Samurai warriors of Japan, represented a refinement of the older, longer, and straighter chokuto swords.
The most common Samurai sword, known as katana, was usually a single-edged long sword that was curved in a convex manner from the handle so as to lend greater striking velocity for use from horseback. Rather than stabbing, the katana Samurai sword was used for slashing while astride a horse.
These swords were also provided with ridges within the shaft for added strength. Forging of Samurai swords involved repeated folding over the molten blade upon itself and multiple sessions of hammering out the folded shaft. This process removed impurities and imparted further strength and flexibility to the blade.
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The resulting product was able to be sharpened razor thin for devastating effect. Blades were often tested on the bodies of executed criminals and were said to be able to sever a body in two just above the waist when wielded expertly.
When not riding, the Samurai warrior carried his Samurai sword worn edge-up at his side, through a sash, or obi. The Samurai sword was often accompanied by a knife having a smaller blade. The Samurai sword remained the principal weapon of Samurai up until the middle of the 18th Century, when firearms began to supplant the use of swords in combat.
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