The Japanese Samurai Sword -
The Samurai sword is a fine instrument of warfare that has captivated the imagination of warriors and the
public in general for many generations.
From the big screen to the small screen. The pure elegance of the Samurai sword is captivating. The manufacturing
of the sword is an art that remains live and well in Japan. This has become one of the most sought
after military collectibles.
This page provides the visitor with a glance of various Samurai swords. From the 1700 to WWII. Different
aspects of the sword are discussed. Including the worth of the Samurai sword and its potential
future increase in value.
THE WAY HOME
The Samurai swords were brought back to the US by GI's returning home from the war. These were
very popular war souvenirs. Soldiers who did not pick them up themselves in the battle field would
trade for them in theater or on the ships home.
A large number of Samurai swords were destroyed after the Japanese surrendered. Part of the conditions
for the surrendered was that the soldiers turned in all hteir weapons. This included Samurai swords.
Piles upon piles of the swords were gathered near the ports and were thrown into the ocean. Some of the
swords were melted to be used as construction material. A percentage of them were brought to America.
There were more swords in the United Steates than in Japan after the war.
This section of the website features some of the swords that survive the conflict.
HABAKI
The Habaki could have been manufactured from a single piece or two pieces. The base
metal is normally copper. Sometimes they are covered in gold foil.
Learn abou the anatomy of the Samurai sword by visiting our
Sword anatomy section.
POMMEL
The pommel could be highly stylized or plain and simple. The WWII version shown here
always displayed the Chrisantemum flower.
MENUKI
The Menuki is the metal ornament located on each side of the handle. The pair is
matching and were primarily shaped in the form of people, animals or flowers.
TSUBA
The tsuba is a metal piece that protects the swordsman hand from a striking blade.
The Tsuba can have very intricate and beautiful designs. Some of them are very plain.
MEI
Many of the Samurai swords have a signature in the tang area. The signature is
chiseled. Additional markings can be made via stamping and/or painting.
If you would like to learn more about Samurai sword signatures and their meaning
visit our Reading Samurai sword signatures
section of this website.
WAR PROPAGANDA
The Japanese soldier was closely linked to the Samurai sword. This connection was leveraged
by American intelligence to create posters that would evoke patriotic sentiment among the public.
This would translate into monetary contributions to the war effort and/or volunteering for
military service.
