|
Post by Jesseak on Mar 6, 2014 4:11:07 GMT
In deciding on a first katana I want to make sure I get a sword that is comfortable for me. My problem is there is nowhere near me to actually look at them in person. is there a good way to figure out blade and tsuka length by height or something like that?
|
|
|
Post by Adrian Jordan on Mar 6, 2014 4:18:52 GMT
A loose guide that I've seen mentioned for blade length is acquired by measuring the distance from your hand the the ground, like you would when measuring for a cane. Tsuka length should be around 10 to 12 inches. Some people like a longer tsuka, but I find that they get in their own way after a certain point.
How tall are you?
|
|
|
Post by frankthebunny on Mar 6, 2014 4:19:53 GMT
The best thing to do would be to ask your instructor if you're taking classes. Here is a general iaido chart but not specific to all styles of JSA. I personally don't find that the recommendations made here fit me well but then again I don't practice any formal style. Attachments:
|
|
|
Post by aussie-rabbit on Mar 6, 2014 4:29:14 GMT
katana blades tend to be between 70 to 73 cm (27 1⁄2 to 28 1⁄2 in) if your very tall then one of the 29" blades may be more suitable, conversely if your shorter than say 5" 8" you may find a 26" blade more to your liking.
Tusuka length is between 9.5" and 12", again a shorter blade generally means a shorter tsuka although there is no hard and fast rule.
|
|
|
Post by Jesseak on Mar 6, 2014 12:20:44 GMT
Im 6 ft . So according to that chart I would need a 30 inch blade?
|
|
|
Post by Adrian Jordan on Mar 6, 2014 16:11:52 GMT
About 30 inches, yeah. Again, all these are just suggestions, and each style has its own requirements. If you are at a dojo then your instructor will have information on any exact measurements you need to adhere to. If you are just getting it for yourself, then 29 or 30 inches is a nice, relatively safe expectation. At this length it is popularly referred to as an O-katana.
|
|
|
Post by Arwyn on Mar 6, 2014 16:20:20 GMT
Adrian is spot on. Unless you actually have a sensei that can give you recommendations, go with something neutral. 26" to 28" inches is stock common for katana and a good place to start.
The one thing to watch for in the longer blades is the chance of hitting the ground. If you have long arms, and a long blade, there is a chance of catching the tip on the ground. Thats bad.
I am 6'4", and I have katanas in the 28" to 33" range. I like the bigger blades, but the 33" inch o-katana do take a bit more awareness. I rolled the tip on one of them unintentionally just brushing the ground.
Go with the 29" or 30" inch, that should be plenty long.
|
|
|
Post by Google on Mar 6, 2014 21:12:21 GMT
Ask your teacher. The "proper size" is determined solely by the school you practice, and even then advanced practitioners tend to have swords to their own preference rather than "proper" size. If you're not in an official school, choose whatever you like.
|
|
|
Post by Bluntsword on Mar 6, 2014 21:43:48 GMT
Also make sure to double check the measuring point of the sword you buy. Some manufacturers measure blade lengths from different spots e.g. from habaki or ha/munemachi, that 1 inch makes a difference.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2014 2:15:48 GMT
Something to consider: the further away either long or short from "standard" length, the harder it will be to sell later down the road. Sometimes you decide to upgrade or that whatever you originally got isn't doing it for you. It's good to be able to have a dignified exit without taking a bath or having something you can't sell.
I wouldn't advocate buying something just to sell it later, but it is good to have options unless you know you are going to love what you get next week / month / decade
|
|
|
Post by aussie-rabbit on Mar 7, 2014 7:15:23 GMT
I'm an average 5' 10" and I have blades from 29" to 27" all handle differently, most tall ie. 6' plus prefer a 29" blade - there is little to be gained from a beginners view point for a longer blade, later you may want a longer blade, but that's part of the fun, more swords !! :lol:
|
|
|
Post by Steel in on Mar 7, 2014 19:06:18 GMT
Your ryu/sensei will advise, if you don't have a ryu or a sensei then it really doesnt matter.
Edit, sorry i seem harsh, you need sayabiki according to your sensei/ryu. If you have sword only to treasure you do not need sayabiki, it is only from your ryu/sensei.
|
|
|
Post by Insane on Mar 7, 2014 20:48:16 GMT
I was once told that you have to multiply your semprini length by 4 and that should be the correct length for a katana.
So now i have a large collection of tantos.... go figure?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2014 22:56:24 GMT
No, that's for tsuba diameter.
|
|
|
Post by Richard Arias on Mar 7, 2014 22:59:57 GMT
The general length of most production Katana have 11in Tsuka and 28 in Nagasa. There are some that are 12in Tsuka and 29in Nagasa. The ones that are larger than that sit on a stand and never see real use. The Nodachi and O katana are little more in my experience than just swords people love to show off and say they have. But lets see Iai and tameshigiri use with them. A swords length depends on how you are going to use it. The reason why the Gunto was 9 1/2in tsuka and 26in blades were due to the fact that the Japanese Military realized the Japanese sword had to be strong and fast if it were to be used in a fight with any kind of success.
In my experience training people in Real Sword use has been very close to my experience in teaching people defensive pistol shooting. People at the local range may try to sell you a 1911 or a large Frame Glock. Even revolver fans try to push some large frame .44 mag. But the simple fact is the standard issue for many military pistols is 9mm. For Rifles the 223 and not the 7.62 is what soldiers use to achieve speed and accuracy. If you can only shoot a .38, 9mm or even a .357 as your maximum for defensive gun accuracy (steady fire at 7 yards getting 10 rounds into a piece of binder paper). Then that is what you should use.
What I am saying is that if you get a standard 28in Nagasa 11in tsuka and can use it to an effective Batto, Kesagiri, Noto order then use it. As long as the tsuka is big enough to fit your hands in a solid grip and have a two finger width between them then your fine. But the biggest mistake you can make is get a 29-30in blade with a 12-15in tsuka that will be too awkard to allow you to do the sword basics with.
Start with a standard sword and basic training. I really doubt you will find that you need something bigger...
|
|
|
Post by Jesseak on Mar 8, 2014 0:35:30 GMT
thanks a lot guys. so what im getting from this is go with something I like in a 28" blade instead of settling on something for a 29" blade.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2014 0:41:37 GMT
If you don't have to conform to a group, just get whatever you think looks cool and can afford. You'll get used to whatever you use over time. If in doubt, buy a bokken. Do you like the size? Get that size sword.
If you don't have a teacher I highly suggest you hold off from doing any cool martial arts stuff you might have seen and want to try out. Admiring a real sword, swinging in the backyard, and doing some basic cutting is one thing, but it's not a good idea to experiment with things on your own with a sharp sword and no experience to draw on - like quick draws or putting the blade away and so forth. Keep it simple and keep all your fingers. ;-)
|
|
|
Post by aussie-rabbit on Mar 8, 2014 7:59:27 GMT
I don't have anything that long! Maybe Anduril would be close :lol:
|
|
|
Post by Timberwolf on Mar 14, 2014 8:39:40 GMT
Hiyas, Jesseak. It's sharp of you to ask as many questions as you need before spending even $300 on your kat. I saw your post and we went over this nagasa/tsuka length thing a while back, I just had to search to find it: viewtopic.php?f=32&t=17782&hilit=bugeiThis is a great way to measure your particular OPTIMUM nagasa/tsuka: (I stole these measuring methods from Bluntsword, I believe. He has a thread about this. Thanks, bro!) So. Let's look at your tsuka first. OK, I don't know what size your hands are in reference to your frame. Some say that's not as important as the overall ulna/radius length, including the elbow joint. I can see the logic in both ways to figure this, but in the end, they only vary by a bit, if at all. Try them both: Elbow on the table, fingers pointed up. Measure from the table to the base of your hand, the center joint 'tween your wrist and palm. That's your tsuka length. Grab a ruler with the standard opposing 2 handed grip, but allow for a generous 2 finger widths between your hands. That's your tsuka length, as well! I figure that if there is any substantial difference, split that difference. It's an optimal measure anyway, and you'll wind up fudging it in reality in most cases. For the nagasa, grab a yardstick or your tape measure, and hold either like your kat, pointed straight down and touching the floor. Shake out your neck and shoulders, then stand at attention, while letting your measuring device slide up and down easily in your hand. When your shoulders are square, grab the yardstick with your hand at the 45* or so grip that will be naturally occurring anyway. Hold that booger right there and look at the measure to your index knuckle. Subtract 2", that is your nagasa length. That should leave you with just enough clearance to be 1/2" above the floor when you're slinging chunks and goo off of your blade from the politician you just rid this country of. (Oh, sorry. I shouldn't say such things.) :twisted: That might give you a decent start. As it was said, stock factory sizes will ultimately determine what you wind up with. Let us know how this purchase is going, and remember that you're required to do a review on that bad boy once you get it, with lotsa pics! Now see what you got yourself in to? :lol: Oh, stay away from long tsukas, over 12". We went over that a while back, and long Tsukas? They Tsuck.
|
|
|
Post by bobthebuilder on Apr 19, 2018 19:15:12 GMT
sempriniing normies
|
|