Katana


 * Users: Sasuke Uchiha, Zabuza Momochi, Kisame Hoshigaki, Raiga Kurosuki, Hanzaki, Suigetsu Hozuki, Hayate Gekkō, Orochimaru, Aoi Rokushō, Hokushin, Hōki, and most Konoha ANBU members.
 * Description: "Katana" (刀) is the general description of any Japanese sword or bladed weapon that is longer than a dagger. They vary in size, shape, and even in material. Katana, when used, often become the central focus of the ninja's jutsu, with the sword-user developing techniques to maximize his sword's efficiency.
 * Traditional use: In tradition, a katana is a single-edged sword designed for open-field combat. The blunt end of the katana could be, technically, used as a bludgeon tool. The forging of a katana can take over half a day, and is still considered an art in today's society. Katanas are not made for dueling or blade to blade combat, since it could damage the blade, instead kenjutsu and Battojutsu, two different methods of fighting with Katana, focus on precise cutting-related attacks. The katana can also be used for stabbing motions, but it is not as effective as slashing. Wakizashi, a name given to swords with a blade length in-between that of a katana and a dagger, complements the use of a katana. The wakizashi is used where the katana could not, including, in extreme close quarters, executions, and seppuku, ritual suicide, as such precise actions can dull or snap the katana's blade.

Significant Katanas

 * Decapitating Carving Knife: Zabuza Momochi's giant sword, specially designed for decapitation, later claimed by Suigetsu Hozuki, currently broken.
 * Samehada: Kisame Hoshigaki's giant rough scaled sword, shaves rather than cut, can absorb chakra, spikes prevent anyone other than its master to wield it.
 * Kusanagi Sword:
 * Orochimaru's version: the sword of Japanese legend, extendable and capable of slicing through virtually anything, current status unknown.
 * Sasuke Uchiha's version: a simple chokuto, capable of conducting electricity for increasing cutting power and range.
 * Totsuka Sword: Itachi Uchiha's spiritual sword, capable of sealing victims in an eternal genjutsu, held by Susanoo, the Kusanagi's perfect counter, current status unknown.

Anime Only Swords

 * Imperial Garian Sword: Ryūgan's sword, blade is able to react to the carrier's chakra, amplify it and change its form to that of a dragon.
 * Sword of the Thunder God: Tobirama Senju's legendary sword, blade is made of pure lightning and is retractable, later stolen by Aoi Rokushō, destroyed by Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha.
 * Lightning Fangs: Raiga Kurosuki's twin swords, can manipulate lightning and join into one double-bladed sword, currently under a river.
 * Zanbatō: Hanzaki's simple giant sword, no apparent special properties.

Also See

 * Japanese sword
 * Katana
 * Chokutō - Sasuke Uchiha's sword
 * Cleaver Sword - Darui's sword
 * Kunai - Real-life Ninja weapon based on a Trowel, a real-life gardening tool.
 * Throwing Knife - Other Knives meant for throwing.
 * Kenjutsu - Real Life Armed Martial Art.
 * Knife Throwing - The Art of Knife Throwing.