Sword of the Samurai

Samurai battle in this 19th century colored woodcut by Katsushika Hokusai. Fine Art Images/Getty Images

Appreciation for the katana cuts across cultures and genres, slicing into the hearts of history buffs, japanophiles, comic book fans and more. But what’s so special about the sword of the Samurai? In this episode of the Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Christian discuss the science of this most skillful blade, the grisly test for its sharpness and its importance in Japanese culture.

Related Content:

Artatomical: Beneath the Flesh of Edo-Period Japan

Name Thy Demons: The Roots of Human Violence (podcast)

The Way of the Sword (podcast)

Higher Human Forms: The Self-Mummifying Monk

Artatomical: Dutch Doc Dissects Japanese Woman