Uchigatana

Uchigatana (Japanese打 刀- "slash sword " ) was the name for the shorter of two swords carried by a samurai.

In the martial Muromachi period (1392-1568) it became the custom for the falling quality of mass production in addition to a two- Tachi sword of the Obi to wear (belt). The Uchigatana had an approximately 60 cm long blade and was performed with one hand. In contrast to the Tachi, which was designed to fight on horseback, the Uchigatana could be better used for fighting in houses.

Towards the end of the Muromachi period and the beginning of the Momoyama period (1568-1603) it became customary two swords as a pair ( Daisho ) in Obi, as with the cutting edge facing upwards to support the Uchigatana. For this, the blades were shortened Katana and Wakizashi called.

• Sword