The katana (刀?) is a type of Japanese sword (日本刀 nihontō?), also commonly referred to as a "samurai sword",[1] and generally defined as the standard size moderately curved (as opposed to the older "tachi" style featuring more curvature) Japanese sword with a blade length greater than 60 cm (23.6 inches).[2]
The katana is characterized by its distinctive appearance: a curved, slender, single edged blade, circular or squared guard, and long grip to accommodate two hands.[2] It has historically been associated with the samurai of feudal Japan, and has become renowned for its sharpness and cutting ability.
