Nihonto modern times

Nihonto from the modern era - The new swords from Japan

Fans of the real Japanese sword favour such swords for cutting exercises, for example, in order to preserve historical specimens.

Many examples of the genuine katana also look just as good as their antique counterparts, as they are forged according to the old tradition.

The swords shown here are examples of newer swords from Japan. If you are interested, new swords can also be customised for you. Please contact us for this.

Every katana listed here is a genuine Japanese master sword from a certified master smith.

Can tradition and modernity go hand in hand?

As samurai swords are no longer used as weapons today and therefore do not necessarily need to be developed further, the traditional forging methods can also be transferred very well to the modern age and work can continue in the old tradition.

What are the characteristics of new Japanese katana?

Modern Nihonto swords are swords of the newer generation.

They date from the time after sword-carrying was banned in Japan and are also known as gendaito.

Theoretically, the current swordsmiths are able to forge virtually any Japanese sword. As a rule, however, buyers want swords that are classified as katana.

The steel of newer swords is harder than most historical blades. This is why Gendaito are often the choice alongside Shinsakuto when cutting exercises (Tameshigiri) are to be performed with a real Japanese katana.

Is the traditional Japanese forging method still up to date?

Of course, there is now more modern steel that can be processed more easily.
The old Japanese way of forging is a cultural heritage that should nevertheless be preserved.

Reduced to pure functionality, swords can nowadays be forged more simply and therefore more cheaply.
From a technical and artistic point of view, however, Japanese swords are unrivalled.

How expensive is a real Japanese sword?

The elaborate production process involves a certain price. You should therefore budget a high 4-5 figure sum for a new genuine katana made in Japan.

Why should you buy a new katana from Japan?

As described above, it makes sense in the context of practising Japanese martial arts.

A second important aspect is the preservation of the Japanese blacksmith tradition.
It is a craft that is absolutely worth preserving. This can only be achieved if current blacksmiths receive orders.
That's why many people consciously opt for a new piece or a piece made by a blacksmith who is still alive and working.

We are pleased to be able to make a small contribution to conservation with our shop.