Katanas and Kuks were developed for two purposes. Katanas, as a weapon, Kuks as a tool. However, when a kuk is used as a weapon it is extremely effective because of the weight and the forward curve. A Katana is not ment to sheer down forests or split logs for winter. It is ment to cut flesh, human flesh, both comeing and going. Can a Kuk sheer through flesh, you bet your butt. But it will never be as quick, or have the reach of a katana. The length is needed for getting out of the way of another human and also gives the user lots of leverage to achieve lots of power in a little stroke capable of severing limbs. This length is also the Katana's weakness. The longer you make a sword, the weaker it will be at the desired thickness. The thicker you make a sword the more force it takes to use effectively. Has the lore of the katana gotten out of control, yes I think so. Hollywood really has over hyped the Katana in their productions. The secret of any weapon is in it's user, not the weapon. (I, personally, like useing my hands. If I need a weapon I will find a stick.)
And so we come to the Gorkhas, the great fighters of Nepal. They do not train with their chosen weapon, but instead are born with it and use it their entire life. Both the Gorkas and the Samurai are Warrior spirits, and I think they belong in that category along with many others. Do I own a Katana? No, Maybe some day i will place that order from HI, but I will never expect it to cut through steel drums, or sheer through trees, or take my entire weight laterally on the blade surface. Until then I will have to enjoy the company of the 2 kuks I currently own, and let me tell you, they have lived up to their reputation.
(shades of Jimmy Carter!)
