Just what is the width of a katana blade anyway?

Before you go out and buy your first sword, you're probably asking what is the width of a katana blade and whether a few millimeters actually make a difference in how it handles. It's a fair question because, in the world of Japanese swords, the dimensions are everything. If a blade is too wide, it becomes a heavy, clunky cleaver; if it's too narrow, it might feel like a fragile needle that can't stand up to a real cut. ...

May 14, 2026 · 7 min · Nyere Ostfeld