What Does "Battle Ready" Mean for Katana?

A katana is “battle ready” when it features a sharpened “full tang” blade.

The tang is the non exposed part of the blade that extends into the handle of the knife or sword. If a katana is “full tang”, it means that the solid piece of metal that forms the blade also runs down the handle.

Blade without Full Tang — Decorative Blade without “Full Tang”

Katana for Practical Use

A samurai sword with a full tang blade is indeed “battle ready”, but not necessarily suitable for the katana cut-sport “tameshigiri”. So, when Buying a Katana, pay attention to more details than just the full tang. The type of steel used and the treatment of the blade, for example, are very decisive for the sharpness and durability of a katana blade.

In summary

When is a katana ready for use?

A sharp katana with full tang is theoretically “battle-ready”.
A full tang katana is a katana where the tang extends the full length of the handle.
The blade steel and the treatment of the blade are crucial for sharpness, durability, and flexibility of a blade.
When it comes to practical use, a katana with a clay tempered blade is always the preferred choice.