. . . . "Historically, katana (\u5200) were one of the traditionally made Japanese swords (\u65E5\u672C\u5200, nihont\u014D) that were used by the samurai of feudal Japan. Modern versions of the katana are sometimes made using non-traditional materials and methods. The katana is characterized by its distinctive appearance: a curved, slender, single-edged blade with a circular or squared guard and long grip to accommodate two hands."@en .