Katana (or Sword)
The Katana appeared in the 15th century as a consequence of the evolution of Tati and was used until the end of the 19th century as a traditional samurai weapon, primarily in combination with the short wakizashi. Katana is in many respects similar to the earlier Chinese sword of Miao Tao
Creators of these glorious katanas were considered artists, as they poured their hearts into the forging of these incredible weapons. In the golden age of the samurai between the 13th and 17th centuries, swordsmiths were as renowned as Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo
Wakizashi( or Short Sword)
The wakizashi being worn together with the katana was the official sign that the wearer was a samurai or swordsman. When worn together the pair of swords were called daishō, which translates literally as "big-little". The katana was the big or long sword and the wakizashi the "little" or companion sword
Perhaps the greatest difference between the katana and the wakizashi is the length. While there are always exceptions, most wakizashi featured a blade length of 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm), whereas the katana featured an average blade length of 23 5⁄8– 28 3⁄4 in (60 to 73 cm).
Naginata (or reaping sword)
Naginata is a Japanese bladed weapon with a long shaft (wooden handle). The weapon looks like a pole and is often mistaken with one. The word Naginata means "mowing down sword" or "reaping sword". The length of the blade can be anywhere from 1 to 3 feet.
The Naginata originated over 1,000 years ago. It was a powerful weapon against horsemen and foot soldiers alike.
Traditionally the Naginata was a long shaft with a sword-like blade fixed at one end that was used by Japanese feudal warriors, in combat it could be used to slash and cut graceful arcs as well as to thrust. Originally it required a powerful man to use the Naginata effectively, although Samurai women received martial arts training, they rarely fought in battle. With their husbands in combat almost continuously, 16th century samurai women provided for the defence of their homes and children, Like their samurai husbands, personal honour was paramount for samurai women.
