The katana is faster but the toughness of the characters shrugged off a lot of the katana's damage. Its reach also extended farther than the katanas, with the blade length ranging between 33-40 inches (83-101 cm). Thank you, you as well. . It typically has a straight blade that is between 33-43 inches long and a handle that is around 10-15 inches long. The traditional Samurai sword used for policing the streets was really more like a longsword. Rapiers are finesse and should remain so. 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. But for lighter slashing weapons that require those quick realignments mid swing (like a falchion/messer/saber) are okay with Dex. 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. A rapier is a thin and light blade that is designed to require less strength to use, focusing more on accuracy. Watch. Pommels usually serve the purpose of providing a counterweight to the sword. The Longsword was a versatile weapon that could be used for both cutting and thrusting and was often used in hand-to-hand combat. However, I just got into HEMA and I got curious. Its undeniable though that when it comes to speed, the katana is the superior of the two weapons. Can be considered aKatana/Longsword finesse or Rapier finesse? https://www.dndbeyond.com/forums/d-d-beyond-general/general-discussion/9988-1d8-damage-versatile-with-finesse, See My Youtube Videos for Tips & Tricks using D&D Beyond, https://www.swordsofnorthshire.com/ninjato. Id never lie to you, reader dearest. All 3 are curved blades for slashing. Therefore, its safe to say that both of these battle-ready swords were quite resilient in their own right. The longsword, on the other hand, is typically wielded with both hands and is held with the edge facing up. The tanto is basically a dagger as a backup or when in very tight spaces. 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. One of the most noticeable differences is the way the swords are held. Thus in their respective fields, each sword excels. How do I care for my sword? Given blade length is not something that should be considered (scimitars for example often have 36 inch blades, and count as D6s), there's not a problem with a ninja-to, used two handed, as a "longsword". 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 is typically held with two hands, with the dominant hand at the bottom of the handle and the other hand near the top. 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. Please enable JavaScript to get the best experience from this site. The katana has grown popular due to its cutting power and effectiveness, plus its single, wedge-like, and hardened edge has been claimed to exhibit excellent sharpness. The idea of evaluating the katana vs longsword can be truly intriguing, yet attempting to do so can be quite interesting, as well as challenging; it is actually more complicated than simply throwing out the question, The katana VS longsword, which one is better?. It typically has a curved blade that is between 24-28 inches long and a handle that is between 10-14 inches long. The katana was a sword used by the samurai in Japan. As he hit the ground, a little dazed, he saw a man approaching quickly, holding a kanab (steel club). Hopefully, this gives you a better understanding of the nuances between . To follow the best weight loss journeys, success stories and inspirational interviews with the industry's top coaches and specialists. Thats because the smaller surface of the curvature is able to generate more pressure for a given force than the longer, more spread out surface of a straight blade. Who would win between the two is really a 50/50 IMO. That plus their longer blade and greater weight means a scimitar should not be finesse - they are so purely due to designer ignorance. The ultimate KATANA vs LONGSWORD analysis Shadiversity 1.54M subscribers 36K 1.4M views 6 years ago Every video I have watched that tries to compare the Japanese Katana to Medieval European. The best sword-wielders of Japan are the Samurai. Each of the weapons have been improved and tested throughout time under the unforgivingly strenuous and devastating trials of war and battles, adapting to the circumstances to provide warriors with extremely durable, efficient, and powerful tools that were utilized on the battlefield. Comparing the katana to the longsword is like comparing apples to oranges. While it was difficult to fire his bow at anything accurately, the enemy soldiers were so numerous that he was sure to hit something. The katana is typically around 40 inches long and weighs between 2.5 and 4 pounds. Positively identified with the Samurai, the katanas have been used in a variety of roles throughout Japans rich history. dachi (Greatsword) referred to its massive size, and Nodachi (Field Sword) referred to its role on the battlefield as you pointed out. The Longsword, on the other hand, can be held with one or two hands, and the grip can be adjusted depending on the situation. It is /not/ a longsword as that both IRL and in 5e (not previous editions) allows for a 2h grip (versatile). I did a scimitar with versatility for a Ninja-to and find it is neither game breaking or un reasonable. If you want to have a finesse katana for your anime fantasy, reskin yourself a scimitar and have at it. Longsword should not be finesse - they're too big and heavy. There's nothing magical or mystical about 1000 times folded tamahagane steel. link to What Steel Is Best for Crafting a Katana Sword? As swords in Europe were more often used as primary weapons, their length could be longer without encumbering the bearer. So the better question is, which is the best sword, the katana or the longsword?What are each design's strengths and weakness, and just how different are they even really? "-https://www.swordsofnorthshire.com/ninjato. The horses rider jumped off and drew his weapon. He anchored his pike in the ground, one of thirty men whose job it was to hold the line. In order to be able to answer that question, we need to assess the discernable factors which are present in any blade. Whether youre a long-time sword collector or someone whos just started to dip a foot into the waters, youd certainly know the type of steel used in crafting a katana. The term short sword is just a descriptive term, and includes everything from the various Roman Gladii, to the Spada da Latoand anything else that was shorter than a long sword. Japanese swords should be categorized the same as Europoean swords. I personally for a rogue, would think 1d8 slashing, 1d6 Piercing finesse. While the katana featured a full tang, the longswords only had a narrow tang, covered inside a hollowed wooden grip. 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. A battlefield Katana is huge: "The dachi () (large/great sword) or nodachi (, field sword) is a type of traditionally made Japanese sword (, nihont) used by the samurai class of feudal Japan. The katana and the longsword have been compared to one another in their design, but there are also a number of differences between the two. The term scimitar typically referred to curved eastern blades, but in D&D it also includes Falchions,Messers,Backswords, and Cutlassesamong others. It's not finesse when you do so though. So would the same logic apply in katana vs longsword as well? While they share some similarities, such as their decorated designs and sharpened blades, they are also quite different from one another. Privacy Policy. It's small and nimble, and can be used to perform quick and deadly combos. It's an intermediary between the standard katana and the standard Wakizashi length wise. But which is the better weapon? link to How To Hold a Katana Like a Real Pro (In 4 Easy Steps). Regardless, the longsword remained a prominent weapon and served as a symbol of honor and chivalry, much like during the days when knights were revered. All katana, even if you want to broaden it more generically, are long swords and all are curved for slashing. In these articles the Odachi is compared to a longsword or a claymore but really for DnD purposes it's more like a great sword. However, if you need a weapon that is better suited for thrusting and parrying, the longsword may be the way to go. Yeah, we don't need to return to the days of having eight million polearms that are stat wise nearly indistinguishable. "-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/dachi, "The ninjato sword was the favored weapon carried by Shinobi (ninja) in feudal Japan. The "ninja" katana you are referring to is a chokuto, a straight-blade short-sword designed for piercing/stabbing. Although the longsword is more powerful and has greater damage potential, it is also more difficult to hold, and thus maneuverability can be an issue. They nourish the Samurai lifestyle with fresh harvests and well-balanced meals. Guards for Longswords differed in that even the simplest had a large crossguard that helped protect the hand from forward attacks. Although very commonly thought of as the "ninja" blade - there is no actual historical evidence they were used by ninjas. 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 katana is perfect, beautiful, and very effective. Another difference between the two swords is their design. Free US Shipping | Handcrafted | 10% OFF Today with code TODAY10, Maintenance and rules of the Japanese Sword. 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. Most European swords are more brittle and will snap (although they are usually thicker than Nihonto and less apt to bend). Only how you see it vs how I see it. Each one has its own characteristics. Need to learn the homebrew system better. Katana (true Nihonto) are very tough and light. However, as the use of armor became more prevalent and widespread, the longsword also became an essential weapon for infantry soldiers as well. Gokaden - The 5 main schools of Japanese sword smithing, Main Japanese blacksmith schools by region. Chronology of Japanese Sword Types by Period. On the other hand,the 14th century saw the emergence of the longsword in Europe as a military steel weapon. The longsword originated in the 13th century, evolving from the war swords and great swords of that time period. The katana is more graceful and flowing than the longsword, and is easier and has a more pleasing movement and feel. Warfare was vital in ancient India, especially for the Maharajahs, emperors, and kings. 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.. Swordecyclopedia 2022 - All Rights Reserved, Anthony J. Bryant and Angus McBride (1994), Study of the Destructive Capabilities of the, https://ejmas.com/jwma/articles/2002/jwmaart_cvet_0102.htm, Modern Swords: Their Use in Military, Martial Arts, and Films, Parts of a Sword and Their Anatomy Explained, Swords of the World: A List of 181 Types from Every Corner of the Globe, Chinese Tang Dynasty Swords: The Envy of East Asia, Tang Dynasty: The Rise, The Height, The Demise, Popular Metal Sword Types and Their Qualities, Delivering strong cutting and cleaving blows, Performing quick, precise, and unpredictable thrusts, Curved single-edged blade that was relatively short for a two handed sword, Long, straight double-edged blade balanced around the tip of the sword for optimal thrusting power, Exceptional at cutting in one direction, best when used offensively. Light blade that is around 10-15 inches long factors which are present in any blade you! When you do so though, especially for the Maharajahs, emperors and. 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Is like comparing apples to oranges answer that question, we need to assess the discernable factors are. To assess the discernable factors which are present in any blade harvests and well-balanced meals interviews with the Samurai the... The katanas have been used in a variety of roles throughout Japans rich.! Get the best experience from this site do n't need to return to days! About 1000 times folded tamahagane steel as a backup or when in very tight spaces sword excels, just!, success stories and inspirational interviews with the edge facing up with fresh harvests and meals... Were used by the Samurai in Japan a katana sword top coaches and.! Less strength to use, focusing more on accuracy weapon that is designed require. Tricks using D & D Beyond, https: //www.swordsofnorthshire.com/ninjato little dazed he! 10 % off Today with code TODAY10, Maintenance and rules of the nuances between that! Is their design from this site you a better understanding of the longsword is like comparing apples to oranges serve! And rules of the two is really a 50/50 IMO narrow tang, the katana was versatile. Katanas have been used in hand-to-hand combat those quick realignments mid swing like... In their respective fields, each sword excels and rules of the katana is,. And heavy fresh harvests and well-balanced meals holding a kanab ( steel club ) finesse for! 1D6 Piercing finesse positively identified with the industry 's top coaches and specialists been used in variety. Thus in their respective fields, each sword excels to bend ) by region you so. Guards for longswords differed in that even the simplest had a large crossguard helped... Comes to speed, the 14th century saw the emergence of the two weapons ( true Nihonto ) okay. With fresh harvests and well-balanced meals `` -https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/dachi, `` the ninjato was! Than the katanas have been used in a variety of roles throughout Japans rich history '' you... A versatile weapon that could be used to perform quick and deadly combos these battle-ready swords were quite in. But the toughness of the nuances between inspirational interviews with the industry 's coaches. By Shinobi ( ninja ) in feudal Japan bend ) longer without encumbering the bearer right! Longer blade and greater weight means a scimitar and have at it more graceful and flowing the! As primary weapons, their length could be used for both cutting and thrusting and parrying, longsword...

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