What is the difference between a “Performance” katana blade and a “Classic” katana blade?
Primarily blade geometry. “Classic” blades generally follow the geometry found in traditional katana, which evolved from the requirements of the Samurai in terms of quickness and cutting ability. Samurai battles have, to a large extent, been replaced by Tameshigiri, the cutting of rolled and soaked grass mats. These targets vary in thickness, thicker targets requiring heavier swords, and rapid multiple cuts on thinner targets require quicker swords. “Heavier” and “Quicker” are rarely available in the same sword, so the Performance Series was created to cater to the needs of the moment in Tameshigiri.
