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Short Sword
In Japanese samurai sword culture, short swords—most notably the Tanto—were essential sidearms used for close-quarters combat and ceremonial purposes. These compact blades, typically less than 30cm in length, date back to the Heian period and were often utilized for precise thrusts or stealth assassinations. The tanto sword features a straight or slightly curved blade, often single-edged, and remains one of the most iconic types of Japanese swords.
COOLKATANA offers an extensive variety of fantasy Japanese short swords for sale, including curved short swords, tactical tanto blades, ninja-style short swords, Damascus steel tanto daggers, and even anime short swords inspired by popular characters. Whether you're looking for a traditional Japanese tanto, a high-performance self defense knife, or a visually striking mini katana for your collection, we have the perfect blade for you.
All of our katana swords and short blades are designed in Japan and hand-forged by expert swordsmiths in Longquan, China—a region celebrated for over 2,000 years of sword-making heritage. These artisans use time-honored techniques to craft every tanto knife and tactical short sword from premium materials such as high carbon steel and folded Damascus steel, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic excellence.
Blades shorter than a short Sword （swird）
The Short Sword holds an important place in Japanese samurai culture, often recognized as a compact and efficient blade, ideal for close-range combat and self-defense. Admired for its craftsmanship and sharp edge, the Short Sword, also known as a Tanto, is highly valued among sword enthusiasts.
The short sword is a traditional Japanese weapon, often referred to as a small katana, with lengths typically ranging from 30 to 60 cm. It includes blades like the wakizashi and tanto, both commonly used during feudal Japan. While the full-sized katana is the most iconic, the smallest samurai sword offers excellent versatility and is often favored for close combat or as a companion weapon. These swords reflect the craftsmanship and martial culture of traditional Japanese sword making, embodying the precision and skill of the samurai.
CoolKatana offers a wide selection of Short Swords for you to explore:
1. Material Categories:
- High Carbon Steel Short Sword:
- Features: Made from 1095 high carbon steel, offering exceptional hardness and sharpness. Its durability and strength make it ideal for both practical use and collection.
- Advantages: Sturdy, durable, and easy to maintain.
- T10 Steel Short Sword:
- Features: Known for its high carbon content, T10 steel provides a great balance of toughness and flexibility, especially after clay tempering.
- Advantages: A sharp, durable blade with excellent resilience.
- Damascus Steel Short Sword:
- Features: Famous for its unique wavy patterns and high strength, Damascus steel is both visually stunning and highly functional.
- Advantages: A perfect blend of artistic design and combat performance.
2. Craftsmanship Categories:
- Clay-Tempered Short Sword:
- Features: The clay tempering process creates an ideal balance between hardness and flexibility, along with a distinctive wavy pattern (Hamon) on the blade.
- Advantages: A visually striking blade with enhanced impact resistance and sharpness.
- Folded Steel Short Sword:
- Features: The folded steel technique increases the blade’s toughness and hardness, while creating a unique steel texture from the folding process.
- Advantages: High strength and flexibility with a stunning visual appeal.
3. Design Categories:
- Traditional Design Short Sword:
- Features: Preserves the traditional samurai sword aesthetics, featuring a compact and refined blade for precise handling.
- Advantages: Ideal for enthusiasts of traditional swords, combining collectible value with practical use.
- Personalized Design Short Sword:
- Features: Distinctive designs, including blue blades or black folded steel, for those seeking a unique look.
- Advantages: Unique color and design, perfect for display and collection.
4. Functionality Categories:
- Combat-Ready Short Sword:
- Features: Primarily forged from high carbon steel, these swords are tempered and sharpened for superior cutting performance and durability, making them ideal for practical combat.
- Advantages: Highly functional, suitable for martial arts or as a battle-ready blade.
- Collectible Short Sword:
- Features: Made using intricate multi-layer steel techniques (Sanmai), these swords are perfect for display and collection due to their artistic value.
- Advantages: Excellent craftsmanship, making them highly collectible.
Blades shorter than a short sword, like the Tanto, are highly valued for their role in close quarters combat. While the short sword holds a significant place in samurai culture, middle ages warriors also used types of swords such as arming swords and long swords, each with unique attributes. The double edged swords were perfect for cut and thrust techniques, while single edged blade designs, like the Tanto, were ideal for quick, precise strikes. In contrast, small swords were lightweight and often used as secondary weapons, easily carried for personal defense.
During the 16th century, swords evolved, with longer blades becoming popular for battlefield dominance. However, the agility and efficiency of blades shorter than a short sword remained essential for skilled warriors. These swords were designed for handed cutting, allowing for rapid, close-range attacks. CoolKatana’s collection showcases these historical weapons, offering options for both cutting edges and the versatility of long knives. Whether you are a collector or a martial artist, there’s a sword for every need.
Every Short Sword blends traditional forging techniques with modern craftsmanship, offering historical and cultural significance. Whether you are a collector or looking for a functional weapon, these Short Swords are an excellent choice.
This short sword features a shorter blade length and compact overall length, perfect for close combat and easy handling.
Table of Contents: Discover the Japanese short swords from the Muromachi period, featuring the short katana—a small sword Japanese style with a blade between 30 and 60 cm. Ideal for close combat, these elegant blades reflect the refined artistry and practicality of samurai culture.
The Versatile Power of the Short Sword
how much do swords weigh
Among the wide range of bladed weapons, the short sword stands out for its compact design, quick handling, and historical versatility. Typically ranging from 16 to 24 inches (40 to 60 cm) in blade length, short swords were favored for close-quarter combat, speed, and ease of carrying—making them ideal for both foot soldiers and adventurers in historical and fantasy contexts.
When it comes to weight, most short swords are significantly lighter than their longer counterparts. While a typical longsword may weigh around 3 to 4 pounds (1.4–1.8 kg), a short sword generally weighs 1.5 to 2.5 pounds (0.7–1.1 kg), depending on the materials used and the sword’s design. Whether crafted as a combat-ready blade, a decorative short sword, or a fantasy short sword replica, the balance between blade length and weight is crucial to its function.
Popular variants include the arming sword, short samurai sword (like the wakizashi), Viking shortsword, and even D&D shortsword types inspired by games like Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3). For collectors and cosplayers, there are also mini swords, cheap short swords, and short sword with sheath options available for purchase.
Whether you're looking for a historical short sword, a steel-forged combat version, or a beautifully designed anime blade, short swords offer a unique blend of history, utility, and artistry in a compact form.