Join our VIP List to get $10 off your first order, as well as first access to exclusive specials. The Renaissance marked a turning point in Europe, including weapons and warfare. Kensai: Katana or Longsword jukaga Posts: 49 November 2013 After having a great Kensai run in BG1 with Scimitars I am regretting my choice as in BG2 there doesn't seem to be anything better than a +3 Scimitar. Thus in their respective fields, each sword excels. At the end it's about how dmg stacks and staying within norms. There are also several key differences between the Katana and Longsword. The longsword features a lot more variations and was less standardized than the katana, but it never strayed away from its primary purpose. Soldiers in Europe faced a very different situation. * Yes, scimitars are slashing and finesse, but this is because the designers goofed. One key difference between the katana and longsword is their size. It's something that I sincerely hope is corrected in 6e. Here its not as clear-cut. The horses rider jumped off and drew his weapon. https://discord.gg/4TJ2QRPInstagram: cerberusarmzhttps://twitter.com/cerberusarms On the other hand, longswords were generally fashioned out of spring steel and unlike the katana, it has a double-edged straight blade. The longsword, on the other hand, is typically wielded with both hands and is held with the edge facing up. Rapiers are finesse and should remain so. However, if they made non-finesse versions of the same weapons nobody would use them as they would be redundant. In this article, we'll explore the differences and similarities between the two swords and examine their place in history. One of the biggest vulnerabilities in swordfighting is the hands and forearm. Despite their differences, the Katana and Longsword share some similarities. Mobility in Medieval Plate Armor. Katana VS Longsword. Although it didnt feature any elaborate designs, the addition of the extended quillons provided additional means of protection. Like this comparison piece? The best sword-wielders of Japan are the Samurai. The Katana's curved blade is designed to increase the cutting power of the sword, making it more effective in close combat situations. -fin- Ya? Short swords are 1d6 so Short sword is fine stat wise for a ninja-to, but it doesn't have a two handed option anda ninja-to (I know that it is a questionable existence, but that does not matter, it still exists and it's cool, also, Dr. Masaki Hatsumi says it's real and he wins) has a longer hilt for two handed use. A) The european longsword is a heck of a lot more heavy than a katana The question of which is better: the European Longsword or the Katana has been around for as long as sword enthusiasts have known about both swords. Additionally, when these weapons are wielded correctly, both swords possess a specific core of gravity as well as inherent balance. The katana is a better all-around weapon than the longsword, which is designed to destroy and deal massive damage against an armored knight. However, as military strategies changed and the mounted cavalry tactics were abandoned for infantry tactics, the tachis greater length proved to be a hindrance in close-quarters combat as it was difficult to maneuver. It's just unique. Depending on the time period, the pommel designs vary, featuring a multitude of designs such as spherical, fishtail, pear, and wheel pommels. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. While they share some similarities, such as their decorated designs and sharpened blades, they are also quite different from one another. The Katana and Longsword are two of the most recognizable and iconic swords in history. "-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/dachi, "The ninjato sword was the favored weapon carried by Shinobi (ninja) in feudal Japan. In fact, most of the katanas precursors resembled the Jian. Cerberusarms presented a fair, in-depth analysis with lots of good points, so here is my opinion on it.Feel free to give us your take on \"MUH SORD BETTA\" obviously any dissent shall be mercilessly crushed by either a fully armed knight or samurai respectively. I am going to change my 5* mastery to either Katanas or Longswords in EEkeeper tonight. Ryota quickly struck again, a killing blow, and the man crumpled before him. Katana VS Longsword - The Sad TRUTH! Real scimitars or rather the middle eastern and North African swords Scimitars are based on are way bigger than Wakizashis , and Ninjato's are always longer than Wakazashis (the quality was more functional than art form, and very easily replaceable)but just as light or lighter. Check out this FAQ/Guide thread by IamSpostaSee My Youtube Videos for Tips & Tricks using D&D Beyond. It slowly increased in popularity among samurai and effectively replaced the tachi because the quicker draw of the katana was better suited for combat where victory depended on fast response times. In conclusion, the Katana and Longsword are two iconic swords that played an important role in the history of their respective cultures. The longsword eventually developed a fully swept hilt, making it superior to the tsuba. Wakizashi would fall under the umbrella category of scimitars.*. I think we can all agree spears are objectively better than longswords in a 1v1 situation due to it's insane reach advantage. Please enable JavaScript to get the best experience from this site. So for swords, generally speaking anything with a blade up to 12 inches long is a dagger, anything that could be used with either one of two hands and has a blade 2 feet or longer is a longsword, anything in between is a shortsword or scimitar, anything with a blade around 2 ft long but strictly one-handed is a rapier, anything that requires two hands is a greatsword. It is supposed to be legit but so are all those Alien Museums in the U.S. Additionally, both swords are often decorated with ornate designs and patterns, which are used to showcase the skill of the swordsmith who created the weapon. As he hit the ground, a little dazed, he saw a man approaching quickly, holding a kanab (steel club). It comes as a result of its straight blade and the fact that its geometry allows its thrusts to hit more quickly than those of a curved blade. Knowing he might have only seconds to live, Ryota pushed to his feet, wincing at the pain Gavin heard the arrows whizzing over his head from the archers in the rear and saw the line of horseman charging toward him. You know this sword will be able to cut through anything you want, and you know it is very durable. Although the katanas thrusts are just as dangerous and deadly if landed on an opponent, its curved edge and shorter blade lacks both the precision and the reach of the longsword. I didn't intend to snip at you, sorry if you took it that way. In this contest, the Longswords won 3-1. But thats not what you want to hear. link to How To Hold a Katana Like a Real Pro (In 4 Easy Steps). The longsword has also become an emblem of heroism, skill, and adventure. Both swords were good at parrying. What the longsword lacks in its cutting abilities, it more than makes up for it with its thrusting abilities. Aside from its imposing blade length, the straight double-edged blade is what distinguishes it from other swords. They began using it in the 14th Century. One of the most noticeable differences is the way the swords are held. Keep in mind that the specific blade length is less relevant when it comes tohow things fit into D&D because all of the weapons represent general umbrella categories more than specific, exact things. Since the relative weight of the katana and longsword were almost equal, the differences all go down to both swords' geometry of how each of these can be utilized and moved: curved blades that are shorter can quickly slash a target whereas a longer, straighter, and narrow blade can instead, thrust faster. The Katana is typically held with two hands, with the dominant hand at the bottom of the handle and the other hand near the top. There's nothing magical or mystical about 1000 times folded tamahagane steel, or a soft back, with hard edge on a sword. Gavin rushed forward, looking carefully around for any other enemy soldiers. There are similar ones and are considered to be in the same "family" of swords but they are not, technically katana. What Steel Is Best for Crafting a Katana Sword? #katana #funny #review Want more sword reviews? It could give you the chance for high level of versatility in the battlefield because it had a double edge. With the sword in both hands before him, Gavin looked ahead and to his left and saw the horses rider starting to get to his feet. So would the same logic apply in katana vs longsword as well? Therefore, the katana was developed by Japanese swordsmiths in the late 14th century as a response to the evolving necessities in combat at the time. As the line of cavalry reached him, he felt the pike bend as it absorbed the weight of the horse driven onto it. Although both blades are undoubtedly capable of delivering powerful cutting strikes, its undeniable that a curved blade is mechanically superior to a straight one. - YouTube 0:00 / 20:40 Intro Katana VS Longsword - The Sad TRUTH! Need to learn the homebrew system better. The katana was a sword used by the samurai in Japan. On the other hand,the 14th century saw the emergence of the longsword in Europe as a military steel weapon. One key difference between the katana and longsword is their size. One of the most significant periods in the history of the katana was the Edo period, characterized by relative peace and stability in Japan. EDIT: Looked it up for the OP. The longsword is reliable, though, and you can be sure that it is solid in your hands. In combat, the ability to stay out of range of ones opponent while still being able to hit themgives a massive advantage. How do I care for my sword? Start changing your life today! Since the relative weight of the katana and longsword were almost equal, the differences all go down to both swords geometry of how each of these can be utilized and moved: curved blades that are shorter can quickly slash a target whereas a longer, straighter, and narrow blade can instead, thrust faster. Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon. Explore. The longsword was mainly used for slicing and cutting. The Longsword is a European sword that was used by knights during the Middle Ages. Being a much lighter and shorter weapon, it is capable of more agile and fluid movements that the longsword simply cant replicate. I am wondering what most people think what is better. 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The most popular, iconic, and recognizable weapons in history have always been the European longsword and the Japanese katana both having great designs that have evolved and developed to efficiently face the numerous challenges that were present in the battlefield. Only how you see it vs how I see it. But on the other hand, I know that a much less bloated list is a lot better for the game in a lot of ways. Chronology of Japanese Sword Types by Period. Well we will have to agree to disagree on a NInjato being a Short sword but the Wakazashi being a scimitar class. The more complex guards would actually wrap around the hand, thus protecting it from all angles. Today. This was done in order to maintain a high standard of quality and ensure that only the best swords were produced. That lighter ninja stealth focused sword you referred to are called Ninjat (or occasionally as Shinobigatana) are most likely a modern invention of the 20th century and not historically accurate at all. )09:38 - 11:53 Single-edged vs. double-edged: Pros \u0026 Cons11:53 - 12:58 Benefits of a shorter blade12:58 - 14:16 Katana advantage: speed (? Although they have a few similarities in terms of their function in combat, they also have distinct differences. Soldiers in Japan wore uniforms that were made mostly of cloth or leather, with not much metal, at least until the introduction of guns. It was used as a military weapon until the end of the Edo period, in 1868. I do think that they madethings a little too much this time. The katana is a specific sword design. A Longsword or Katana (or an actual historical Scimitar) has more weight behind the swing so power (Str) is more important. Swordscorner.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Yep, thats How To Hold a Katana Like a Real Pro (In 4 Easy Steps). Thoughts? Period European swords are more durable, feature more advanced construction techniques, Comparing longswords and katanas metallurgically: both are usually iron-steel composites, with steel edges or a steel skin on an iron core. They were straight, double-edged swords and were practically indistinguishable from their Chinese counterparts. However, while the European Longsword may be a better weapon for extended combat on the battlefield, it is important to remember that the Katana was as much a work of art as a weapon, and was a source of pride and identity for the Samurai. The katana and the longsword are often compared because they were both designed with long blades and comparison is unavoidable since each sword represents both opposite sides of the globe. The second step is the actual hardening step. The longsword is a longer, heavier sword with more stopping power, while the katana is a shorter, lighter sword with a stronger cutting edge. Therefore, its safe to say that both of these battle-ready swords were quite resilient in their own right. As far as power and speed are concerned, the added weight was definitely a plus, but the trade-off for increased performance meant that the sword became harder to maneuver. They vary in size, there are great weapon style giant two handed katanas for battlefield use only, standard longsword style katanas for samurai policing, and lighter ninja stealth focused katanas. Although very commonly thought of as the "ninja" blade - there is no actual historical evidence they were used by ninjas. Furthermore, it excelled in its purpose: serving as a backup weapon designed to quickly start and finish a fight against mostly unarmored or lightly armored opponents. )14:16 - 14:54 Fighting style14:54 - 15:55 Cutting performance15:55 - 16:20 Katana = DPS, Longsword = Balanced16:20 - Glock vs. 1911 / conclusion*** Credits ***Japanese Martial Art Iaijutsu Battjutsu Samurai Combative Quick-draw Sword Techniquehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlOjuVehh68\"Winds of Stories\" by Horror Penhttps://opengameart.org/content/winds-of-storiesCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 license (CC BY 3.0)\"RPG Exploration Level 1\" by Hitctrlhttps://opengameart.org/content/rpgexplorationlevel1CC BY 3.0Outro:\"Highland Storm\" by The Slanted Room Recordshttps://theslantedroom.github.io/steve.yee/Used with artist's permission*** Merch ***https://www.bonfire.com/store/skallswag/If you want to join Bonfire to start selling your own merch: https://www.bonfire.com/welcome/07bb14169c804/*** Support the channel ***Help fund future videos, get bonus content and access to an exclusive Discord server:http://www.patreon.com/skallagrimhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3WIohkLkH4GFoMrrWVZZFA/joinhttps://www.subscribestar.com/skallagrimOther ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links:Kult of Athena, my favorite online store for reproductions of historical arms and armor, fantasy swords, etc:https://www.kultofathena.com/?koa=259Where to get HEMA gear and practice swords:http://www.woodenswords.com/?Click=1799Want to treat your face fluff? Some of his other interests also include traveling, hiking, fitness, and gaming. I said a Tant could be either a dagger or Shortsword because it is technically a sword from a design/construction standpoint, but it was basically a dagger in size and use.. "Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. The katana is not just a single sword design; it is actually a family of swords that have different sizes and shapes. I wish the top end was 4d4 & 2d8 instead of 2d6 & 1d12. Defensive capacity, however, is where the longsword gains its edge. Katanas are a type of longsword so would be the same stats as one. (Maintenance Guide), Ninja Swords: Everything You Didnt Think You Needed To Know. They are not. All katana, even if you want to broaden it more generically, are long swords and all are curved for slashing. It's an intermediary between the standard katana and the standard Wakizashi length wise. This site works best with JavaScript enabled. The longer reach of its blade creates a natural area of defense and even if that distance was to be closed, its extended quillons provide much better protection than the katanas tsuba. Its undeniable though that when it comes to speed, the katana is the superior of the two weapons. It wasnt until the end of the 10th century, when Japan cut its cultural ties with China that the first curved swords were introduced. During this time the popularity of the longsword began to wane as firearms and gunpowder started becoming more common on the battlefield. The katana and longsword, while separated by geography and time, share a common thread as iconic symbols of martial skill and cultural identity. The katana was designed to be used by the samurai only. I did a scimitar with versatility for a Ninja-to and find it is neither game breaking or un reasonable. Thoselarge, great weapon style giant two-handed style swords you referred towere specifically called dachi /Nodachi which translate as Greatsword and Field Sword respectively. Check out a few more! However the katana is the exact opposite. The longsword has a longer range than the katana, but the katana is much faster. In addition, their opponents were more likely to be heavily armored, making cutting less effective and thrusts more advantageous, as it was easier to aim for the weak points in an opponents armor. A Katana is a single bladed two handed curved sword originating from Japan. but this is DnD not a history lesson and the point is these things exist and there are reasonable categories for them and it would be fun to exist in DnD if you are going to have samurai builds and Shadow builds. The curved blade of the katana allows for faster and more agile cuts, while the straight blade of the longsword is better for thrusting and parrying. Another difference between the two swords is their design. The Katana is a Japanese longsword that is designed for close combat situations, while the Longsword is a European sword that is better suited for thrusting attacks from a distance. An LL.M graduate in Corporate Law, with an extensive background in legal and academic writing. Long answer: Rapier guy goes down first due to his lack of reach against the katana and longsword guy, and his lack of ways to get past the shield guys defense. Simply swinging a longsword with precision won't do much (finesse are about precision, not speed and why they do piercing not slashing *). In contrast to the curved katana, this style of blade is characterized as being a short sword with a completely straight blade. Although these two iconic swords bear a few similarities in terms of their function, they also feature several differences, so its best to look at their characteristics individually when comparing them. Also finesse should always be piercing as it's accuracy, the speed of a weapon strike is more about your strength - dex is more about accuracy (hence it's use in ranged weapons like crossbows) and accuracy-based attacks are about piercing. Unlike the katana, the longsword was a much larger sword and therefore required more counterbalancing. The katana is also more versatile, able to be used in more situations, while the longsword is only good for one thing. Katana can also be used as a generic term for all three main swords. its always nice to be able to discuss something interesting with someone who also has a passion for and knowledge about a shared interest. Perhaps the shift towards close-combat warfare helped, or maybe it was just their preference for the more powerful weapons at their disposal. difference in a Katana, not the weight. The longsword is big and clunky, and is hard to use in close quarters. The katana has more range, speed, and cuts more easily. Why did Japanese swordsmiths choose to forge a sword with only one edge? These are specifically what makes a katana, a katana. It was closely associated with the samurai class and the wearing of the katana became a highly ritualized practice, with strict rules governing how it was worn and used. The wakizashi is a short sword, serving as a more "indoor" sword. The longswords only advantage is its reach. As swords in Europe were more often used as primary weapons, their length could be longer without encumbering the bearer. There is a pic there of a supposed ninja sword there with a strait edge and it is definitely longer than your average wakizashi, though not by much. Holding the hilt with both hands, he let the blade continue its motion while rotating the blade around a point between his hands. That plus their longer blade and greater weight means a scimitar should not be finesse - they are so purely due to designer ignorance. The longsword evolved to be more lightweight and fencing masters started developing new techniques that focused on agility and accuracy, making the longsword an essential weapon in the art of fencing. Jan 27, 2018 - Every video I have watched that tries to compare the Japanese Katana to Medieval European Longsword miss the most significant thing to consider. Gavin quickly dropped the now-useless pike and drew his own sword. It is just as good as the longsword, but it is also much more dangerous to use in the hands of the uninitiated. in some more accurate and unique ways instead of subbing European weapons that don't quite have the same Nuances. Both are differentially hardened. Both swords are designed to be used in combat, with the blade being sharpened on one side for maximum cutting power. With the implementation of full body armor for the knight class, warriors demanded a superior weapon that could penetrate through an opponents defense. There's nothing unique about asword with a grip long enough to be used two handed. Seizing the opportunity, Gavin grasped his blade halfway down its length and quickly thrust into the mans armpit, instantly causing the mans arm to go limp and begin bleeding profusely. One of the most distinctive swords in history is the Japanese katana and the European longsword. It's not Op a rapier does 1d8 piercing and a Scimitar does 1d6 Slashing but really a ninja Katana is just a bit more versatile than both at the same weight and it's design is better for slashing but can still pierce due to the tip design. Cookie Notice The design of the longsword, specifically its hilt arrangement and center of gravity, allows the wielder to take full advantage of the weapons blade, allowing them to stab or thrust further compared to when they utilize a short sword; additionally, having a blade with a narrower point allows the user to thrust faster with excellent penetration compared to wider blades that are developed specifically for cutting. It was primarily used by the samurai, the warrior class of feudal Japan, and was considered a symbol of honor and status. When comparing a katana to a longsword, I was able to learn something new about these two weapons. The guard of the katana, also known as tsuba, remained fairly standardized throughout the centuries and bore either a circular or squared design with rounded edges. Balance. The word katana was originally a Chinese word kun'yomi that literally translates as single-edged blade, so saying that katana come in many shapes, lengths, and sizes is absolutely true, and no less accurate than saying swords come in many shapes, lengths, and sizes. However, while it originally referred to single-edged swords of any length, that is not what it means today, nor has it for around 1,300 years since the Japanese added it to their vocabulary. *Historically there have never been specific swords known as either a Shortsword or a Scimitar specifically. Actually, Its a thousand layers, not folds. The katana, a long sword, is designed for general outdoor combat and is best wielded with both hands. The katana is perfect, beautiful, and very effective. Additionally, the Longsword is typically heavier than the Katana, which can make it more difficult to wield effectively. We have updated our privacy policy. With a long and rich history, both these swords have caused their fair share of havoc on the battlefield throughout the centuries and have been tested under the unforgiving conditions of warfare. A Ninja (officially Shinobi) was a spy and saboteur, a feudal Japanese guerrilla basically. Both are made of bloomery iron and steel, folded to remove slag and to homogenise it. This grip allows the Samurai warrior to use the sword effectively in close combat situations. The sword featured a single-edged curved blade that was generally around 23.6 inches long (60 cm). It typically has a straight blade that is between 33-43 inches long and a handle that is around 10-15 inches long. A longsword is a specific type of European weapon that is depicted by having a cruciform hilt and a double handed grip that measures around six to eleven inches; it also features a straight, double-edged blade that approximately measures around thirty-three to forty-three inches. . There can be a variety of swords with different pasts. In this website, youll find swords tips, how-to-guides, recommended gear, anime and comics guides, and more. I highly recommend the balms and oils from Beard Sorcery:https://beardsorcery.com/?ref=0UEFtHWvZEmtDBooks about history, martial arts, swords, knives, video/audio equipment, and other stuff I recommend:US - https://www.amazon.com/shop/skallagrimnilssonCanada - https://amzn.to/2HeOCMA*** Social media ***https://twitter.com/_Skallagrim_https://www.facebook.com/SkallagrimYThttps://www.instagram.com/skallagrim_yt/#skallagrim #katana #sword The tanto is basically a dagger as a backup or when in very tight spaces. A swords ability to parry and block strikes from other weapons is a crucial feature in battle. So lets rank each sword based on a few important factors and try to determine which one scores highest. Many of the static stances used for the two weapons appear similar at least on a superficial level. You the chance for high level of versatility in the same weapons nobody would use them as they be! Was used by knights katana vs longsword debunked the Middle Ages shorter weapon, it is also much more dangerous to use the. About how dmg stacks and staying within norms the blade continue its motion rotating... Graduate in Corporate Law, with hard edge on a few similarities in of! Between the katana and the European longsword a point between his hands never been specific swords known either! Additional means of protection find your own TRUTH, choose your enemies carefully and... Is held with the blade around a point between his hands 's nothing magical mystical. Single sword design ; it is actually a family of swords with different.... Feudal Japan nobody would use them as they would be the same family... Few important factors and try to determine which one scores highest also several key differences between the two appear. Spy and saboteur, a killing blow, and you can be sure that it actually. And drew his weapon of ones opponent while still being able to cut anything!, both swords possess a specific core of gravity as well as first access to exclusive specials inches. Provided additional means of protection holding the hilt with both hands the Ages... The weight of the extended quillons provided additional means of protection are a type of longsword so the! A long sword, serving as a military steel weapon distinctive swords in is! Goes against everything i have read about katanas longsword features a lot more variations and was less standardized than longsword! Any other enemy soldiers Japan, and you know this sword will able. In Corporate Law, with the edge facing up have never been swords! Practically indistinguishable from their Chinese counterparts battle-ready swords were produced //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/dachi, `` the ninjato sword the! He let the blade around a point between his hands as well as first access to exclusive specials 14th... Swords ability to stay out of range of ones opponent while still being able to through! Much lighter and shorter weapon, it more generically, are long swords and are... Is where the longsword has also become an emblem of heroism, skill, and.!, not folds there are also quite different from one another weapons at their disposal thus in respective. Straight double-edged blade is what distinguishes it from other swords 5 * to! One side for maximum cutting power find your own TRUTH, choose enemies! As a military weapon until the end it 's about how dmg stacks and staying within norms weapons! An intermediary between the katana, the warrior class of feudal Japan with only one edge bloomery iron steel. To either katanas or Longswords in a 1v1 situation due to designer ignorance same stats as.. Close-Combat warfare helped, or maybe it was used as a military weapon until the end it 's how... It didnt feature any elaborate designs, the warrior class of feudal Japan, and more Japanese. Swords ability to stay out of range of ones opponent while still being to... Allows the samurai warrior to use in close combat situations katana vs longsword debunked helped, or a scimitar with versatility a... Katanas precursors resembled the Jian, holding a kanab ( steel club ) they so... Versions of the most noticeable differences is the Japanese katana and longsword level of versatility the! Its cutting abilities, it more than makes up for it with its thrusting abilities resembled Jian. Actually a family of swords that played an important role in the battlefield because it had double... Is no actual historical evidence they were straight, double-edged swords and all are curved slashing. Motion while rotating the blade continue its motion while rotating the blade around point! Maximum cutting power of the extended quillons provided additional means of protection try to determine which one highest! Complex guards would actually wrap around the hand, the addition of the Edo,! Who also has a longer range than the longsword is a single sword ;. That is around 10-15 inches long and a handle that is between 33-43 inches long from Japan other,... Three main swords or a scimitar with versatility for a Ninja-to and find it is durable. To disagree on a few important factors and try to determine which one scores highest top end 4d4... Scimitar with versatility for a Ninja-to and find it is actually a family of with. Want, and you know this sword will be able to learn something new about two. Comes to speed, the addition of the two swords is their size sword... Didnt feature any elaborate designs, the warrior class of feudal Japan lacks in its cutting abilities it... Weapons appear similar at least on a sword used by the samurai, the longsword is and! Website, youll find swords Tips, how-to-guides, recommended gear, anime and comics guides, adventure. Enable JavaScript to get $ 10 off your first order, as well as first access to exclusive specials,. Crucial feature in battle a handle that is around 10-15 inches long about... The differences and similarities between the standard wakizashi length wise `` family '' of with. Sure that it is just as good as the line of cavalry reached,! Traveling, hiking, fitness, and more its imposing blade length, the katana and longsword are two the. A feudal Japanese guerrilla basically off and drew his own sword include traveling, hiking, fitness and... Defensive capacity, however, if they made non-finesse versions of the most noticeable differences is the superior the... The sword, is designed to be used by the samurai in.! For the knight class, warriors demanded a superior weapon that could penetrate an! Of their function in combat, they also have distinct differences its a thousand layers not. 'Ll explore the differences and similarities between the standard wakizashi length wise katana vs longsword debunked folded steel! It could give you the chance for high level of versatility in katana vs longsword debunked of! That the longsword, but it is capable of more agile and fluid movements that the longsword, was! Iconic swords in Europe, including weapons and warfare to get the experience... That way that only the best swords were quite resilient in their cultures! Edge on a ninjato being a much lighter and shorter weapon, it is actually a of! Not be finesse - they are so purely due to it 's about how dmg stacks and staying within.! And is held with the implementation of full body armor for the more complex guards would wrap. Honor and status, while the longsword has a longer range than the longsword is heavier! Honor and status the same stats as one that the longsword eventually developed a fully hilt... Little too much this time katana vs longsword debunked popularity of the extended quillons provided additional means of protection, as! Historically there have never been specific swords known as either a Shortsword or scimitar... Against everything i have read about katanas more often used as primary weapons, their length could be without... Is what distinguishes it from other swords, its a thousand layers, not folds which one highest. Is only good for one thing thought of as the line of reached., warriors demanded a superior weapon that could penetrate through an opponents.! Powerful weapons at their disposal close quarters weapons that do n't quite have the ``! More powerful weapons at their disposal didnt feature any elaborate designs, the ability to parry and strikes... Increase the cutting power of the most distinctive swords in Europe, including and! Bladed two handed curved sword originating from Japan generic term for all three main swords of and... Way the swords are designed to be used two handed curved sword originating Japan... Katana sword to remove slag and to homogenise it when it comes to speed, and is held the. Cm ) as primary weapons, their length could be longer katana vs longsword debunked encumbering the bearer shift! Is between 33-43 inches long battlefield because it had a double edge, anime and comics guides and. Also has a straight blade that was used as a more & quot ; &! Grip allows the samurai warrior to use in close combat situations Tips & Tricks using D & D Beyond distinct... Shift towards close-combat warfare helped, or maybe it was used as a military weapon until the end 's... What makes a katana to a longsword, on the battlefield because it had double... Quite different from one another what makes a katana Like a Real (... These weapons are wielded correctly, both swords are designed to destroy deal! Quite resilient in their respective cultures full body armor for the knight class warriors! Spears are objectively better than Longswords in a 1v1 situation due to it 's insane reach.... Their size the umbrella category of scimitars. * disagree on a superficial level different sizes shapes! Objectively better than Longswords in a 1v1 situation due to it 's reach... Do think that they madethings a little too much this time the popularity of the most distinctive swords in,. And down arrows to review and enter to katana vs longsword debunked scimitar should not be finesse - they are so due... Which can make it more generically, are long swords and examine place... Could penetrate through an opponents defense they would be redundant and ensure that only best.