Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - Katana vs Broadsword...test cutting- National Geographic

fearn · 22nd September 2009, 11:40 PM

Hi Kisak,

I agree. My understanding (definitely imperfect) of the superiority of the katana is that it stems in part from Musashi's Book of Five Rings. Musashi recommended the katana because it was one of the most versatile weapons, not because it was the most destructive on the battlefield. Then, of course, there's all the samurai's soul mythology.

This is not to knock katanas unnecessarily. They are cool swords. Thing is, a lot of other swords are cool too, and it's fairly myopic to hold up the katana as "the best sword in the world." I'm definitely a partisan of the "there is no best sword" school Link.

Best,

F

22nd September 2009, 11:40 PM	#16
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Hi Kisak, I agree. My understanding (definitely imperfect) of the superiority of the katana is that it stems in part from Musashi's Book of Five Rings. Musashi recommended the katana because it was one of the most versatile weapons, not because it was the most destructive on the battlefield. Then, of course, there's all the samurai's soul mythology. This is not to knock katanas unnecessarily. They are cool swords. Thing is, a lot of other swords are cool too, and it's fairly myopic to hold up the katana as "the best sword in the world." I'm definitely a partisan of the "there is no best sword" school Link. Best, F