Finished Forging a katana or is it an oversized Wakizashi?

[Smith Forge]

Ok question.

 

I just finished forging a katana the total length is about 31" with a nagasa of about 25 to 26". Is this a decent length for a katana, as I feel anything bigger is a waste of time and energy for the anyone using it. I have seen some blades with demensions like that. And I am sorry that I do nto have any pictures of the blade as my camera is broke.

 

So in short I am asking what are some of the standard lengths of katana?

 

Or do I have a large Wakizashi?

[Link]

This site has a lot of info. and will show you sword length and names. http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/nihonto.htm

[Brian]

A nagasa of over 60.6cm makes it a katana. Average katana blade lengths tend to be around 65-66cm, but obviously that isn't a rule. However at 25", yours would be firmly in the average katana category.

You can also check out http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/measure.htm

Just remember John, that we only discuss antique and/or genuine Nihonto here, so we can assist with info like this, but won't get into any discussions on Western blades themselves.

However I also want to point you to the new Bugei forums at http://www.swordforumbugei.com/Board/viewforum.php?f=5 which do have sections devoted to modern forging and metallurgy.

 

Brian

[Smith Forge]

Brian

 

Thanks for the links.

 

My main goal is to be as close to the real thing as possible which is why I asked that question. I figured I would ask the people who know the most about Japanese blades. I guess my questions are merely technical in nature, in regards to crafting the blades themselves.

 

Thanks again