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Japanese Weapons Research Paper

Decent Essays

Japan: Under The Shoguns

Japanese swords were arguably the most innovative and technologically advanced swords of their time. Blades were often forged with different profiles, different blade thicknesses, and varying amounts of grind. The steel used is known as tamahagane or "jewel steel". Tamahagane is produced from iron sand, a source of iron ore.

The smelting process used is different from the modern process of making steel. A clay vessel about 1 m tall, 3.7 m long, and 1.2 m wide is constructed. This is known as a tatara. After the clay tub has set, it is heated until dry. A charcoal fire is started. The fire will need to reach the correct temperature. At this point you would add iron sand(satetsu). This will be layered in with more charcoal and more iron sand over the next 72 …show more content…

Often ridden by higher ranked individuals in an army, horses were used by Samurai to break the enemy line by charging at them and breaking apart their front line.

Samurai armour was a masterpiece of craftsmanship and a status symbol in Shogun Japan. These suits were aesthetically designed to intimidate opponents and physically designed to protect against all manner of attacks. Samurai armour crafting was a meticulous process, overseen by an armourer who led a team of blacksmiths who worked with leather workers to create armour that would not only protect its wearer, but incorporated elements of Japanese myths and folklore, and Samurai spirituality

Japanese armour is thought to have evolved from the armour used in ancient China and Korea. At this time armour was primitive and was made of solid metals. It was around the 12th century when the pinnacle of Japanese armour was reached. It was also the most iconic samurai armour. This armour was called o-yoroi. The six major components are the dō (chest armour), kabuto (helmet), menpo (facial armour), kote (armoured sleeves), sune-ate (shin armour), and the hai-date (thigh

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