Okay, so I'm writing a series, I post chapter 2, and all people can talk
about is the last 4 lines or so of the 'Things to note' section pertaining
to katanas. I'm not complaining - the more mail the better, however for the
benefit of the curious here is what the application of katanas in my story
is. I'm not claiming it to be biblical in accuracy - I change little things
as they suit me. However I DO have a referebce book for ninjitsu so that I
don't go too far off track.
My katana is: a curved blade generically made of two types of metal - one
hard, the other softer. The hard metal (more carbon) forms a strip along the
cutting edges, whilst the softer forms the body of the sword behind it. For
ninjas its size ranges according to how much they can handle - but the
largest is 5 feet (any more and we are talking no-dachi range).
Yes the samurai also use the katana, as a double handed weapon or by
Musashi's teachings 2 swords. Yes they consider it to be their rightful
honour, and yes they hate ninjas or anyone else who dares do that. But since
samurai as a rule hate ninjas anyway I don't think it would matter much to a
shadow warrior whether or not his resident enemy samurai objected to his/her
choice of weapons.
As to the suggestion that katanas are too unwieldy for a ninja let alone 2
of them - well they are very good cutting blades and very good at knocking
off opponents with 1 swing without getting your sword stuck. Since ninjas
pride themselves on speed it would be a severe pain the the ass to find
yourself with your weapon wedged between an enemy's ribs if you chose to
stab him with a straight blade. I'm trying to sound very clinical about all
this blood letting - please don't mistake me for a sadist.
Oh and katanas are actually very good at stopping other swords - they don't
crack like other blades because of the soft metal core - and you would be a
fool to try to block a slash with the cutting edge of your sword anyway.
Now I'm sure that the kanekoto style of sword construction (I take no
responsibility if the pronunciation is totally off) does exist - however
extremely very rare in practice because it takes a hell of a long time to
perfect, and most would consider it impractical to 'mass make' katanas.
Meyah's swords are made in this style and for your information benefit are
around 3 and a half feet long - very sharp and quite light (good speed but
less stopping power).
I can also provide information of the traditional step by step process of
making a katana but I won't here because already I've been too pedantic. If
you want the info. and if I have time to type it all out - email me
personally at dojohouse@xoommail.com
Incidentally I never intended to make such a big deal about the weapons in
Way of the Ninjitsu. You are totally free to disagree with me but the info.
above is what I use for my story. Keep talking about swords if you really
must but don't beat the dead horse. This is my attempt to end the
speculation on my katanas.
Hope you enjoy the story so far.
regards, Jason