How sharp is a Japanese katana sword?

When you see a katana slashing, you would think the blade is very sharp. Indeed, katanas are quite sharp because the blade is thin and can bend if the wielder lacks skill. In many demonstrations, we often see warriors slashing through rolls of straw mats. But, not everyone can do it successfully. Cutting is not just about strength, but rather technique and experience. Mastery of the katana comes from harmonizing with the sword itself. For example, Sasuke often had trouble cutting paper. However, after practicing for a few months, he could cut it with ease.
Credit : samuraigenko
#shorts

[TK-npjc]

I think it's about proper slicing not brut force.

[ASHFX]

It's a proper display of force and cutting technique. Brute forcing will cause the blade to bend, or break, using nothing but technique will cause the target to not be sliced, but with a decent if not perfect amount of both, you can cut through almost anything (within reason 😂)

[Ragingmarmot]

I've trained sword for 12 years now, and I can definitely tell you it is not easy. Tameshigiri, or test cutting is what it is called to cut the wet tatami mats. There is a wrist and hand gripping movement that accompanies the cut. Body position, timing and this choking movement are all part of the cutting.(picture choking the handle or "Tsuka" by moving your thumbs toward each other and gripping harder at the moment just before the cut ). Many people have the misconception that the sword is like a light saber or something.
A good instructor can even tell what body position mistakes you are making by how smooth and straight, or not, your cut is.

[mdshantok]

Sasuke having trouble cutting paper. 👀

[behunin]

Watching a master is truly a thing of beauty.

[jacobpowers]

That video of him bending the sword on bamboo is him using an Iaito, made from a special alloy of nickel and aluminum, theyre not meant to cut and are not particularly sharp and will not hold when trying to cut. A real sword improperly used would likely roll off the cut leaving an imperceptible stress fracture in the blade if the sword is traditionally made, or perhaps a slight edge roll if the blade is slightly soft, or an out right chip, it would not bend the blade as uchigatana are generally very stiff blades.

[marchosiass]

Proper alignment, death of a family or mentor, monologues of becoming the strongest, cheers from friendships you made along the way, and the companionship you earned from previous rivals is what you need to master the katana 💪

[colummalec]

Imagine Sensai laughing at you for not cutting, ahem, paper....

[pleaseenteraname]

The sword that bends is a display sword. If the sword is well made it won’t bend so easily except if it’s a obviously bad cut

[leonvoelker]

Katanas are actually pretty thick and proportionally heavy swords, atleast for their length. And cutting properly with any sword requires atleast some training. This doesn't just apply to katanas.

[REALdavidmiscarriage]

This is complete nonsense. Katana blades are relatively thick and not very maleable, especially when compared to european swords. Dude did zero research on this and it shows.

[KurNorock]

Katanas are not thin. They are actually very thick for a sword. They bend because they are not through hardened like a European sword. They have a very hard edge with a soft spine.

[noahlovato]

I just immediately thought of One Piece when Zoro discovered the breath of all things.

[dallasparten]

The technique is a slicing motion along with strong thrust.
If you attempt to use as a blunt blade to chop it doesn't have the same effect.

[effies]

If you really think about it, the Japanese never able to make it out of their island until they got gunpowder.

[sabertoothanimations]

Still to this day, i will always be more impressed with Rapiers, if you never seen someone show off their insane abilities, please go look it up, you won't be disappointed

[AcprgAA]

a katana is not thin. more like thicker than every other sword..

[marwanahmed]

In other words "mind over matter"

[liausdhfsdgfgf]

Its the soul, its ur connection with the sword that makes u a master of this art. Its not just a weapon, its a connection with that weapon that matters.

[roteberg]

It's all about appropriate strength and edge alignment, no matter the sword.