Katana vs. Bokken — What's the Difference?

A katana (刀 or かたな) is a Japanese sword characterized by a curved, single-edged blade with a circular or squared guard and long grip to accommodate two hands. Developed later than the tachi, it was used by samurai in feudal Japan and worn with the blade facing upward.

A bokken (木剣, bok(u), "wood", and ken, "sword") (or a bokutō 木刀) is a Japanese wooden sword used for training in kenjutsu. It is usually the size and shape of a katana, but is sometimes shaped like other swords, such as the wakizashi and tantō.

A long, single-edge sword for use with two hands, traditionally worn by samurai.

A wooden katana, used as a training sword.

A type of Japanese longsword or tr=nihontō, having a single edge and slight curvature, historically used by samurai and ninja.