The Japanese swords are popular even now because the art of training using the swords has been kept alive by the martial arts schools around Japan. Though all types of Japanese blades are being purchased depending on the purpose for which it is being bought, the katana blade enjoys a special place in the hearts of those who are knowledgeable about Japanese swords. Therefore, there is an increase in the demand for shirasaya katana in recent times.
Though Shirasaya is being treated as a type of samurai sword, it actually is a scabbard and handles pair that is made of plain wood. It actually amounts to store the blade when it was not used by the Samurais. The Samurais did this because the original koshirae mount of the katana blade actually damaged the blade when kept in it for a long time. This was because the metals used in the decorative fittings sometimes harmed the blade causing rust and corrosion when left unused for some time.
Traditional Shirasaya Vs Modern Shirasaya
• The traditional shirasaya was theonly scabbard and handle primarily designed to store the blade when it was not about to be used. The modern shirasaya katana are actually functional and can be used effectively for test cutting and practice in a dojo.
• The traditional shirasaya were only made for the katana blade. While in modern times you have Shira says that have almost all types of samurai sword blades attached to them.
• The shirasaya katana of traditional type had handles made of magnolia or ho wood. This was a really soft wood so that they will not dull the edge of the katana blade. The modern shirasaya katana is made to be functional and the handle is made of hardwood such as ebony or rosewood, which adds to the aesthetic appeal as well.
• Since the traditional shirasaya was not meant to be used on the battlefield, not much attention was paid to the handle of the traditional shirasaya. But, in modern shirasaya katana,the tsuka is designed sturdily to provide grip and comfortably use it.
• The traditional shirasaya blade that is the katana blade was one that was made from Tamahagane while the modern shirasayablades are made of carbon steels and carbon steel alloys which make the shirasaya katanas sharp, durable and functional.
Buy quality shirasaya from reputed dealers of swords at affordable prices.
