The evolution of the katana was naturally closely associated with that of the Samurai, the warrior class of feudal Japan, or Bushi as they were known in Japan. As warriors and masters of the art of war, the Bushi had themselves evolved from being employed as guards serving powerful leaders, into a dominant class of its own. Eventually it led to the establishment of a feudalistic military which established the Ways of the Bushido to dominate the Japanese feudal and social structures for the next 700 years. The Bushi's primary role as military knights was their total and absolute allegiance to their peers for whom they were pledged to fight and if need be to die defending. They adhered to strict martial codes and disciplines and were uncompromising in their observance of honorable and chivalrous behaviors. Honor was their life and they would as soon embrace death than be dishonored. The Bushi's demand for dependable weapons of the highest quality produced katana of unrivalled perfection during a era where honor and chivalry were their life. They wore two swords during battle, the long sword katana (daito) and the short sword shoto (wakazashi). In a traditional Japanese home a special room is used to display these swords. This room is a place of honor where only distinguished guests are entertained during the Chanoyu tea ceremony.
This traditional and practical 4 piece sword set includes the 39.5 inch long sword katana, 32 inch wakizashi, and 21.5 inch tanto. Each sword has a highly polished, sharpened and oiled blade. They all have metal cast tsuba handguards in the shape of two Japanese dragons, and the tsuka handles are finished in a traditional Japanese ito wrap. Each blade fits tightly into it's own matching sageo cord wrapped saya scabbard, and the set is accompanied with a beautiful black lacquered display stand.
