: Originally derived from the sasuga (a short sword used by lower-ranking warriors), the blade was lengthened over time to meet the demands of changing combat.
While bladed craftsmanship in Japan dates back centuries, the precursors to the modern katana appeared during the early (around 700 CE). Medieval Katana | The Legacy
: Unlike the earlier, longer tachi worn blade-down, the katana was worn blade-up. This allowed for a quicker draw , enabling a samurai to strike an opponent in a single, decisive motion. : Originally derived from the sasuga (a short
The History of the Katana: Origins, Evolution & Samurai Legacy longer tachi worn blade-down
