What is a reverse katana?

Answer 1

Better is relative. First, contrary to popular belief, the katana-style sword with a blade on the concave edge was not invented in the manga/anime Rurouni Kenshin. This type of sword, called a kutto, actually predates the tachi/katana by hundreds of years. They appear in the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters, 712 CE) and Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan, 720 CE), where two such swords, called Futsunomitama-no-tsurugi ("swords of spiritual power"), are used by two ancient warriors to conquer the Sword nation of Ookuninushi-no-mikoto. They were feared and revered swords, and are still regarded as Japanese national treasures. These swords were originally meant to be used as much in a one-handed as two-handed grip, since shields were still in common use in the Japan of that time.

As regards effectiveness, it is not so much a question of better or worse as different. A concave blade is perfectly effective, as easily demonstrated by the ancient Dacian falx, the Iberian falcata, the Greek kopis, the Turkish yataghan or the famous Nepalese kukri knife. Aerodynamically, it cuts through the air slightly better than a convex curved blade, making for a slightly faster cut. For this reason, it is better for a chopping cut, and for one handed use. However, a convex blade (standard katana) is more naturally designed to be drawn along someone as it cuts, and is therefore more intuitive to use in a traditional Japanese two-handed draw-cut.

As regards those actually available for sale, all the so called 'reverse-curved' katanas on the market are on the lower end of sword quality, as far as functional swords go. The US$24.99 variety are 440 stainless steel, worthless as a functional blade. The better varieties, made by Musashi and Masahiro respectively, are 1045 carbon steel, (even if the say 1060) which is the minimum standard for a functional cutting blade. Being only a medium carbon steel, the edge will roll against something as hard as thick bamboo, but are fine for cutting mats, pool noodles and plastic jugs. Of the two, the Musashi is both better and sometimes cheaper, with the Masahiro being inconsistent in quality. One sword will be good, and the next not. Finally, there is a rather more expensive model by Rittersteel, made from 1050 steel. Having a slightly higher carbon content, (.5% vs .45%) it would be expected to be a bit harder.

Answer 2

I THINK, that it's because all swords have a handle that leans forward for fighting, and on a reverse-blade the dull-back side is on the side meant to face forward and on other blades it is the sharp-side forward.......I think, I'm pretty sure, but I think

Answer 3

A reverse katana, sometimes known as a sakabato, is a katana with the edge on the inside of the curve, rather than the outside: the reverse side of the blade. This type katana sword is fictional. The sakabato is made so that the cutting edge is on the side that curves inward.