Truth. It’s for killing and chopping things; it should be a little more resistant to touching wood. I have stored a wood axe by chopping it into wood and leaving it there
Katana are traditionally displayed edge up because that is how they are worn, no other reason.Tachi, the older style, are traditionally displayed edge down, because that's how they are worn. It's nothing but an aesthetic sensibility.
@Lazar-TS The fact it is scary makes it double as cool, I think that is the entire point of watching extreme sports,(Not sure though, don't quote me on it)
@badluckpoppy Just for anyone who didn't :) Your comment made me realize I didn't (I was listening to the video) but I didn't see anyone post the timestamp :)
I'm not exactly a professional but I was under the impression that you never slam a katana shut cause it causes the Saya to become loose. Great video btw🎉🎉
I can think of a good reason for not displaying a Katana edge down. Mass and gravity. When sharp edge up, it's cirve places it's center of gravity lower than the blade in the center. If your display stand supports the sword left and right of the center as opposed to the puter ends, then facing the sharp edge up the sword is more stable and won't roll off. When placed edge down, the center of gravity is higher, and with the cross section of the scabbard being an oval in many cases, supporting it at the center of it's length makes gravity want to roll it over to bring it's center of mass closer to the ground. So it might roll off a stand that allows it to roll forward.
The Tokyo National Museum displays the Tachi edge down and the Katana edge up, the same way the swords were worn. I was just there a few days ago. That said, display it however you like...
Makes sense. I imagine they were worn that way due to the martial art of drawing the blade in combat, iaido...and then later extended to the way they were kept.
It’s super clear to me that despite the internet making information so easy to access people still don’t understand the most basic things about our world.
@@saphyrepyre Right, in fact, legitimate information is increasingly difficult to find. You have to use specific terms to search or else certain perspectives are hidden from you entirely
It makes misinformation easy. I spend a lot of time trying to slice through misinformation like Gordian knots, but I'd never call myself an expert without having spent the time with swords a guy like Shad has. So I'm a tourist, but I try to be a better informed and respectful tourist.
I just got here and will watch the video to see if this is mentioned, but originally the katana was worn edge down, with a different system for wearing it entirely. The edge up postition was just an evolution of how the sword was used over time and has nothing to do with concern for damaging the edge. Now I'm going to enjoy the video. OK, almost done, 9:14 the most famous Japanese swordsman developed a two weapon style, so there's evidence that they valued the use of either hand in war, but I'm unaware of the overarching trends.
For most of Japanese history, being left handed wasn't a big deal, but it was in the Edo period, especially in the tail end. One of the famed "last samurai", Saito Hajime of the Shinsengumi, is noted for having been left handed- it was considered a hurdle that he had to overcome, and pretty significant that he didn't adopt a right hand stance. Under most circumstances, he would not have been able to make it as high up the ladder as he did, either because of discrimination or using a non-dominant stance would hinder him. It was because he was in the Shinsengumi that he was able to thrive. They're considered some of the greatest samurai to ever live. But it's also believed by some historians that the acclaim is overblown, and it wasn't nearly as significant as it's been dressed up as, today. I can't say for sure, but I know any deviance from the norm in the Edo period was a huge no-no, so it was notable to some degree.
"And that's a real waste." Angeal literally doesn't want to use his buster sword as much as possible and resort to unarmed combat. Meanwhile, Zack Fair and Cloud Strife: "So I started bashing."
I think the use and storage of katanas is more etiquette than a rule or law. Who really cares what you do? As long as it is done safely or with good reason.
Yeah, it's more likely it was "The katana is the soul of the samurai, don't point it downwards, that is a bad omen, an omen of losing (being under the enemy)." sort of thing than any real damage.
@@steemlenn8797 What's funny is that the whole "The katana is the soul of the samurai" thing is also false. It was the soul of the smith that people in Japan believed to reside in the sword.
Some people get really stupid about etiquette. To the point that they start valuing it over any practical or rational concerns. Guess how common such people are places like Japan where collectivist obedience and conformity are the norm?
A sword...designed to cut through flesh and bone, damaged by resting in it's scabbard.....sure, and parking your car in your garage will ruin it's suspension....do people really hear themselves when they make these moronic claims?
Suspension no, tires yes. Storing a vehicle for an extended period of time can cause flat spots on the tire and cause cracking of the rubber, both of which can ruin the tire specially if stored in excessive heat or cold climates. That's why it's suggested to use blocks, jackstands or to over inflate the tires before storing for extended periods of time.
Storing of anything without proper care will eventually lead to its failure. Tire rot is a real problem. Suspensions are complex systems that will fail over time if they are not used as well. You could get sticking associated with maintaining a position to long. Rubber in the bushing can break down. In regard to the sword it might just get some flat spots on its edge. I'm talking about decades about years if not decades for cars. And for swords you're talking centuries if not millennia sitting in these positions. The average user of a sword is unlikely to ever experience blunting. A museum showpiece I'm less inclined to agree to put it blade down just for the long term once again millennia of edge preservation.
It wasn't long ago that Australian schools required all students to write with their right hands, no matter if they were right- or left-handed. So the idea that some schools of swordsmanship might have had a similar requirement sounds at least plausible. I'm not sure how Shad feels about this level of nitpicking - he's always so reluctant to voice his opinions and let us know haw he really feels about things.
People can do as they like with their things, and I could be mistaken, but my understanding is that it is traditionally displayed based on how it is traditionally worn. The sword is worn edge up, so it is displayed edge up. At one point it was mandated by law that swords be worn on the left side, so people would have learned to draw from that side, which may have been where the tradition of where it points when displayed comes from. I could be mistaken though.
I’ll through in that whether the blade is displayed edge up or down does have significance in Japanese culture. It’s been decades since I was over there so I may get this backwards but because when carried inside the obi the edge was almost always up (based on contemporary art) I believe displaying the edge up is indicative of readiness for conflict while resting the blade edge down indicates more peaceful intent. As to when this began I truly don’t know, probably sometime during the Edo period but maybe later. There’s another content creator who actually is Japanese and a student of the sword who lives in Kyoto; I’d ask him if anyone wants definitive, historical information on the subject. Look up Your Friend in Kyoto
@@orionstarrthegreat2514 The famous 3 edged katana :), its 5 edges but the last two is folded so many times they goes away, this rely on string theory being correct and you are very good of knitting and untangling fishing line while reentry under heavy fire, and having at least one Nobel price in physic.
Remember katanas are the best swords, with the best blades, made from the best steel (because it’s folded) but never display it upside down that will dull it and make it unusable
I’ll add that Shogo, our Friend in Kyoto mentioned that, historically the Japanese people are culturally disposed towards uniformity. I don’t remember him ever saying anything about everyone being trained to fight right-handed though. As some 95% of humanity (actual figures may have changed in the last decade) are right-handed most professional armies would have trained everyone using that hand predominantly, especially if their preferred style of warfare included shields simply because sticking a left-handed person in a shield line of, let’s say fifty will cause difficulties unless that individual holds the far left end of the line. The and their immediate neighbor would get in each other’s way. This I know from personal experience fighting in shield lines during my time as a heavy weapons combatant in the Society for Creative Anachronism. Fought in numerous battles, especially further three Pennies Wars I attended. One last note. In my own training, covering both traditional Japanese and several European styles I always trained with both hands even though I’m right-hand dominant. This was due entirely to my experience in combats where my right arm was struck and, in accordance with the rules of honor (blunted weapons only were used) that arm was injured and useless. Being able to fight left-handed allowed for me to continue to at least some degree.
😂 The triggering comment was hilarious. I am the proud wife of a samurai. (Yes a real one) Blade up on a horizontal stand was used for times when you were at war. Blade down was during times of peace. There are similar meanings in how it’s displayed vertically or how you set your katana on the floor next to you when meeting with someone.
i agree totaly, even that traditionally was more displayed edge up there is also many ways of display, like expoced display, vertical display, even hang vertical display, and there is no evidence of damage by it, only exposed outside display which nobody in he's right mind will ever do.
Actually, the right handed hanging on the wall thing "might" actually be semi-true thanks to some old laws and traditions. Basically, if you wore the Katana on the right hip, and walked next to another person with a katana, they could clash, which was apparently seen as offensive and could potentially trigger duels. So it was required by law for all samurai to wear their swords on the left hip only, which naturally meant the vast majority were trained to fight from a right-handed stance regardless of their normal preference. Not saying swords were pointed to the right when hanging 100% of the time, but there's good reason to believe there was a strong preference. Seki-sensei(As far as I know the most likely to be best authority on the subject on youtube) says it here: ua-cam.com/users/shorts8VmooLqQWMM But you can also find a lot about that law with a quick google search. As always, it's the internet, so take with a grain of salt, but there's a lot there. As for the left-handed thing, the video I linked touched very lightly on this, but does that matter much with a Katana? It's supposed to be the left hand's power, right hand's control. Both are important, so I'm not sure it matters which is on top, especially since if you DO need left hand for control they can be swapped fast if you get a second.
"You should never store a machete on its back, otherwise after a few years you'll end up with a Kukri " - there's a new one for ya'll, some OC for the puddle of crap 😂
Here is a neat feature of the Katana: The copper ring at the base of the blade is meant to friction fit the Sword in its Saya, preventing it from falling out when you bend over. Something to note is that when drawing and sheathing the blade, the wood and copper slowly wear down, making it easier for the blade to fall out. By Slamming the sword into the Saya as seen in the first two minutes of this video, you increase the rate of this wear and effectively damage the Saya. The sword toss at 1:57 is evidence of the damage that happens to the Saya, as the blade should not come out that easily without "Breaking the Seal" First. What I am saying is Shad needs to fix his Katanas.
As a left-handed person, this is relevant. I would also definitely train using my dominant hand as that is how you train with other weapons including guns.
Now it would be pretty easy to make an scabbard who can not damage the edge if made of wood. Simply make it narrower after it start tapering bot so wide the edge can not touch anything. You could line it with wool or similar to prevent sword making noise and if it suck up oil its just nice. Would expect this to be standard for high end sword, especially for the ones known for being sharp like katanas On the other hand it make sense that museum curators handling historic artifacts are careful with an sword, its very old and decoration might come loose slamming it into the scabbard
Weebs: Katanas are super magic swords, made of out intergalactic steel. Also Weebs: how dare you not treat it like it's made out of glass, you will damage it
I think a lot of it is a pretentious adherence to tradition or "proper etiquette". I remember that dude losing his ish because you threw a set of nunchucks on the ground, made it seem like you were disrespecting the entire history & culture of Japan. Personally I keep mine blade down because I like how it looks, simple. I'm also a big believer in the "it's mine, I can do what I want with it" attitude, as long as you're not breaking the law or being wreckless then do you
storing it edge up will damage the handle wrapping over time because gravity pulls the wrapping away from the Habaki but storing it the other way will tend to tighten the wrapping. because the direction of pull is towards the Habaki, also storing it edge up for too long will cause the cause the blade to flatten out turning it into a straight edge. Just need to give it a couple million years be noticeable.
I want to display my swords an an angle to the right or left and I want to wear it on my back, People trying to make others do it there way always need to be put in there place as someone some were will always want to do it there way, That is nature to fight it is silly. Great vid always Shad :).
I wasnt recommend a shadiversity video in like months, but suddenly after following the shadlands I got recommend this one. Maybe UA-cam really does want shorter content, which is sad
For everyday usage of most swords I 100% agree. For hisotical museum pieces that are hopefully going to last for millenia I don't. For long term 1000s of years edge preservation blunt edge down is better. It's also likely better for the blade all around very long term. Why does a Japanese museum put it sharp edge down? Because it looks cooler and it is honestly very minimal damage but over a long enough period of time it will cause flat spots.
You should never draw a sword, you may injure someone, ⚔ Well unless using it for self-defenses, going to war, exercise purpose or just to have fun cutting things (not living things) ⚔ is fun, but I prefer bows 🏹 😁😁😁😁😁
But when you try to balance the sword edge down, the sword always tries to flip over. It clearly wants to be edge up, so why are you denying the sword what it wants?
I love this video. Unrelated: I miss the old school videos rating video game castles. I really want Shad to look at Wyrm's Rock castle from BG3. If he has done that and I missed it, can someone tell me? Thank you!
for me the katana is way over rated, as an Arab man myself, I know that the eastern "curved" single edged swords like katana, the Arabic sword, the Turkish, Mongolian and Indian are very pretty, lethal swords especially on the horse back they will be lethal as death it self, and against the eastern armors which were not as strong as the European ones but the European sword are lethal against full armor, and easy to use, it's the most functional sword ever in my opinion
I forget exactly when but in Japan a law was passed requiring the sword to be on your left. That way they didn't have a problem with the sayas hitting each other. This common practice is why they drive on the left side of the road (Yes I was bored and wanted to find out why different cultures drive on left/right sides of the road). Guess what... if they had to make a law, that means not everybody was doing it previously. This lead to all samurai being trained right handed.
I'm sure historically people had a certain way (or several) of doing things as that was the way they were taught, and then passed that on. Doing it in that way would make sense if you want to honor that tradition, or making a movie/TV series, writing a book, displaying in a museum...etc. But nowadays, most swords are replicas and don't hold that historical significance anymore. At the end of the day, people can do whatever they want with their expensive hobbies, and display or store their swords however they liked, as I'm sure even people in the past would have done as well, diverging away established traditions, whether they were left-handed, just feeling lazy that day, or whatever... Unless it were a antique, then maybe they ought to take better care of those one-of-a-kind pieces.
8:20 but i heard from geschichtsfenster, that its not so crazy, like many ppl believe, because you cant make beer from dirty water so where beer is, is clear water and the dirty water has to be made, by many ppl and that was not too often the case in the medieval times maybe you talk about later
I've always got a kick out of those types of falsehoods, it always shows the person's so incredibly dull and lacking of substance that they've based their personality around all of these pieces of "sage wisdom" in the desperate hope people will go " OOOH! I didn't know that, I'd have never known! 😱" Hilarous 😂
if storing them blade down damages them I don't want to see what a horseman sword looks like from what we know of old times I believe you were never publicly left handed
There were left-handed warriors. They were shunned, considered evil, forced to be right handed a lot, but those who kept being left handed were valuable warriors in times of war.
Out of curiosity I looked up the part about blades up - not about damaging the blades, that's stupid from a physics POV and I have zero reason to question that. It seems there's at least some word out there that the "aesthetic sensibility" was that a katana stored with handle left and blade up is a lot harder for a right-handed person, as most people statistically are, to pull out into a combat posture on a moment's notice. It's a display of non-aggression within the household and toward guests entering the household... and during the relevant period, any Tokugawa agents looking for any excuse to have your family stripped of land and perhaps life for defiance of the Shogun. A household on war footing would have the "display" katanas ready to be drawn on a moment's notice. I don't believe any story like this from the first source, but it is suffice to establish this is an issue of cultural propriety - and the older "tachi" swords were displayed blade down just as they were worn, I am reading. Just food for thought. I appreciate the love of swords as swords.
I literally clipped the part where you shouted is it triggering you!? And sent it to my gf 🤣😂 she hates when I do that exact thing with my sword and says I’m going to damage the crossguard… if it damages by that then was it even really functional in the first place? 😂
It's worth noting that there wasn't left-user samurai, even if they was lefthanded. A left-user samurai would have been considered not honorable. So there wasn't any mistake about the side of a wartime katana placement
I try to argument deeper: the ritualistic aspect tied with honor and a samurai's honorable way of living was comparable more with the ritualistc aspect of a religion and a certain category of religious figures, than with the uses and costumes of folk as an alltogether. The ale example seems reasonable, until one realizes that it's misleading. A more appropriate example is if a single local church would have tought (or dare) to skip the bread and wine ritual during a mass: whenever that would have being done, soon the inquisition or an excommunication would have arrived. A samurai contradicting the way of sword that was taught to him would have loss his title and become a ronin.
I bet the myths about damaging the swords were started by smiths, or other people who were responsible for creating or repairing the swords. They told these to the masters just to exercise a limited amount of power over them; the masters told it to their students, who learned and became masters, who told it again to their students...
4:03 it is my understanding is that it serves two purposes the first being it's a cultural thing because swords more often than not were family heirlooms displaying it play down was considered a disrespect to the sword and the second reason is because they draw their swords blade up so it makes sense that they would just grab it up off the rack and then slide it into their belt as is It wasn't until your video that I had heard that it supposedly dulled the blade 🤔🤨
I love that the katana can simultaneously cut perfect slices into the Nth dimension but cant handle its own scabbard.
Amazing.
If a sword is that easily damaged in that manner then it is a worthless piece of crap in my humble opinion.
My rationale with most objects as I use them is "If [object] breaks from this, it deserves to be broken." Especially objects like weapons or tools
Truth. It’s for killing and chopping things; it should be a little more resistant to touching wood. I have stored a wood axe by chopping it into wood and leaving it there
It's made of steel, not tissue paper.
Katana are traditionally displayed edge up because that is how they are worn, no other reason.Tachi, the older style, are traditionally displayed edge down, because that's how they are worn. It's nothing but an aesthetic sensibility.
No one talking about how cool it is to flick the sword out of the sheath into the air and grabbing it was?
1:56 for anyone looking. Sick as hell. I was listening to the video so I missed it
Scary, as a mistake could have the possibility of taking a few fingers.
@@JoFa876Most cool tricks are dangerous.
Which is why they are impressive when someone can pull them off...
Like, yeah???
@Lazar-TS The fact it is scary makes it double as cool, I think that is the entire point of watching extreme sports,(Not sure though, don't quote me on it)
YES! Your videos are being recommended to me again. Cheers to the Shadlands!
Only a mall ninja deals in absolutes
What about Kitcheninjas?
I can't believe I missed the part where you tossed that katana out of the sheet when I first watched it.
1:56
I know I saw it in this clip. But the video is few years old iirc.
@badluckpoppy Just for anyone who didn't :) Your comment made me realize I didn't (I was listening to the video) but I didn't see anyone post the timestamp :)
Great rant! I deal with similar myths with guns.
I'm not exactly a professional but I was under the impression that you never slam a katana shut cause it causes the Saya to become loose. Great video btw🎉🎉
I can think of a good reason for not displaying a Katana edge down. Mass and gravity. When sharp edge up, it's cirve places it's center of gravity lower than the blade in the center. If your display stand supports the sword left and right of the center as opposed to the puter ends, then facing the sharp edge up the sword is more stable and won't roll off. When placed edge down, the center of gravity is higher, and with the cross section of the scabbard being an oval in many cases, supporting it at the center of it's length makes gravity want to roll it over to bring it's center of mass closer to the ground. So it might roll off a stand that allows it to roll forward.
The Tokyo National Museum displays the Tachi edge down and the Katana edge up, the same way the swords were worn. I was just there a few days ago. That said, display it however you like...
Makes sense. I imagine they were worn that way due to the martial art of drawing the blade in combat, iaido...and then later extended to the way they were kept.
It’s super clear to me that despite the internet making information so easy to access people still don’t understand the most basic things about our world.
Just because the information is there doesn't always mean the understanding of information.
Easy access to information doesn’t always mean that it’s good information, and sadly misinformation is incredibly easy to spread
@@saphyrepyre Right, in fact, legitimate information is increasingly difficult to find. You have to use specific terms to search or else certain perspectives are hidden from you entirely
It makes misinformation easy. I spend a lot of time trying to slice through misinformation like Gordian knots, but I'd never call myself an expert without having spent the time with swords a guy like Shad has. So I'm a tourist, but I try to be a better informed and respectful tourist.
The long-form original video of this was great. I'm enjoying this supercut. 😊
If you pull on your sword like that you will go blind Shad🤣
I just got here and will watch the video to see if this is mentioned, but originally the katana was worn edge down, with a different system for wearing it entirely. The edge up postition was just an evolution of how the sword was used over time and has nothing to do with concern for damaging the edge. Now I'm going to enjoy the video. OK, almost done, 9:14 the most famous Japanese swordsman developed a two weapon style, so there's evidence that they valued the use of either hand in war, but I'm unaware of the overarching trends.
For most of Japanese history, being left handed wasn't a big deal, but it was in the Edo period, especially in the tail end. One of the famed "last samurai", Saito Hajime of the Shinsengumi, is noted for having been left handed- it was considered a hurdle that he had to overcome, and pretty significant that he didn't adopt a right hand stance. Under most circumstances, he would not have been able to make it as high up the ladder as he did, either because of discrimination or using a non-dominant stance would hinder him. It was because he was in the Shinsengumi that he was able to thrive. They're considered some of the greatest samurai to ever live.
But it's also believed by some historians that the acclaim is overblown, and it wasn't nearly as significant as it's been dressed up as, today. I can't say for sure, but I know any deviance from the norm in the Edo period was a huge no-no, so it was notable to some degree.
Great way to revisit your old vids, Shad. And your hysteric rants! lol
But my sword from eBay with made in China stamp broke into pieces from doing that
Chinese steel is pretty good, actually. It all comes down on the quality you pay for.
“Use brings about wear, tear and rust.”
-Angeal Hewley.
"And that's a real waste."
Angeal literally doesn't want to use his buster sword as much as possible and resort to unarmed combat.
Meanwhile, Zack Fair and Cloud Strife:
"So I started bashing."
I think the use and storage of katanas is more etiquette than a rule or law. Who really cares what you do? As long as it is done safely or with good reason.
Yeah, it's more likely it was "The katana is the soul of the samurai, don't point it downwards, that is a bad omen, an omen of losing (being under the enemy)." sort of thing than any real damage.
Same in some Kung Fu schools. Usually they have past masters on the wall. Weapon points and blades are meant to point away as a sign of respect.
@@steemlenn8797 What's funny is that the whole "The katana is the soul of the samurai" thing is also false.
It was the soul of the smith that people in Japan believed to reside in the sword.
Some people get really stupid about etiquette. To the point that they start valuing it over any practical or rational concerns.
Guess how common such people are places like Japan where collectivist obedience and conformity are the norm?
A sword...designed to cut through flesh and bone, damaged by resting in it's scabbard.....sure, and parking your car in your garage will ruin it's suspension....do people really hear themselves when they make these moronic claims?
Well, you will ruin your tires.
@@steemlenn8797 🤦♂
@@matilija I am amazed by your eloquence and deep thought out argument.
Suspension no, tires yes. Storing a vehicle for an extended period of time can cause flat spots on the tire and cause cracking of the rubber, both of which can ruin the tire specially if stored in excessive heat or cold climates. That's why it's suggested to use blocks, jackstands or to over inflate the tires before storing for extended periods of time.
Storing of anything without proper care will eventually lead to its failure.
Tire rot is a real problem.
Suspensions are complex systems that will fail over time if they are not used as well.
You could get sticking associated with maintaining a position to long. Rubber in the bushing can break down.
In regard to the sword it might just get some flat spots on its edge.
I'm talking about decades about years if not decades for cars.
And for swords you're talking centuries if not millennia sitting in these positions.
The average user of a sword is unlikely to ever experience blunting. A museum showpiece I'm less inclined to agree to put it blade down just for the long term once again millennia of edge preservation.
Awesome stuff as usual.
Nothings more fun then doing that its like a sharp deadly fidget toy
Shad, you had my attention from the go with this video. Starting with a rant is just brilliant. :-)
It wasn't long ago that Australian schools required all students to write with their right hands, no matter if they were right- or left-handed. So the idea that some schools of swordsmanship might have had a similar requirement sounds at least plausible.
I'm not sure how Shad feels about this level of nitpicking - he's always so reluctant to voice his opinions and let us know haw he really feels about things.
Proceeds to write with my right hand using my left hand. Checkmate, Australia.
Thanks for another supercut. Here's hoping things pick up.
People can do as they like with their things, and I could be mistaken, but my understanding is that it is traditionally displayed based on how it is traditionally worn. The sword is worn edge up, so it is displayed edge up. At one point it was mandated by law that swords be worn on the left side, so people would have learned to draw from that side, which may have been where the tradition of where it points when displayed comes from. I could be mistaken though.
I’ll through in that whether the blade is displayed edge up or down does have significance in Japanese culture. It’s been decades since I was over there so I may get this backwards but because when carried inside the obi the edge was almost always up (based on contemporary art) I believe displaying the edge up is indicative of readiness for conflict while resting the blade edge down indicates more peaceful intent. As to when this began I truly don’t know, probably sometime during the Edo period but maybe later. There’s another content creator who actually is Japanese and a student of the sword who lives in Kyoto; I’d ask him if anyone wants definitive, historical information on the subject. Look up Your Friend in Kyoto
I'm so edgy that I manage to put both edges down.
But a katana only has one edge 😐
You underestimate how edgy he is
@@orionstarrthegreat2514 The famous 3 edged katana :), its 5 edges but the last two is folded so many times they goes away, this rely on string theory being correct and you are very good of knitting and untangling fishing line while reentry under heavy fire, and having at least one Nobel price in physic.
I will forever love Shad's passion lol 😁
One should never display a double edged sword edge down
Remember katanas are the best swords, with the best blades, made from the best steel (because it’s folded) but never display it upside down that will dull it and make it unusable
I like that this channel is basically just a highlight reel of Shad’s best/ most passionate rants from over the years
If I own something I will do with it as I will.
I’ll add that Shogo, our Friend in Kyoto mentioned that, historically the Japanese people are culturally disposed towards uniformity. I don’t remember him ever saying anything about everyone being trained to fight right-handed though. As some 95% of humanity (actual figures may have changed in the last decade) are right-handed most professional armies would have trained everyone using that hand predominantly, especially if their preferred style of warfare included shields simply because sticking a left-handed person in a shield line of, let’s say fifty will cause difficulties unless that individual holds the far left end of the line. The and their immediate neighbor would get in each other’s way. This I know from personal experience fighting in shield lines during my time as a heavy weapons combatant in the Society for Creative Anachronism. Fought in numerous battles, especially further three Pennies Wars I attended.
One last note. In my own training, covering both traditional Japanese and several European styles I always trained with both hands even though I’m right-hand dominant. This was due entirely to my experience in combats where my right arm was struck and, in accordance with the rules of honor (blunted weapons only were used) that arm was injured and useless. Being able to fight left-handed allowed for me to continue to at least some degree.
Never give your katana a dirty look. Dirt causes wear and tear and can rust the steel.
This comment is underrated
😂 The triggering comment was hilarious.
I am the proud wife of a samurai. (Yes a real one) Blade up on a horizontal stand was used for times when you were at war. Blade down was during times of peace. There are similar meanings in how it’s displayed vertically or how you set your katana on the floor next to you when meeting with someone.
Love it 😂
i agree totaly, even that traditionally was more displayed edge up there is also many ways of display, like expoced display, vertical display, even hang vertical display, and there is no evidence of damage by it, only exposed outside display which nobody in he's right mind will ever do.
Actually, the right handed hanging on the wall thing "might" actually be semi-true thanks to some old laws and traditions. Basically, if you wore the Katana on the right hip, and walked next to another person with a katana, they could clash, which was apparently seen as offensive and could potentially trigger duels. So it was required by law for all samurai to wear their swords on the left hip only, which naturally meant the vast majority were trained to fight from a right-handed stance regardless of their normal preference. Not saying swords were pointed to the right when hanging 100% of the time, but there's good reason to believe there was a strong preference.
Seki-sensei(As far as I know the most likely to be best authority on the subject on youtube) says it here: ua-cam.com/users/shorts8VmooLqQWMM But you can also find a lot about that law with a quick google search. As always, it's the internet, so take with a grain of salt, but there's a lot there.
As for the left-handed thing, the video I linked touched very lightly on this, but does that matter much with a Katana? It's supposed to be the left hand's power, right hand's control. Both are important, so I'm not sure it matters which is on top, especially since if you DO need left hand for control they can be swapped fast if you get a second.
2:56 Aussies have some strange language. "Blunten"😂
Blunten is a word?
@@sixpathskaiokentv that's kinda my point - it's not
@@Jaster_Mereel numerous dictionaries disagree with you my dude, but sure continue der fuhrer
@@sixpathskaiokentv you asked a question. I assumed you were asking. No need to start tossing nazi references around...
@@Jaster_Mereel It was a grammar nazi joke, chill out man it's not that serious
"You should never store a machete on its back, otherwise after a few years you'll end up with a Kukri " - there's a new one for ya'll, some OC for the puddle of crap 😂
"People can display whatever way they want!"
Shad knows what's up.
Here is a neat feature of the Katana: The copper ring at the base of the blade is meant to friction fit the Sword in its Saya, preventing it from falling out when you bend over. Something to note is that when drawing and sheathing the blade, the wood and copper slowly wear down, making it easier for the blade to fall out. By Slamming the sword into the Saya as seen in the first two minutes of this video, you increase the rate of this wear and effectively damage the Saya. The sword toss at 1:57 is evidence of the damage that happens to the Saya, as the blade should not come out that easily without "Breaking the Seal" First.
What I am saying is Shad needs to fix his Katanas.
Those are some stellar blades
Keep up the good work, Shad!
As a left-handed person, this is relevant. I would also definitely train using my dominant hand as that is how you train with other weapons including guns.
I found the best way to avoid wear on a blade is to hide it somewhere where it can never be used, in cryogenic suspension. 🤣🤣🤣
It might be possible for me to watch an endless amount of content of Shad being a little more excited about something than he needs to be.
Now it would be pretty easy to make an scabbard who can not damage the edge if made of wood. Simply make it narrower after it start tapering bot so wide the edge can not touch anything. You could line it with wool or similar to prevent sword making noise and if it suck up oil its just nice.
Would expect this to be standard for high end sword, especially for the ones known for being sharp like katanas
On the other hand it make sense that museum curators handling historic artifacts are careful with an sword, its very old and decoration might come loose slamming it into the scabbard
Subscribed. Thus is the content i love most 🤺⚔️
Just commenting for algorithm shenanigans
Weebs: Katanas are super magic swords, made of out intergalactic steel.
Also Weebs: how dare you not treat it like it's made out of glass, you will damage it
Thank you for standing up to the armchair poachers!
I think a lot of it is a pretentious adherence to tradition or "proper etiquette". I remember that dude losing his ish because you threw a set of nunchucks on the ground, made it seem like you were disrespecting the entire history & culture of Japan.
Personally I keep mine blade down because I like how it looks, simple. I'm also a big believer in the "it's mine, I can do what I want with it" attitude, as long as you're not breaking the law or being wreckless then do you
What really blunts the blade,,,,hacking on an armored person 😂
I love ALL THE SHADLANDS videos!!!! ❤
storing it edge up will damage the handle wrapping over time because gravity pulls the wrapping away from the Habaki but storing it the other way will tend to tighten the wrapping. because the direction of pull is towards the Habaki, also storing it edge up for too long will cause the cause the blade to flatten out turning it into a straight edge. Just need to give it a couple million years be noticeable.
" Common sense can actually debunk a lot of these things " you say that like common sense is a common thing nowadays
People perpetuating these myths get their swords at the mall.
Or from Mini-katana
These are the same people that would buy a Ferrari and be proud of having less than 100 miles on it.
If that would damage your sword you need a new sword
I want to display my swords an an angle to the right or left and I want to wear it on my back, People trying to make others do it there way always need to be put in there place as someone some were will always want to do it there way, That is nature to fight it is silly. Great vid always Shad :).
I wasnt recommend a shadiversity video in like months, but suddenly after following the shadlands I got recommend this one. Maybe UA-cam really does want shorter content, which is sad
For everyday usage of most swords I 100% agree.
For hisotical museum pieces that are hopefully going to last for millenia I don't.
For long term 1000s of years edge preservation blunt edge down is better. It's also likely better for the blade all around very long term.
Why does a Japanese museum put it sharp edge down? Because it looks cooler and it is honestly very minimal damage but over a long enough period of time it will cause flat spots.
That's what I was thinking. Some swords have been in the same family for hundreds of years.
I want a meme edit where it's just shad messing with it at 0:43 and then just shad screaming incoherently
Good points. And edges.
You should never draw a sword, you may injure someone, ⚔
Well unless using it for self-defenses, going to war, exercise purpose or just to have fun cutting things (not living things)
⚔ is fun, but I prefer bows 🏹 😁😁😁😁😁
But when you try to balance the sword edge down, the sword always tries to flip over. It clearly wants to be edge up, so why are you denying the sword what it wants?
1:59 (casually ejects sword into alternate dimension)
I love this video.
Unrelated: I miss the old school videos rating video game castles. I really want Shad to look at Wyrm's Rock castle from BG3. If he has done that and I missed it, can someone tell me? Thank you!
Is Shad ranting about swords not just the best 😂
for me the katana is way over rated, as an Arab man myself, I know that the eastern "curved" single edged swords like katana, the Arabic sword, the Turkish, Mongolian and Indian are very pretty, lethal swords especially on the horse back they will be lethal as death it self, and against the eastern armors which were not as strong as the European ones but the European sword are lethal against full armor, and easy to use, it's the most functional sword ever in my opinion
great video .... i defo want that stand :P
It's true you shouldn't draw a sword out of its sheath. But I say that not because it can damage the blade. I say that because I am a pacifist. 😛
I forget exactly when but in Japan a law was passed requiring the sword to be on your left. That way they didn't have a problem with the sayas hitting each other. This common practice is why they drive on the left side of the road (Yes I was bored and wanted to find out why different cultures drive on left/right sides of the road). Guess what... if they had to make a law, that means not everybody was doing it previously. This lead to all samurai being trained right handed.
I'm sure historically people had a certain way (or several) of doing things as that was the way they were taught, and then passed that on. Doing it in that way would make sense if you want to honor that tradition, or making a movie/TV series, writing a book, displaying in a museum...etc. But nowadays, most swords are replicas and don't hold that historical significance anymore. At the end of the day, people can do whatever they want with their expensive hobbies, and display or store their swords however they liked, as I'm sure even people in the past would have done as well, diverging away established traditions, whether they were left-handed, just feeling lazy that day, or whatever... Unless it were a antique, then maybe they ought to take better care of those one-of-a-kind pieces.
Gun guys deal with this too. "Don't store magazines loaded" and "don't dry fire" (although that applies with rimfire and old-style revolvers)
8:20
but i heard from geschichtsfenster, that its not so crazy, like many ppl believe, because you cant make beer from dirty water
so where beer is, is clear water
and the dirty water has to be made, by many ppl and that was not too often the case in the medieval times
maybe you talk about later
Comment to help with hard times.
Katana dropped into sheath:
NOOO STOP IT'LL DAMAGE IT
Katana hitting another katana:
Thats fine
Shad refusing to tolerate intolerance.
Dammmmm… if that was a sharp sword you did that midair grab on…. 👏 your a brave man.
I've always got a kick out of those types of falsehoods, it always shows the person's so incredibly dull and lacking of substance that they've based their personality around all of these pieces of "sage wisdom" in the desperate hope people will go " OOOH! I didn't know that, I'd have never known! 😱" Hilarous 😂
Sir Shadrick speaketh.
What about Dragons
if storing them blade down damages them I don't want to see what a horseman sword looks like
from what we know of old times I believe you were never publicly left handed
One reason Katana are edge up is basically because it is were the kurigata faces, meaning that is the front side.
There were left-handed warriors. They were shunned, considered evil, forced to be right handed a lot, but those who kept being left handed were valuable warriors in times of war.
Based
Out of curiosity I looked up the part about blades up - not about damaging the blades, that's stupid from a physics POV and I have zero reason to question that. It seems there's at least some word out there that the "aesthetic sensibility" was that a katana stored with handle left and blade up is a lot harder for a right-handed person, as most people statistically are, to pull out into a combat posture on a moment's notice. It's a display of non-aggression within the household and toward guests entering the household... and during the relevant period, any Tokugawa agents looking for any excuse to have your family stripped of land and perhaps life for defiance of the Shogun. A household on war footing would have the "display" katanas ready to be drawn on a moment's notice. I don't believe any story like this from the first source, but it is suffice to establish this is an issue of cultural propriety - and the older "tachi" swords were displayed blade down just as they were worn, I am reading. Just food for thought. I appreciate the love of swords as swords.
Question shad: do you heighten your level of energy for your videos? is that something you feel like you have to do on youtube?
I literally clipped the part where you shouted is it triggering you!? And sent it to my gf 🤣😂 she hates when I do that exact thing with my sword and says I’m going to damage the crossguard… if it damages by that then was it even really functional in the first place? 😂
"Never say always and always avoid saying never"
-Paul Harrell
If you pull your sword like that to much you will grow hair on your palms and go blind.
It's worth noting that there wasn't left-user samurai, even if they was lefthanded.
A left-user samurai would have been considered not honorable.
So there wasn't any mistake about the side of a wartime katana placement
I try to argument deeper: the ritualistic aspect tied with honor and a samurai's honorable way of living was comparable more with the ritualistc aspect of a religion and a certain category of religious figures, than with the uses and costumes of folk as an alltogether.
The ale example seems reasonable, until one realizes that it's misleading.
A more appropriate example is if a single local church would have tought (or dare) to skip the bread and wine ritual during a mass: whenever that would have being done, soon the inquisition or an excommunication would have arrived.
A samurai contradicting the way of sword that was taught to him would have loss his title and become a ronin.
I don't understand why people are still bothering with swords when we have a good old STICK!
Shad: debunking dumb sword myths one video at a time
I bet the myths about damaging the swords were started by smiths, or other people who were responsible for creating or repairing the swords. They told these to the masters just to exercise a limited amount of power over them; the masters told it to their students, who learned and became masters, who told it again to their students...
As a lefty, I approve this message
4:03 it is my understanding is that it serves two purposes the first being it's a cultural thing because swords more often than not were family heirlooms displaying it play down was considered a disrespect to the sword and the second reason is because they draw their swords blade up so it makes sense that they would just grab it up off the rack and then slide it into their belt as is
It wasn't until your video that I had heard that it supposedly dulled the blade 🤔🤨