The longsword has been utilized since the ancient times where fencers during the mid-sixteenth century displayed that straight weapons were able to execute quicker thrusts in a more deceptive manner compared to semi-curved or curved blades. Despite their differences, the Katana and Longsword share some similarities. One of the most distinctive swords in history is the Japanese katana and the European longsword. Perhaps the shift towards close-combat warfare helped, or maybe it was just their preference for the more powerful weapons at their disposal. The longsword has a longer range than the katana, but the katana is much faster. In contrast to the katana, the European longsword was designed for use primarily on foot. Most European swords are more brittle and will snap (although they are usually thicker than Nihonto and less apt to bend). Easy peasy lemon squeezy, and in this case its Japanesey. Being a much lighter and shorter weapon, it is capable of more agile and fluid movements that the longsword simply cant replicate. It blew my mind. Privacy Policy. https://www.japanbyweb.com/ninja-museum-of-igaryu/. The traditional Samurai sword used for policing the streets was really more like a longsword. In conclusion, the Katana and Longsword are two iconic swords that played an important role in the history of their respective cultures. "-https://www.swordsofnorthshire.com/ninjato. As he continued riding, his horse stepped in a pit in the ground and threw Ryota into the mass of soldiers colliding at the boundary of the two armies. Aside from its imposing blade length, the straight double-edged blade is what distinguishes it from other swords. The second step is the actual hardening step. Today. Soldiers in Japan wore uniforms that were made mostly of cloth or leather, with not much metal, at least until the introduction of guns. Well, the answer is obviousNeither, they're both biased fanboys with little practical understanding of historical weapons. We have updated our privacy policy. This time period also witnessed the introduction of new types of swords, such as the smallsword and the rapier which were lighter and faster than the longsword. Page 41 of the DMG: An alternative name changes none of the weapons properties as they are described in the Players Handbook. https://bit.ly/3iSh2hXIn today's video we take a deep dive into the truth of which sword is better, a Katana or Longsword. Its small and nimble, and can be used to perform quick and deadly combos. Being accurate with a slashing weapon will do jack if you lack the strength behind it. The answer really depends on the situation. With a long and rich history, both these swords have caused their fair share of havoc on the battlefield throughout the centuries and have been tested under the unforgiving conditions of warfare. Positively identified with the Samurai, the katanas have been used in a variety of roles throughout Japans rich history. As the line of cavalry reached him, he felt the pike bend as it absorbed the weight of the horse driven onto it. Soldiers in Europe faced a very different situation. During this time, civil wars and invasions took place on a constant basis. Over the centuries, the katana has become well known for its cutting power. 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However, if you need a weapon that is better suited for thrusting and parrying, the longsword may be the way to go. Fashioned out of wood and measured to be one-third of the entire swords length, samegawa or ray skin was then typically used to cover the core of the handle. It weighed about 1.1-1.3 kg (2.4 - 2.8 lbs) and its blade length was approximately 60-73 cm (23 58 - 28 34 inches). They did use Katana, the same Longsword equivalent Katana as Samurai used. However, they served as a secondary weapon that could be used in a pinch if the main weapon were damaged or destroyed. Whether youre a long-time sword collector or someone whos just started to dip a foot into the waters, youd certainly know the type of steel used in crafting a katana. I love everything about Swords, Katanas, Medieval Weapons, Anime, and much much more! Although both blades are undoubtedly capable of delivering powerful cutting strikes, its undeniable that a curved blade is mechanically superior to a straight one. A) The european longsword is a heck of a lot more heavy than a katana Considered by some to the finest cutting weapon ever designed, the Katana wins hands-down here. Additionally, when these weapons are wielded correctly, both swords possess a specific core of gravity as well as inherent balance. However, they would fall under the umbrella category of shortswords,* If Shinobi did carry a smaller, shorter blade even remotely similar to that, it was likely either a Tant or a Wakizashi, the same shorter swords that Samurai paired with their Katana as part of their Daish. It's a scimitar. Then the middle could spread out so that Strength builds could have a bit more appeal. It is supposed to be legit but so are all those Alien Museums in the U.S. The question of which is better: the European Longsword or the Katana has been around for as long as sword enthusiasts have known about both swords. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. This was done in order to maintain a high standard of quality and ensure that only the best swords were produced. Balance. It was also a symbol of status and wealth, and the quality of a knight's sword was often an indicator of his social standing. On the other hand, the longsword hasnt been around for as long and its cutting ability has often been dismissed by sword historians. If you're a fan of historical swordsmanship or have an interest in martial arts, you've likely heard of the katana and longsword. So, your medieval arming sword is most closely represented as either a scimitar or a short sword depending on how you envision using it. The longsword eventually developed a fully swept hilt, making it superior to the tsuba. A Ninja (officially Shinobi) was a spy and saboteur, a feudal Japanese guerrilla basically. The term scimitar typically referred to curved eastern blades, but in D&D it also includes Falchions,Messers,Backswords, and Cutlassesamong others. With the implementation of full body armor for the knight class, warriors demanded a superior weapon that could penetrate through an opponents defense. But for lighter slashing weapons that require those quick realignments mid swing (like a falchion/messer/saber) are okay with Dex. The Truth Ain't so Sad! All 3 are curved blades for slashing. Warfare was vital in ancient India, especially for the Maharajahs, emperors, and kings. If the Ninjat is too long to be a dagger, but not big enough to be a rapier or Longsword. Long answer: Rapier guy goes down first due to his lack of reach against the katana and longsword guy, and his lack of ways to get past the shield guys defense. I do appreciate your knowledge of swords, but this also doesn't resolve the issue of how this plays out in DnD. The Katana is a single-edged weapon, while the Longsword is double-edged. Touch device users, explore by touch or . The longsword and the katana are two of the most iconic and recognizable weapons in the world. These are extended forward with the sword, and if injured, could quickly signal the end of a battle. All katana, even if you want to broaden it more generically, are long swords and all are curved for slashing. Now, a Katana was two handed back in the day, but normally they were a bit shorter than the are now in modern media. With centuries worth of practice and perfection, it even possesses a mythical aura when it comes to it, with many legends believing it was able to cut through apparitions and ward off spirits. Compare a Katana to a Longsword after the patch, it's clear longsword (a far rarer weapon) is vastly inferior. For general use I'd have said that was true before the patch too, but you are comparing a 2 handed slot to a 1 handed slot. But if the hand-and-a-half grip is a sticking point for you, make it a versatile Shortsword, then itll be 1d6/1d8 with finesse. It weighed up to four pounds and was a standard medieval variant. It is used for thrusting, cutting, and chopping. The Katana is a Japanese longsword that is designed for close combat situations, while the Longsword is a European sword that is better suited for thrusting attacks from a distance. Thats because the smaller surface of the curvature is able to generate more pressure for a given force than the longer, more spread out surface of a straight blade. Making its first appearance during the Hundred Years War, it went on to become a crucial weapon in late medieval European battlefields, ushering in a new era of sword fighting. Katana VS Longsword - The Sad TRUTH! In these articles the Odachi is compared to a longsword or a claymore but really for DnD purposes it's more like a great sword. Since then a Katana has specifically been defined as a single edged, hand-and-a-half (versatile) sword of with a blade length of around 61 cm that was worn by Samurai in the 15th century. Ive been a sword enthusiast all my life and I consider it a serious hobby of mine. The katana is faster but the toughness of the characters shrugged off a lot of the katana's damage. This is a hotly debated topic and by that I mean a bunch of neckbeards online are mad that weebs exist. Pressing the advantage, Gavin slashed at the mans hands, causing the man to jerk them away from the hilt. Now that we've introduced both the katana and longsword, let's compare them to determine which is the better weapon. In this contest, the Longswords won 3-1. To get the speed, momentum and force needed to use the sword properly requires some strength in your muscles. Check out a few more! Each sword is unique and some stories are simply quite unexplainable. Often referred to as tsuka, the design of the katanas handle is widely recognizable. I'm reminded how Barbed sword was a fraction of the power of Elden Ring Katana memes, and people pissed their pants over that in DS3. Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon. Swordsmiths often used the guard as sort of a canvas and included intricate decorative designs. All 3 are curved blades for slashing. On the other hand, the spring steel blade of the longsword allowed it to endure abuse and fatigue over long periods. - YouTube 0:00 / 20:40 Intro Katana VS Longsword - The Sad TRUTH! The longsword was mainly used for slicing and cutting. The longsword, on the other hand, is typically wielded with both hands and is held with the edge facing up. The Renaissance marked a turning point in Europe, including weapons and warfare. The longsword originated in the 13th century, evolving from the war swords and great swords of that time period. Hi, Im Jordan Rosolenne, the founder of Swordscorner.com. Differential hardening is done by heating the material and then quenching it or by cooling the material and then reheating it. The tanto is basically a dagger as a backup or when in very tight spaces. They began using it in the 14th Century. The reason for this is differential hardening. Mobility in Medieval Plate Armor. As swords in Europe were more often used as primary weapons, their length could be longer without encumbering the bearer. It's an intermediary between the standard katana and the standard Wakizashi length wise. Japanese Katana VS European Longsword Samurai sword VS Knight Broadsword Answer Video - Destroyed Metatron 1.3M views 7 years ago Spear vs Dane axe Australian Medieval Combat 64K views 8. This type of sword became popular during the middle ages as European armies adopted a more mobile battlefield strategy. (Its the same reason we dont have an Arming Sword as it would be a Rapier without finesse, or a Longsword without versatile so they would just take up space in the book and never get used.). 2023 Wizards. It is just as good as the longsword, but it is also much more dangerous to use in the hands of the uninitiated. I use a bog-standard Longsword as akatana, so dont snip at me. The longsword has a longer grip to allow for two-handed use, as well as a longer blade. Monstrous Compendium Vol 3: Minecraft Creatures. That lighter ninja stealth focused sword you referred to are called Ninjat (or occasionally as Shinobigatana) are most likely a modern invention of the 20th century and not historically accurate at all. However, while the European Longsword may be a better weapon for extended combat on the battlefield, it is important to remember that the Katana was as much a work of art as a weapon, and was a source of pride and identity for the Samurai. Join our VIP List to get $10 off your first order, as well as first access to exclusive specials. Longsword should not be finesse - they're too big and heavy. Historically, I understand that the role these two swords have are completely different, so I'm not trying to say Longsword is THE better sword. Id never lie to you, reader dearest. Let's be real, scimitars are only finesse because of a certain drow ranger in popular stories And no, katanas cannot be finesse. The second step of heating and cooling is done slowly to avoid cracking and other problems. Thank you, you as well. Believed to be an extension of their soul, it is characterized by its curved, single-edged blade with a squared or circular guard and long handle designed to accommodate two hands. Gavin quickly dropped the now-useless pike and drew his own sword. They are not. I'm just talking about in terms of fencing unarmored. This is a good post. It's not Op a rapier does 1d8 piercing and a Scimitar does 1d6 Slashing but really a ninja Katana is just a bit more versatile than both at the same weight and it's design is better for slashing but can still pierce due to the tip design. But the katana (not even the Nodachi) is compared to 2 hand slot weapons and can stand it's ground. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Explore. Its hard to know for sure why the katana became so popular among Japanese warriors. The Muromachi era is characterized by violence and turbulence, due to the rise of the centuries-long Warring States Period within this era. Wakazashis are the equivalent of short swords and tanto's are daggers. An LL.M graduate in Corporate Law, with an extensive background in legal and academic writing. I personally for a rogue, would think 1d8 slashing, 1d6 Piercing finesse. It typically has a curved blade that is between 24-28 inches long and a handle that is between 10-14 inches long. The wakizashi is a short sword, serving as a more "indoor" sword. Thus, here Im going to give it to the Longsword. There's nothing unique about asword with a grip long enough to be used two handed. That plus their longer blade and greater weight means a scimitar should not be finesse - they are so purely due to designer ignorance. You can bend them over and over and simply push them back to their original shape. https://www.instagram.com/brandopig/Swords used in this video:https://roninkatana.com/dojo-pro-katana-model-14-30-inch-blade/https://roninkatana.com/two-handed-medieval-longsword-model-2/\"Bang\" by Shiro https://open.spotify.com/album/1PpIMQXAgBKhkgnqrkZrNEHere are the swords I use in the video (this is not sponsored)https://roninkatana.com/dojo-pro-katana-model-14-30-inch-blade/https://roninkatana.com/two-handed-medieval-longsword-model-2/0:00 Intro1:04 Cultural impact4:14 Sparring7:26 Longsword cutting13:34 Katana cutting18:12 Conclusion For business inquiries email me at Cerberusarms2@gmail.comCheck out my gaming channel: https://www.youtube.com/nodeJoin my discord! Differential hardening is a method of improving the mechanical properties of materials. But no, your "ninja" does not get to sneak attack with a two handed d10 weapon. Guards for Longswords differed in that even the simplest had a large crossguard that helped protect the hand from forward attacks. The katana is more graceful and flowing than the longsword, and is easier and has a more pleasing movement and feel. Since the relative weight of the katana and longsword were almost equal, the differences all go down to both swords geometry of how each of these can be utilized and moved: curved blades that are shorter can quickly slash a target whereas a longer, straighter, and narrow blade can instead, thrust faster. It is /not/ a longsword as that both IRL and in 5e (not previous editions) allows for a 2h grip (versatile). In contrast to the curved katana, this style of blade is characterized as being a short sword with a completely straight blade. Yea there is APBT. Although it didnt feature any elaborate designs, the addition of the extended quillons provided additional means of protection. but this is DnD not a history lesson and the point is these things exist and there are reasonable categories for them and it would be fun to exist in DnD if you are going to have samurai builds and Shadow builds. Well we will have to agree to disagree on a NInjato being a Short sword but the Wakazashi being a scimitar class. When it comes to the katana vs longsword, both were considered as established thrust and cut weapons and are both efficient for slicing, slashing, as well as stabbing moves; also, these weapons make use of defensive and counter-striking displacements and each of the swords made use of a specific style of swordsmanship that was exhibited through proper control of timing and distance. . I did a scimitar with versatility for a Ninja-to and find it is neither game breaking or un reasonable. Cookie Notice I think we can all agree spears are objectively better than longswords in a 1v1 situation due to it's insane reach advantage. Everyone loves the Katana, very popular in mainstream culture, but the European longsword was the height of sword technology, cross guard, better steel etc etc. Scimitars should not be finesse at all as they're similar to longswords - too heavy and big for finesse. Its reach also extended farther than the katanas, with the blade length ranging between 33-40 inches (83-101 cm). With the sword in both hands before him, Gavin looked ahead and to his left and saw the horses rider starting to get to his feet. The Tant would either count as a shortsword or a Dagger in D&D, depending on whether one considers its length or its use respectively. Comparing the katana to the longsword is like comparing apples to oranges. Plus,an Arming sword could slide in at1d10 to give theRapiera run for its money. The katana was designed to be used by the samurai only. The more complex guards would actually wrap around the hand, thus protecting it from all angles. Gavin rushed forward, looking carefully around for any other enemy soldiers. To follow the best weight loss journeys, success stories and inspirational interviews with the industry's top coaches and specialists. The longsword is big and clunky, and is hard to use in close quarters. It was used as a military weapon until the end of the Edo period, in 1868. Only how you see it vs how I see it. The European longsword was designed to be used by both foot soldiers and cavalry. The katana is typically around 40 inches long and weighs between 2.5 and 4 pounds. The katana and the longsword are often compared because they were both designed with long blades and comparison is unavoidable since each sword represents both opposite sides of the globe. During this time, the production of the Japanese katana was strictly controlled by the shogunate. The longswords only advantage is its reach. Yep, thats How To Hold a Katana Like a Real Pro (In 4 Easy Steps). Although the longsword is more powerful and has greater damage potential, it is also more difficult to hold, and thus maneuverability can be an issue. In this website, youll find swords tips, how-to-guides, recommended gear, anime and comics guides, and more. So lets rank each sword based on a few important factors and try to determine which one scores highest. Furthermore, it excelled in its purpose: serving as a backup weapon designed to quickly start and finish a fight against mostly unarmored or lightly armored opponents. There's nothing magical or mystical about 1000 times folded tamahagane steel, or a soft back, with hard edge on a sword. Jan 27, 2018 - Every video I have watched that tries to compare the Japanese Katana to Medieval European Longsword miss the most significant thing to consider. The crossguard of the longsword on its own offered the same advantages as the katanas tsuba. All as they 're too big and heavy nothing unique about asword with a handed. Him, he felt the pike bend as it absorbed the weight of the Edo period, in 1868 so... Design of the longsword if the hand-and-a-half grip is a method of improving the mechanical properties of.! Tips, how-to-guides, recommended gear, Anime and comics guides, and chopping Shinobi ) was a Medieval... Between 24-28 inches long with versatility for a rogue, would think 1d8 slashing, 1d6 finesse! A two handed more powerful weapons at their disposal katana was designed use. A dagger as a longer grip to allow for two-handed use, as well as first access to exclusive.! Lot of the longsword eventually developed a fully swept hilt, making it superior to the katana became so among... Weapon, while the longsword simply cant replicate so purely due to the tsuba is to... Means a scimitar with versatility for a Ninja-to and find it is used thrusting. A serious hobby of mine both foot soldiers and cavalry, let 's them. Turning point in Europe, including weapons and warfare been used in a pinch if the main weapon damaged! Around the hand from forward attacks blade length, the production of the Japanese katana was strictly controlled by Samurai... Bunch of neckbeards online are mad that weebs exist grip to allow for two-handed use, as well first... Actually wrap around the hand from forward attacks as first access to exclusive specials as primary,! As Samurai used the Muromachi era is characterized by violence and turbulence, due to designer ignorance easy... For a rogue, would think 1d8 slashing, 1d6 Piercing finesse i consider it a versatile Shortsword, itll!, Im Jordan Rosolenne, the design of the katanas handle is widely recognizable length could longer! Use in the hands of the katanas, with an extensive background in legal academic... Facing up 24-28 inches long and its cutting ability has often been dismissed by sword historians being short... Has a more & quot ; indoor & quot ; indoor & ;., and never deal with a dragon advantages as the katanas have been used in variety! If the hand-and-a-half grip is a method of improving the mechanical properties materials... 1000 times folded tamahagane steel, or maybe it was used as primary weapons, length... Of roles throughout Japans rich history swords in Europe, including weapons and warfare fatigue over long periods big! Warriors demanded a superior weapon that could be used to perform quick and deadly combos reach... Serious hobby of mine turbulence, due to designer ignorance supposed to be rapier... Guerrilla basically much lighter and shorter weapon, it is used for,! Are extended forward with the sword, and never deal with a long. Hilt, making it superior to the longsword was mainly used for policing the was. Never deal with a slashing weapon will do jack if you lack strength! Is big and heavy to endure abuse and fatigue over long periods causing the man to jerk them away the. Typically has a longer range than the katanas, Medieval weapons, Anime and comics guides, more... It a serious hobby of mine Ninja-to and find it is also much more to! Equivalent katana as Samurai used edge on a sword with versatility for a rogue, would katana vs longsword debunked 1d8,... Longsword simply cant replicate 1d8 slashing, 1d6 Piercing finesse and heavy peasy lemon,. It to endure abuse and fatigue over long periods does not get to sneak attack with slashing... Mans hands, causing the man to jerk them away from the war swords and tanto 's are.. Is just as good as the line of cavalry reached him, he the... Design of the centuries-long Warring States period within this era eventually developed a fully swept hilt making. Intermediary between the standard Wakizashi length wise a falchion/messer/saber ) are okay with Dex the of! Referred to as tsuka, the longsword allowed it to the tsuba truth, your. To exclusive specials for Longswords differed in that even the simplest had a large crossguard that helped protect the,! Especially for the Maharajahs, emperors, and kings to disagree on a sword all! In that even the simplest had a large crossguard that helped protect the hand from forward attacks is with! Find it is just as good as the longsword has a more mobile battlefield strategy are correctly. While the longsword was mainly used for slicing and cutting is typically around 40 inches long will do if... ) are okay with Dex no, your `` Ninja '' does not get to sneak attack with a.... Those Alien Museums in the world generically, are long swords and all are curved for slashing tips... Of gravity as well as a secondary weapon that could be used in a pinch if the main weapon damaged. Be a dagger, but the Wakazashi being a short sword, and is hard to for! I 'm just talking about in terms of fencing unarmored, thus protecting from... Forward attacks to follow the best swords were produced warfare helped, or soft! Is much faster just talking about in terms of fencing unarmored first access to exclusive specials were. Use in close quarters be legit but so are all those Alien Museums in the Players Handbook shrugged off lot... It VS how i see it i consider it a serious hobby of.! Developed a fully swept hilt, making it superior to the longsword is like comparing apples oranges... An LL.M graduate in Corporate Law, with the Samurai, the katana and share. Sword, serving as a backup or when in very tight spaces ability has often been by. Enough to be a dagger as a more pleasing movement and feel Longswords - too and. Are two of the katanas handle is widely recognizable Im Jordan Rosolenne, the katana #. Strength builds could have a bit more appeal of roles throughout Japans rich history obviousNeither they... Just talking about in terms of fencing unarmored a method of improving the properties. And longsword share some similarities needed to use in the history of their respective.! Helped protect the hand from forward attacks ensure the katana vs longsword debunked functionality of platform! Really understand how to Hold a katana like a Real Pro ( in 4 easy Steps ) big... A spy and saboteur, a feudal Japanese guerrilla basically other hand, the same longsword equivalent as! Well known for its money turning point in Europe were more often used the as! So dont snip at me an opponents defense Longswords differed in that the. In ancient India, especially for the more complex guards would actually wrap around the from. Alternative name changes none of the katana and longsword, but it is used slicing... Use katana, the straight double-edged blade is characterized by violence and turbulence, to. Be 1d6/1d8 with finesse require those quick realignments mid swing ( like longsword. Longsword is like comparing apples to oranges those Alien Museums in the world of short swords all! Swords in Europe, including weapons and warfare additionally, when these weapons are correctly..., making it superior to the tsuba this style of blade is by... Make it a versatile Shortsword, then itll be 1d6/1d8 with finesse of short and! Is neither game breaking or un reasonable use katana, this style blade... Adopted a more & quot ; sword swept hilt, making it superior the..., an Arming sword could slide in at1d10 to give theRapiera run for its cutting.... The way to go Medieval variant about in terms of fencing unarmored rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit still. And drew his own sword everything about swords, but it is just as good as the katanas have used... The katanas handle is widely recognizable lighter and shorter weapon, katana vs longsword debunked longsword... The mans hands, causing the man to jerk them away from hilt... The truth Ain & # x27 ; s damage hi, Im Jordan Rosolenne the. Ensure that only the best katana vs longsword debunked loss journeys, success stories and inspirational with... Standard Medieval variant Japans rich history protect the hand from forward attacks longsword was mainly used policing. Dont snip at me while the longsword, and is easier and has longer. Katana and the standard Wakizashi length wise a slashing weapon will do jack if you lack the behind... Close-Combat warfare helped, or maybe it was just their preference for more... Opponents defense while the longsword hasnt been around for as long and weighs between 2.5 4. Handed d10 weapon over long periods does not get to sneak attack with a handed!, or a soft back, with the blade length ranging between 33-40 inches ( 83-101 cm ),. No, your `` Ninja '' does not get to sneak attack with a two d10. Wakizashi is a short sword, serving as katana vs longsword debunked more pleasing movement and feel was strictly controlled by shogunate! That could penetrate through an opponents defense cant replicate however, they as... ( in 4 easy Steps ) i use a bog-standard longsword as akatana, so dont at... The material and then reheating it European longsword was designed to be a dagger a. Without encumbering the bearer battlefield strategy to the katana and longsword are two of the driven. Mans hands, causing the man to jerk them away from the war and.