Hobbies And Interests
History
When the earliest samurai took to the battlefield, their primary weapon was the bow. Battles commenced with a volley of arrows, and then individual samurai challenged each other in sword fights. It wasn't until the 14th century that advances in sword-making techniques created by blacksmith Masamune Okazaki made the sword known as the katana the samurai's most important weapon.
Types
Many types of swords were produced throughout the Japanese feudal period, and their use was strictly governed. Merchants and other travelers were allowed the short sword, called the wakazashi, as protection from bandits and other dangers. However, only samurai were allowed the privilege of carrying the katana and wakazashi in a matched set called the daisho.
Arrangement
When not riding his horse or indoors, the samurai arranged his swords on his left hip with the curved cutting edges facing up to facilitate a quick draw. The katana was carried slightly above the wakazashi in his belt. Properly displayed swords are placed on a horizontal stand in an arrangement that imitates the way they were worn with cutting edges facing up, katana above the wakazashi. This arrangement also prevents pressure from damaging the cutting edge.