The International Association of Amateur Heralds

Ryan Shuflin wrote:I mean are there any katanas that aren't Japanese?

There are similar swords, in Korea for example, but they are not called "katana".

Katanas are now widely reproduced throughout the world, indeed China is, I understand, a major manufacturer of display type swords.

To me the use of Japanese Katana implies a genuine, traditionally made sword, rather than a display or "wall" weapon.

I would stick with the description which offers both guidance to the artist and, possibly, an intentional distinctiveness for the armiger.

Bruce E Weller wrote:Katanas are now widely reproduced throughout the world, indeed China is, I understand, a major manufacturer of display type swords.

To me the use of Japanese Katana implies a genuine, traditionally made sword, rather than a display or "wall" weapon.

I would stick with the description which offers both guidance to the artist and, possibly, an intentional distinctiveness for the armiger.

I understand the difference between a traditionally made weapon, and a cheap knock off, but how is the artist going to interpret that?

This is, after all a picture we are talking about not an actual sword. It is both redundant and a distinction without a difference. Or maybe a difference without a distinction?