How Fast Is Samurai Sword Swing?

A katana swung by a master swordsman moves at 16 m/s at the tip. Authentic katanas are folded steel layered 8-16 times, producing thousands of microscopic layers and an edge that can cleanly slice a green bamboo stalk.

Authentic katanas have a curve that develops naturally during quenching — the harder edge cools faster than the softer back, bending the blade as it hardens.

• Same as a galloping giraffe
• Folded steel, layered 8-16 times