Aroddo
Emperor
What fanboys think:
Reality:
Katanas are incredibly popular thanks to hollywood and anime. But how well do they stand up to their reputation?
Well, some historical and geographical facts. Japan is an island and was thus more isolated than the tribes of europe. And besides, they prefered it that way, which led to a technologically backward society (we're talking medieval times here). Also, through no fault of their own, their iron ore sucked, which is why they starting importing high quality iron from the 16th century onward.
All this combined led to inferiour steel and inferiour sword smithing techniques. 'Hold on'', you say, 'japanese swordsmithing techniques are widely renowned and they folded their swords dozens of times and have an incredibly sharp edge'.
Yes, all true. However the ancient celts knew that technique, too, and produced swords of similiar quality ... in 300 BC! And unlike the japanese, there are no celts around to brag about it.
And a sharp edge is great against straw mats and peasants, but utterly useless against any kind of metal armor. one smack and sharp gets blunt, which is why european longswords were build for durability, penetration- and clubbing-the-bastard-to-death power.
A particulary emphatic and amusing analysis of the katana can be seen here:
Link to video.
I recommend all his videos about ancient and medieval weapons btw. as well as his rants about the various D&D systems. Good watch.
If you wish to see a slightly slanted comparison between longsword and broadsword (and can stomach the redneck accents), you might enjoy this:
Link to video.
judge for yourself if their tests are anywhere near to conclusive. their approach to proving how great the katana is would make the Mythbusters laugh their asses off.
But in the end, this says it all (scroll to 5:56 or click this link to see the relevant part):
Link to video.
So much for "Katanas can cut through enemy swords and machine gun barrels". Although the first part is true if the enemy is stupid enough to carry a katana.
So, why is the Katana so much worse than it's reputation?
Well, the Longsword was an actual weapon of war, where the opponent is often carrying shields and wears chainmail or even platemail. Getting your sword bent out of shape in the middle of the battle won't cut it.
The Katana reached it's current form in the 17th century - a time where japan was largely pacified and no large internal battles between armored soldiers were fought anymore, meaning that the Katana almost never came into contact with metal armor.
The prime use of the Katana was as a dueling weapon against unarmored duelists and helpless peasants, against which the Katana and it's extreme sharpness excelled.
I know this post won't stop animes or movies with katanas cutting stones, cars or knights in half from getting made, but boy ... this Katana-fandom crap gets so on my nerves...
Link to video.
Reality:
Katanas are incredibly popular thanks to hollywood and anime. But how well do they stand up to their reputation?
Well, some historical and geographical facts. Japan is an island and was thus more isolated than the tribes of europe. And besides, they prefered it that way, which led to a technologically backward society (we're talking medieval times here). Also, through no fault of their own, their iron ore sucked, which is why they starting importing high quality iron from the 16th century onward.
All this combined led to inferiour steel and inferiour sword smithing techniques. 'Hold on'', you say, 'japanese swordsmithing techniques are widely renowned and they folded their swords dozens of times and have an incredibly sharp edge'.
Yes, all true. However the ancient celts knew that technique, too, and produced swords of similiar quality ... in 300 BC! And unlike the japanese, there are no celts around to brag about it.
And a sharp edge is great against straw mats and peasants, but utterly useless against any kind of metal armor. one smack and sharp gets blunt, which is why european longswords were build for durability, penetration- and clubbing-the-bastard-to-death power.
A particulary emphatic and amusing analysis of the katana can be seen here:
Link to video.
I recommend all his videos about ancient and medieval weapons btw. as well as his rants about the various D&D systems. Good watch.
If you wish to see a slightly slanted comparison between longsword and broadsword (and can stomach the redneck accents), you might enjoy this:
Link to video.
judge for yourself if their tests are anywhere near to conclusive. their approach to proving how great the katana is would make the Mythbusters laugh their asses off.
But in the end, this says it all (scroll to 5:56 or click this link to see the relevant part):
Link to video.
So much for "Katanas can cut through enemy swords and machine gun barrels". Although the first part is true if the enemy is stupid enough to carry a katana.
So, why is the Katana so much worse than it's reputation?
Well, the Longsword was an actual weapon of war, where the opponent is often carrying shields and wears chainmail or even platemail. Getting your sword bent out of shape in the middle of the battle won't cut it.
The Katana reached it's current form in the 17th century - a time where japan was largely pacified and no large internal battles between armored soldiers were fought anymore, meaning that the Katana almost never came into contact with metal armor.
The prime use of the Katana was as a dueling weapon against unarmored duelists and helpless peasants, against which the Katana and it's extreme sharpness excelled.
I know this post won't stop animes or movies with katanas cutting stones, cars or knights in half from getting made, but boy ... this Katana-fandom crap gets so on my nerves...
Link to video.
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