Ethnic swords and distal taper

[tallwingedgoat]

Let me see if my assumptions are correct. This is how I believe swords of different cultures compare in distal tapering.

1. European broadswords

Usually less than 1/4 thick", taper to about 50%

2. Middle Easter shasmir

Less than 5/32", taper about 50%

3. Japanese katana

1/4" to 5/16" thick, less than 30% distal taper.

4. Chinese jian and dao

1/4" to 5/16" thick, in excess of 80% distal taper.


Anyone care to ammend or add?

 

[mwinter]

I can only put in my dos cents on the Japanese katana I have handled.
I'd day 30% or less distal taper, if the thickness of the blade is what you mean.
I've seen quite a few katana with blade full thickness all the way to where the point begins to taper (width and thickness); this is especially true if memory serves of newer (post 1700s) amd shorter (wakizashii) blades.