Katana

The katana is the quintessential weapon of the samurai caste. It represents the soul of the samurai who carries it, and while typically only bushi or those trained in the blade's use carry them with them at all times, all samurai typically have one that they own, even if it remains in their home. Courtiers and shugenja do not usually carry a katana with them because doing so implies they are trained in its use, which would in turn place an expectation upon them to defend themselves. A katana is typically kept within a family and handed down from generation to generation. The eldest child in a generation receives his grandfather's blade. However, it is possible for a samurai who serves his lord well to possess multiple katana, including not only his grandfather's blade, but a blade bestowed for valorous service, another from an appointment to the position of Imperial magistrate, etc.