Measure your forearm, from elbow to wrist. That will provide a very close approximation about how long your tsuka should be. Most katanas measure about the same size, so there won’t be much difference in the length of their handles. But this method will give you good feedback and confirmation of results.
By lyuesword | 07 August 2020 | 1 Comments
How To Choose The BEST Katana & Perfect Katana Length
I have been researching this for some time, and I never heard anyone ask: "How long should my short sword, kukri, or machete be?". For some reason, it's always the standard katana that presents the most difficulty.
Before we understand how to calculate the correct katana length, we need to look back at the samurai practices, to comprehend solutions to the problem of choice.
Several Swords of Different Size
A Samurai is a master in all combat situations: from close-quarter fighting to expert marksmanship with the bow and arrow.
It is our misconception that they only fought with swords. In fact, they only used the katana in battle and duels since it was most effective on the battlefield, against other infantry troops.
In daily routine(non-combative, normal circumstances) they only carried a wakizashi and a tanto. These blades were similar in design compared to the katana. Same geometry, same look, and feel. Probable, the same craftsman did the blade-smiting. The katana was too long and heavy for normal routine, so wearing it all the times easily became cumbersome.
These blades represented social status, financial power, and rank. The wakizashi was effective indoors, in close-quarter for self-defense in unforeseen encounters. It was also more maneuverable and swift than a much longer katana. Those were turbulent times back then, especially for elite warriors loyally serving the Emperor.
That is how the Samurai solved their problem of choosing the right sword type and length. Aside from the katana, they had three or four different blade choices, depending on the situation. Let’s see how they measured and categorized these swords, in the next chapter.
Categories of Japanese Swords – Length and Function
What differentiates these Japanese blades is length.
The bladesmiths used to measure them in units called “shaku”. Here is an easy way of memorizing this:
1 shaku = 1 foot
That is a close approximation and it is quite reliable. We can use it from now on as an additional unit of measurement, especially for nihonto (authentic hand-made katanas). For people who prefer the metric system:
1 foot = 30.3 cm
Depending on the length, the Japanese sword-makers divided their blade into three categories of items:
There were no general standards for the katana length. They had a system of classifying different blades according to purpose: ceremonial, domestic, duel and battle-field weapons.
As far as katanas go, each bladesmith school had its own standards when making a sword. A typical katana would have measured somewhere between 60-70 cm, excluding the handle, and about 100 cm total. Keep in mind that the average height of a medieval-era Japanese male was much smaller (around 155 cm).
How To Choose Blade Length?
For the most part, swords are not “one size fits all“. When looking to buy a katana, you should be aware of your physical condition and body size. You can make the right choice base on your height, strength level, fitness, and speed.
Here are some ideas and tests you can use to make sure you pick the best katana length and size.
Method 1 – Stand Up With Katana To the Side
Hold the sword to your side, and the tip should reach just below your ankle bone. That is the standard test for beginners. If you prefer a slightly longer sword, that’s OK. But make sure there is at least an inch between the tip and the floor. Don’t go any further than that, you wouldn’t want to mop the floor with your new katana!
Method 2 – User’s Height
Depending on your height, check the following table. It provides accurate measurements for your sword, based on your own length. These values are optimized to match your needs and physical capabilities.
Please note that the table lists only the length of the blade, handle not included. So, the actual katana will be 30% longer, on average.
Use the table according to your needs. It can be helpful when you buy your first samurai sword. Its blade size should be specified under the product description section, on the retailer’s webpage. Our table allows you to complete your online order with the right measurements. Keep in mind that most sword-producers don’t offer a wide range of choices, perhaps only a couple of different options in terms of katana length.
If you are of average height but well-built and strong, then don’t hesitate to pick a slightly longer blade, if that is what you want.
How to Pick The Best Katana Handle Length
There are several ways to measure the handle. These take into consideration your own body ratio. Let’s take a closer look.
Method 1 – The Forearm Formula
Method 2 – The Grip Gauging
A second method I found useful goes like this: Sit down and place your hands on the table. Place your palm vertically, forming a 90-degree angle with the desktop. Then clench your fists. Put one fist on top of the other as if you were gripping a sword right now. Then add 3-4 inches. That will give you a good estimation of your grip size and handle length requirements.
Method 3 – The Wielder’s Verdict
Another practical approach is to pick up a (katana sized) wooden pole like you would a sword. Notice how well it fits in your hands. Feel how comfortable the grip is, how far it should go. Where should you place your hands? What size should the ideal handle length be?
Keep in mind that a katana weighs about 1.25 kg. The larger models can go up to 1.4 or 1.6 kg (in very rare cases).
To make the most informed decision possible, by all means, go through all three methods and most likely the results will converge. Take the average of the three measurements as the best possible handle size for you. And it really makes no difference if the margin of error is plus or minus half an inch.
The ending
If you read this post thoroughly, then you truly are into Japanese swords. Which is great for me, because I love writing about this stuff. And I offered you an incredibly detailed handbook on how to pick the best length for your katana (blade and handle).
Choosing the size correctly is important! Just as crucial as making sure your blade is forged from quality steel. Both these criteria emerge from the physics of motion and material resistance, which are fundamental laws of nature.
I know we don’t live in the feudal, war-ridden time of the samurai. Most likely you want a sword for display, basic training or learning a new skill. Maybe the size is not important since you will not be fighting. But then again, you never know when the long-awaited zombie apocalypse will arrive, do you?
Michonne from “The Walking Dead” was an effective zombie-killing machine precisely because of her choice of weapon. The katana found its way into this top-rated TV series and proved its effectiveness.
Want a unique sword? Feel free to contact us:
Email: lyuesword@hotmail.com
Website: www.lyuesword.com
Custom Sword Page: www.lyuesword.com/Custom-Sword/customization-options/Create-Your-Own-Swords
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