In the modern world, interest in ancient Japanese melee weapons is very high. Many connoisseurs of edged weapons appreciate the quality of steel and the elegance of the finish of the katana, weapons collectors are looking for ancient swords with the stamp of master blacksmiths or collect pieces of fittings. Experts believe that a number of design principles for katana, which have remained virtually unchanged since the 14th century, formed the basis of many models of modern combat edged weapons.
The ritual of wearing a katana is surrounded by many rules: you can’t point the blade towards the interlocutor, you can’t bare the blade in public, unless a friend asks to show the blade in order to admire its beauty and thereby express your respect to the owner of the katana. After showing the blade, it was wiped with a silk handkerchief. If a samurai showed people his peacefulness, then he hung a katana on his right side. At the same time, the sword on the left side indicated that the warrior was ready at any moment to draw the blade and defend or attack.
