Quote:
Originally Posted by sjard
There are plenty of sources that would argue that point. With some pointing out that the first use of the term katana (to differentiate newer swords from the tachi) shows up right at the beginning of the listed time period (1170-1190 somewhere in there).
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I was not actually saying anything about the use of the _word_" "katana". Use of katana v. tachi may indeed go back that far but i believe thye were distinguishing infantry swords from cavalry swords that are otherwise very similar. We can get into how they are worn too if you want.
I was trying to match up game stats with what you'll find most often on the net and look for a miodern replica of a "katana" and you'll almost invariably find a late sword with a 29" blade optimized for iaijutsu. Look for a c.1500 battle sword and it'll usually be called a tachi or a nodachi.