Choosing a Shinken [Archive]

Brian Owens

12-03-2004, 05:26 AM

Originally posted by heresjonny
Okay, tried it again, it'd sure as hell better work this time...
Sorry, it didn't. You need to click on the "User CP" button, then go to "Edit Profile."

Originally posted by heresjonny
Once again, anyone knoe if Thaitsuki's shinken katana are any good? (ie. do they kick or do they stick):confused:
I've never seen one, and I don't know anyone who uses one.

I went to their Web site, and a few things bothered me. They say the tsuka are wrapped in genuine ray skin, but on their "Fittings" page they show only narrow strips of same, enough to show through the ito, but not enough for a true wrap.

http://www.thaitsukifittings.com/shop/images/DSC00305.gif

Also, I would never buy a sword from someone who would display a katana like this:

http://www.thaitsukinihonto.com/images/products/ktn2/ktn2menu.jpg

But that's just me. I'm a stickler for proper care and handling of Japanese swords.

As I say, though, since I've never actually handled one I can't give an educated response as to whether they "kick or stick." Maybe they're more common on your side of the pond, and you can find someone who has actually seen one.

heresjonny

12-03-2004, 07:04 AM

Cheers All!

You've been a great help, and anyone who has anything else to add on Thaitsukis, be it first impresssions to long-time owners, go for it, I need all I can get...:nw:

PS: Has the name thing finally worked this time?

If not there's always seppuku......:cry:

Douglas Wylie

12-03-2004, 07:44 AM

Originally posted by Brian Owens
I went to their Web site, and a few things bothered me. They say the tsuka are wrapped in genuine ray skin, but on their "Fittings" page they show only narrow strips of same, enough to show through the ito, but not enough for a true wrap.

http://www.thaitsukifittings.com/shop/images/DSC00305.gif

It is standard not to be wrapped all the way. Why, dunno.

Originally posted by Brian Owens

Also, I would never buy a sword from someone who would display a katana like this:

http://www.thaitsukinihonto.com/images/products/ktn2/ktn2menu.jpg

But that's just me. I'm a stickler for proper care and handling of Japanese swords.

True dat. How in tune with the needs of a JSA student can you be if you dont know the first thing about Japanese swords- edge up would literally be the "first thing".

Douglas Wylie

12-03-2004, 07:48 AM

Originally posted by heresjonny
Cheers All!

You've been a great help, and anyone who has anything else to add on Thaitsukis, be it first impresssions to long-time owners, go for it, I need all I can get...:nw:

PS: Has the name thing finally worked this time?

If not there's always seppuku......:cry:

If you need a kaishakunin- pm me.:D

Sorry, I couldnt resist.:D

Brian Owens

12-03-2004, 07:59 AM

Originally posted by heresjonny
PS: Has the name thing finally worked this time?

If not there's always seppuku......:cry:

:laugh:

Your life is spared for now.

Your name is now in all your posts, even your earlier ones so no one need ever know that for a time it wasn't. ;)

Brian Owens

12-03-2004, 08:05 AM

Originally posted by Douglas Wylie
It is standard not to be wrapped all the way. Why, dunno.
Really good same (prime node rayskin) is hard to come by; so much so that at one time it was used in lieu of money.

Using strips was a way to conserve ones supply while still giving the appearance of its inclusion, however to do so defeats one of the purposes of its use: to bind the two halves of the tsuka into one unit.

Top quality katana still use a full wrap, to the best of my knowledge.

Joseph Svinth

12-03-2004, 07:36 PM

For some links to iaito, in various price ranges, try http://ejmas.com/ejmasiaitosource.htm .

heresjonny

12-04-2004, 01:33 AM

Cheers all.

Also, does anyone know if Dotanuki shinken are any good? It seemed alright, it didn't state whether the blade was forged or folded. Also, are the "custom katana" at <http://www.shadowofleaves.com/Customized%20Blades.htm> any good?

Ciao for now:smilejapa

Douglas Wylie

12-04-2004, 08:27 AM

What are you going to do with it?

You can hurt yourself badly with one of those things unless you are trained to use it.

Do you have a sensei?

If not, we should be helping you find one in your area.

If so, you should direct your questions to him/her instead of strangers on the internet.

heresjonny

12-04-2004, 02:10 PM

I appreciate your advice but I am aware that you can hurt yourself on a shinken! When it comes to self-injury, you're in fact safer with a gun! At least a gun is only dangerous in one direction!

Yes, I do have a sensei and I do ask him these questions! I'm trying to do a sampled opinion-survey as its my main philosophy never to put too much trust in one man or woman, because they're like you, only human. If you're not careful, you will end up believing in them more than they do, at that creates great internal conflict for them.

I do train with shinken, as you ought to be able to see on my profile, as I do Iai. I've spent what must now be years training with my great great grandfather's blade, but I admire him too much to risk it on Test cutting, so I am looking for a sword off my own so I can save that for a more special purpose. I am interested from both the point of view of a collector and a practitioner.

I'm sure you're only trying to help and give advice, that's why I'm here and I appreciate it. I'm also sure you didn't meet to come across as patronising, but being patronised is one thing that really gets me down when I'm trying to get up! I mean no offense, as long as my point is made, that will do nicely!

Douglas Wylie

12-04-2004, 07:55 PM

First things first-

Originally posted by heresjonny
I'm sure you're only trying to help and give advice, that's why I'm here and I appreciate it. I'm also sure you didn't meet to come across as patronising, but being patronised is one thing that really gets me down when I'm trying to get up! I mean no offense, as long as my point is made, that will do nicely!

I quote John Wayne- "Well, pardon me all to hell" ;)

If you want to be taken seriously, then you must be serious. This is not serious-"whether they "kick or stick". It sends the message that you are a kid regardless of if it is true or not. How strange that I would respond as though you were.

So, give me the chance address you seriously.

Originally posted by heresjonny
Yes, I do have a sensei and I do ask him these questions!

What does he say? I can tell you if I agree.

Originally posted by heresjonny
I'm trying to do a sampled opinion-survey as its my main philosophy never to put too much trust in one man or woman, because they're like you, only human.

Be sure you find out WHO you are taking an opinion from, lest you be influnced by someone who hasnt got a clue.

I'm sorry you dont trust your sensei enough to take his recommendation on something as simple as proper training equipment. If I knew that one of my students felt this way I would ask them to go find someone they CAN trust, pat them on the back, and wish them the best of luck.

Originally posted by heresjonny
I do train with shinken, as you ought to be able to see on my profile, as I do Iai.

Many styles of iai train with iaito, so much so that there is an oligopoly devoted just to selling them. Telling me you do some generic iai only tells me that you are vague, not what gear you use.

What type of iai do you practice, who is your teacher? How long have you been training?

Originally posted by heresjonny
I've spent what must now be years training with my great great grandfather's blade, but I admire him too much to risk it on Test cutting, so I am looking for a sword off my own so I can save that for a more special purpose. I am interested from both the point of view of a collector and a practitioner.

How much can you spend? Below about $1500 - probably not too high quality (good craftsmen dont work for free and good materials are costly, you get what you pay for in this market and if it seems too good to be true, it probably is- ie- why would a highly trained craftsman work for pennies on the dollar in thailand), unless you get in the right circles and get one used.

If you are looking for looking's sake, just keep all this in mind.

If you have $1600 you are ready to part with, I can put you in touch with Scott Irey who can custom make you something, which is what I'm doing. (PM me for details).

Brian Owens

12-05-2004, 04:45 AM

Originally posted by heresjonny
Also, does anyone know if Dotanuki shinken are any good?
Whose Dotanuki? Dotanuki isn't a brand name, it's a reference to a famous sword, the Masakune Dotanuki. Several companies make reproductions of the actual Masakune, while some just use it to describe a large, heavy blade in their line.

heresjonny

12-06-2004, 02:25 PM

Sorry, I didn't read the small print properly, try the "Dotanuki Shinken" at <http://sdksupplies.netfirms.com/cat_shinken.htm>, that was the one I meant!

Joseph Svinth

12-06-2004, 08:31 PM

Kim Taylor is the one to ask about that one. His e-mail is listed under members.

Brian Owens

12-06-2004, 10:03 PM

Originally posted by heresjonny
Sorry, I didn't read the small print properly, try the "Dotanuki Shinken" at <http://sdksupplies.netfirms.com/cat_shinken.htm>, that was the one I meant!
Everyone I know who has ordered swords from SDK Supplies has been more than happy with them.

Their Iaito are very well regarded. Their shinken are produced in Japan by a well regarded swordsmith (Kanefusa?), and are priced accordingly. I can't access their site from here at work ("weapons" are locked out), but I believe that the SDK Dotanuki are included among those produced by him.

Again, going from memory only, I believe their Dotanuki had a very long kissaki, which might make it less desireable for Iai/Batto than a sword with chokissaki. Your sensei would be the best guide on suitablility, but I think you can be assured that the quality of the SDK swords is fine.

ulvulv

12-12-2004, 03:47 PM

You are located in UK, and do iai and jo according to your profile. Ten escudos that you are affiliated with the BKA. if so, why not go to the shop that has supplied plenty of people in bka with all kind of equipment, nine circles? they have steel iaito that you can get with/without bohi, and all kind of other stuff

Here is another uk shop, but I have no personal experience with them

http://www.fudoshin.co.uk/catalog/index.php

Brian Owens

12-12-2004, 05:28 PM

Originally posted by Brian Owens
...Their shinken are produced in Japan by a well regarded swordsmith (Kanefusa?), and ...I believe that the SDK Dotanuki are included among those produced by him.
My memory was faulty. The SDK Dotanuki are made in China.

Originally posted by Brian Owens
...I believe their Dotanuki had a very long kissaki, which might make it less desireable for Iai/Batto than a sword with chokissaki.That part was correct, other than a typo; it should have read, "...less desireable for Iai/Batto than a sword with chukissaki."

heresjonny

12-13-2004, 02:11 PM

You ask why not ninecircles? They may be reliable but I had no feedback on their shinken range. They also gave next to no description or pictures of their actual blades, so I had no decent idea just what blade I might have been spending a lot of money on. However, if anyone can show or send me some pictures or descriptions of ninecircles shinken, that would be a great help, especially if they can tell me if they're worth that little bit extra compared to say, last legend or hanwei...........

ulvulv

12-14-2004, 04:13 AM

I have some pics of my nine circles sword from the "chuden"-range on my home computer, and I can post them this evening.

My sword is with bohi, 2.4 shaku. 960 grams, wonderful balance, feels agile and quick, and it has a loud and nice tachikaze. The tsuka ito is nice and tight, the "diamonds" are small and regular. Compared to most standard alloy iaito I have handled, the tsuka is just a liiittle bit beefier, rather similar to the dotanuki-tsuka from tozando. Suit my hands perfect.
It cost me about 1300usd, which is quite acceptable.
Although it is possible to use it for all but the most challenging tameshigiri, I will reserve it for iai. For tameshigiri, I am going to line up in the "patiently awaiting the next shipment of shobu zukuri swords" queue over at bugei.com. Tameshigiri is not the major component in my practise, so I have no hurry.

ulvulv

12-15-2004, 03:30 PM

I was wrong about 1500usd, it was 2500:rolleyes:

ulvulv

12-19-2004, 02:17 PM

The pics of my nine circles chuden sword:

ulvulv

12-19-2004, 02:19 PM

hamon

heresjonny

12-20-2004, 04:47 AM

Would you happen to know how many layers it has?

How much does it way, with/without the saya?

Also, one a side note, does anyone know what is a good ito? I've seen advertisments for leather, silk, cotton, suede etc. Which is the most comfortable and which has the best grip?

ulvulv

12-20-2004, 10:35 AM

this is forged and not folded. No layers, that should not be essential with todays quality of steel, but folded gets you a wilder hamon. and a higher price. ;)

Brian Owens

12-21-2004, 11:42 PM

Originally posted by heresjonny
...Also, one a side note, does anyone know what is a good ito? I've seen advertisments for leather, silk, cotton, suede etc. Which is the most comfortable and which has the best grip?
I have a tachi with a leather ito, rarely used and mostly for display.

Most of the iaito I have used have had cotton ito. They hold up well enough, are comfortable, give good grip, etc. Relatively inexpensive to replace if they wear.

I like silk the best, but it is a bit more expensive. It is very strong and wear-resistant, traditional looking, available in a wide variety of colors (if that matters to you; nothing wrong with basic black), etc.

Suede? No.

These are my personal preferences; others' may vary.

Brian Owens

12-21-2004, 11:58 PM

Originally posted by heresjonny
Would you happen to know how many layers it has?
Some people aren't clear on why Nihonto were/are folded, and what the layering does.

Layering in and of itself doesn't make blades stronger, harder, sharper, etc.

Like stirring pancake batter to make sure there are no clumps of dry flower in the mixture, folding and hammering billets of tamahagane (sword steel) was done to spread out the carbon deposits and other impurities in the iron ore without resorting to melting the metal in a crucible.

Modern swords are often made from modern steels, which are already supplied in nearly homogeneous forms, and bladesmiths can order bars, billets, blanks, etc. with the precise characteristics they are looking for, so folding isn't required.

Some smiths still fold their blades with different steels to acheive a particular look, but this is now more of an esthetic, rather than functionally required, pursuit.

Layering should not be confused with laminating, which was done later in the smithing process. Laminating methods vary, but were/are ways of achieving different characteristics in different parts of the blade; for example a hard edge with a ductile back. As with forge folding, it is possible to achieve similar results by precise heat-treating a single-steel blade, but laminating allowed greater consistancy.

You may have already known this, but since the topic came up I thought I'd pass that on.

heresjonny

01-20-2005, 06:09 AM

My old chemistry teacher always used to use the samurai sword as an example of perfected steel, combining iron with carbon. Apparently, if I remember right, it had something to do with the constant layering allowing rows ocarbon molecules allowing flexibility contained with lines of iron molecules ensuring strength and sharpness for that unique cutting edge.

You can't quote me on any of the above! I have an appalling memory!

Brian Owens

01-20-2005, 11:01 PM

Originally posted by heresjonny
...it had something to do with the constant layering allowing rows ocarbon molecules allowing flexibility contained with lines of iron molecules ensuring strength and sharpness for that unique cutting edge.
I think it's the other way around: carbon for sharpness and hardness (think of diamonds and graphite), and iron for strength and flexibility.

I'm not sure though. We need a metalurgist to chime in here.

heresjonny

01-21-2005, 01:15 AM

Ja, we need professional help.

Oh swordsmith, where for art thou swordsmith?

Do you know the metal man? If so, we have ways of making you post....

Joseph Svinth

01-21-2005, 07:12 PM

Go to Sword Arts, and look in the permanent archives for the thread, "Stainless Steel."

Brian Owens

01-21-2005, 09:58 PM

Originally posted by Joseph Svinth
Go to Sword Arts, and look in the permanent archives for the thread, "Stainless Steel."

What fun is that? Reading stale old threads, bah!

I want Dan Harden and friends to join us for a lively session. :D

heresjonny

01-22-2005, 01:20 AM

ulvulv, could tell me a bit more about your nine circles chuden sword? I seriously considering acquiring one, particularly from their shoden range. Either pm me or post, whatever suits you.

Cheers in advance.

PS: Why don't welshman start wearing kilts?

Welsh sheep have evolved to hear a zipper many miles away.:D

Brian Owens

01-22-2005, 02:28 AM

Originally posted by heresjonny
PS: Why don't welshman start wearing kilts?

...sheep have evolved to hear a zipper many miles away. :D

Welshmen (and their descendants) don't need to wear kilts. We prefer human companions.

But Scotsmen! Well, they do need to wear them -- for the reason you mentioned. :p

XAdamX

01-28-2005, 09:03 PM

is the pratical pro katana (by Hanwei) a good sword cosidering its price?
Adam Woolger

Brian Owens

01-28-2005, 09:22 PM

Before answering this question I have to ask, are you currently practicing a Japanese sword art under a legitimate sensei?

If so, does he or she want you to get a shinken (live balde) now, or should you be using a bokken (wooden sword) or iaito (semi-sharp alloy blade) at this point.

I understand that you are 14, and some sensei prefer that you be at least 18 before using live blades.

XAdamX

01-28-2005, 10:05 PM

no i am not i am looking to buy a sword cause i like collecting swords but i would like to join kendo but i live in roscoe illinois (usa) and they is no kendo places around me but if anyone knows any places around me then i would be sooooo happy if you helped me because i want to learn kendo really bad but like i said before there is no kendo places around where i live and i cant travel long distances over an half an hour because i have school and homework and my faimly only has 1 car and since my dad works i would have to wait intell he gets home which is at like 6 then have an hour to get there so thats like 6:30 and then i have to be home by 9 i dont know how long kendo classes usly run but is 2:30 hours long enough? the closest big city around me is rockford which i could get to but i have looked for kendo places in rockford and i havent found any but if anybody knows of any then please post them. and input would be helpfull on what i can do. is there any books i could bu where i could try and tech my self the basics intell i could find a school or is going to a dojo the only way to do it? well please post back because i need help.
thank you Adam Woolger

Brian Owens

01-28-2005, 10:26 PM

Although books can be interesting reading, and you can learn the history and some of the philosophy of Japanese arts from them, no -- you really can't learn any martial art without personal instruction from a qualified teacher.

After work tonight I'll do a search for Kendo and kenjutsu schols in your area, and if no one else pops in first -- Kaoru, are you there? (She's really good at finding Kendo clubs) -- I'll post what I find.

XAdamX

01-28-2005, 10:39 PM

ok thank you sooo much for your help
Adam Woolger

heresjonny

01-29-2005, 01:05 AM

If you're interested in sword arts, there's always Iai. I started that when I was 14, its been up-hill all the way, so I recommend it. It also goes well with kendo or jodo, if you have the time...

heresjonny

01-29-2005, 01:16 AM

Going back to the whole sword-making thing,

Why don't they make titanium bladed shinken? There probably is an obvious answer but I'd have thought they'd be:

-lighter?

-stronger?

-cheaper?

heresjonny

01-29-2005, 01:41 AM

Hey, is it just me or is the ninecircles sight bust? It keeps taking me to some patent directory rubbish...

<www.ninecircles.co.uk>

Brian Owens

01-29-2005, 02:16 AM

Originally posted by heresjonny
Going back to the whole sword-making thing,

Why don't they make titanium bladed shinken? There probably is an obvious answer but I'd have thought they'd be:

-lighter?

-stronger?

-cheaper?

Lighter? Yes.

Stronger? Probably, but maybe less ductile (I don't kow that much about titanium).

Cheaper? I don't think so. Iron and carbon (the components of steel) are plentiful, but titanium is more precious. It's also hader, from what I know, to work with.

XAdamX

01-29-2005, 10:57 AM

what is the strongest metal?

green27712

02-02-2005, 09:57 AM

Well now, after looking at their site I would probably be apt to say that these apear to be similar in nature to the Hanwei products. they give you a littel insight on how they do things if you delkve into their site a bit. First thing, research HOW the blades are made- what method. The usage of the sword will dictate what you need and how it is made. Personally, I have never heard of this Yamato method. There are four major schools that teach these four major methods and this is not one of them. Secondly- beware-these are "possibly" made in Thailand. The name Sivarat is a Thai name. No one blast me for this but for starters I have a family member that is Thai, I also own a couple of GENUINE handmade Thai battle blades. So I am not speaking from not knowing anything. Some of the Thai steel is not the best in the world and the methods for putting blade and tsuka together are not the best either, IMHO. I may be completely wrong but NOWHERE can I find info on WHERE these swords are made and what steels are used.
In my personal, humbly presented opinion, and assessment- this is a new company only 3-4 years old, they have a number of distributors- mostly in Canada and Europe. You will also notice that all of their e-distributors listed on their distributor page are owned by the same company. I delved a little further than face value with the pages. A little suspicious methinks. Price and value wise I think I would stick with a name that has a track record in performance and value for someone that has little experience or knowledge with sword such as Paul Chen or Last Legends. Of course you can ALWAYS find the best and more expensive daito blades in Japan- particularly if you buy one direct from one of the schools- if they will sell you one.

just my opinion, once again, feeling the need to blurt out in class,

Ed Green

heresjonny

02-02-2005, 10:21 AM

Has the Paul Chen Folded Orchid Katana got much going for it?

I've heard it being recommended as a good iai katana and a reliable cutting sword, plus the aesthetics leave me drooling...

Also, all the swords I practice/know/knowof practice with the katana or the tachi. Does anyone know of a way I could learn to use the wakizashi, a katana & tanto or...

...two katana at once? (Myamoto Musashi Style)

green27712

02-02-2005, 10:40 AM

Jonathan,
the entire folded line from PC is very good (hence the reason I want the tiger set). However make sure you are getting the latest gen of them. PC always makes continual improvments to the blades he puts out- increased tang lengths, more accurate tempering on blades, etc , etc. to be sure you are getting these improvements you need to find a reputable dealer. email me to find out how to get them.
If all you want is iai practice blades then I would suggest looking at one of his finest iaido blades. I do not recommend iaido practice with a live blade(meaning sharp). One slip, and you could lose a finger- thumb or what have you. TRUST ME- I almost cut my thumb off last year doing this very stupid thing. Fortunately I moved it out of the way JUST in time but got a nasty cut all the same and I didn't even know it had happened until I saw blood running down my hand.
As for cutting, if all you want is cutting use the practical plus. Ok you'll spend $1000 bucks on a katana. You cut WRONG ONE time with it and you bend the blade. It will cost you $1000 or more to send it out to someone to have it restraightened, retempered- then repolished for another $30-40 PER INCH. The blade will never be the same again the tempering will be different, etc. It isn't worth taking a blade of that expense and potentially ruining it for the sake of cutting a mat. Spend $250 on a practical plus Gen 2 or 3 for cutting. I use a sword that I don't mind if I lose it or not it is not my end all be all(and it's for sale too BTW- it is a PC Shinto only 2 years old, used for cutting, the blood has been cleaned off the blade BTW- hehehe).

As for Musashi style fighting- we did some of that in last years theme(at least in our dojo we did). Review some of the clips on Shinkentaijutsu.com (Shihans Phil Legare and Mike Pearce(s) authorized by Soke Hatsumi, training site from Japan). You might find something there.

Ed Green

green27712

02-02-2005, 11:36 AM

In response to the original question:

Go here a review on shinkenwhoseywhatsey:

shinkenmadeinthailand (http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24519&highlight=THAITSUKI)

Ed Green

Brian Owens

02-02-2005, 10:46 PM

Originally posted by heresjonny
...Also, all the swords I practice/know/knowof practice with the katana or the tachi. Does anyone know of a way I could learn to use the wakizashi, a katana & tanto or...
The Kendo no Kata has at least one form that is wakizashi versus katana (probably more than one, but I don't practice Kendo, so I'm not positive).

Several of the koryu systems include wakizashi/shoto forms.

Originally posted by heresjonny
...two katana at once? (Myamoto Musashi Style)
Unless I am mistaken, Musashi's nitto did not use two katana, but one katana and one wakizashi.

If I'm wrong, then I'm sure a member of the Hyoho Nitten Ichi Ryu (Musashi's style) will correct me. (Hyaku-san, are you there?)

heresjonny

02-03-2005, 01:20 AM

You'ra probably right, but I have seen a number of blockprints and old artwork showing samurai using two katana at once.

Brian Owens

02-03-2005, 03:48 AM

Originally posted by heresjonny
You'ra probably right, but I have seen a number of blockprints and old artwork showing samurai using two katana at once.

While I find them often beautiful to look at, they are, nonetheless, stylized depictions of reality. With few exceptions the artists were not bushi, and didn't always know much about their subject matter.

It wasn't that important for the artists to get every detail right, because often those viewing the art didn't know much about the subject either, and wouldn't know what they were seeing; it was capturing the feeling of the subject that was important.

Brian Owens

02-03-2005, 04:17 AM

Originally posted by Brian Owens
The Kendo no Kata has at least one form that is wakizashi versus katana (probably more than one, but I don't practice Kendo, so I'm not positive).
I'm home now, and checked. According to my references, the Kendo no Kata consist of 6 long-sword forms and 3 short-sword forms.

Originally posted by Brian Owens
Unless I am mistaken, Musashi's nitto did not use two katana, but one katana and one wakizashi.

If I'm wrong, then I'm sure a member of the Hyoho Nitten Ichi Ryu (Musashi's style) will correct me. (Hyaku-san, are you there?)
I mis-romanized the name of the ryu. It should be, according to Hyoho.com, Hyoho Niten Ichiryu. My apologies.

Also, an amplification to:
Originally posted by heresjonny
...I have seen a number of blockprints and old artwork showing samurai using two katana at once.
One reason it may appear that two katana are being used in some artwork is because of perspective.

For instance, in this photo from Hyoho.com, the master appears to be using two equal-length swords at first glance.

http://www.hyoho.com/Sohke.jpg

Closer inspection reveals that the right-hand sword is actually a katana, and the left-hand sword is a wakizashi. But distortion of perception caused by perspective makes them appear to be nearly the same length.

Factor in the foreshortening effect of Japanese style painting, and it is easy to see how appearances could be deceiving.

This is not to say, of course, that there was never a single case of someone using two katana, just that it is not a common practice.