samurai and knights similarities and differences essay

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Samurai and Knights Similarities and Differences

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Medieval knights vs Japanese Samurai: Who would win?

The medieval knights and Japanese samurai are two of the most iconic warriors in history. Both of these groups were renowned for their skill and bravery in battle.

While both warriors are celebrated for their incredible abilities, it is always interesting to compare them in terms of their training, weaponry, and tactics.

Who were medieval knights?

Medieval knights were highly skilled and heavily armored warriors who were prominent in Europe during the Middle Ages .

They were members of the nobility who had been trained from a young age in the use of weapons, horseback riding, and warfare.

Knights were often employed by kings and lords as protectors of their lands and people, and they played a critical role in battles and wars throughout the medieval period.

In addition to their military duties, knights were also involved in the cultural and social life of the medieval nobility.

They participated in tournaments and jousts , and they were expected to display courtly manners and etiquette.

The role of the medieval knight was both practical and symbolic, representing the ideal of chivalry and serving as a key figure in the social hierarchy of medieval Europe.

Who were Japanese samurai?

Japanese samurai were a class of highly skilled and trained warriors who played a prominent role in feudal Japan from the 12th to the 19th century.

The term "samurai" literally means "those who serve," and samurai were initially employed by lords to protect their lands and people.

Samurai were expected to uphold a strict code of conduct known as bushido, which emphasized loyalty, honor, and self-discipline.

They were expected to be willing to sacrifice their lives for their lord or for the greater good, and seppuku (ritual suicide) was considered an honorable way for a samurai to die if they had failed in their duties.

How each were trained

Both knights and samurai underwent rigorous training to become skilled warriors.

Knights trained in the use of weapons, horse riding, and hand-to-hand combat.

They also learned chivalry and courtly etiquette, which were essential in their role as protectors of the nobility.

In contrast, samurai focused more on discipline and meditation. They also trained in archery, horse riding, and sword fighting, but their training emphasized the importance of mental focus and concentration.

Knighthood was usually obtained through the process of "dubbing," in which a knight or lord would confer knighthood upon a worthy candidate.

This often involved a religious ceremony in which the candidate would swear loyalty to their lord and to God.

Once they had been dubbed, knights were expected to uphold a strict code of chivalry, which emphasized bravery, honor, and loyalty.

Samurai were trained in a variety of skills, including archery, swordsmanship, horseback riding, and strategy.

They also studied Zen Buddhism and other philosophical and religious teachings, which emphasized discipline, loyalty, and duty.

Weaponry compared

Both knights and samurais had their unique weapons, and these weapons played a crucial role in their battles.

Knights were primarily known for their swords, axes, lances, and maces . The swords of the knights were long, heavy, and sharp, while their axes and maces were used to crush their opponents' armor.

In contrast, samurais were known for their mastery of the katana , the short sword, and the bow and arrow.

The katana, in particular, was a deadly weapon, and samurais trained extensively to master it.

Swords were the most common weapon used by knights in hand-to-hand combat.

They were designed for both cutting and thrusting and were used to strike at the enemy's head, arms, or legs.

Knights often carried a longsword, which could be used with two hands or one, or a smaller sword, which was used for closer combat.

Samurai used the katana in a variety of ways in combat, depending on the situation and the opponent.

The curved shape of the blade allowed for a fluid and efficient cutting motion, which made it an effective weapon for striking at the enemy's head, arms, or legs.

One of the key techniques used by samurai in combat was the "draw cut" or "iai," which involved quickly drawing the katana from its scabbard and making a single cut before returning the blade to the scabbard.

This technique was often used as a surprise attack against an unprepared opponent and was highly effective.

Armour compared

A knight's armor was typically made up of several components, including a helmet, breastplate, pauldrons (shoulder armor), gauntlets, greaves (leg armor), and sabatons (foot armor).

The armor was designed to cover as much of the body as possible while still allowing the knight to move and fight effectively.

The armor provided protection against a variety of weapons, including swords, axes, and spears.

Metal plates were especially effective in deflecting blows, while chainmail offered protection against piercing weapons like arrows and daggers.

Armor was not foolproof, however, and knights still suffered injuries in combat.

Blows from heavy weapons could still cause injury or knock the knight off their feet, and armor could be penetrated by the point of a spear or the tip of an arrow.

In addition, armor was heavy and could be tiring to wear, especially in hot weather.

The armor worn by Japanese samurai , known as "o-yoroi," was designed to provide protection in battle.

It was made up of several layers of materials, including leather, metal, and silk, which offered protection against various weapons and attacks.

The samurai armor consisted of several components, including a helmet, chest protector, shoulder guards, arm guards, thigh guards, and shin guards.

The helmet, or "kabuto," was made of metal and protected the head from direct blows.

The chest protector, or "do," covered the torso and was made of several metal plates laced together with silk cords.

As with the knight, while the armor offered significant protection, it also had some limitations.

It was heavy and could be tiring to wear for long periods, especially in hot weather.

Additionally, some areas of the body, such as the back and the neck, were not well protected, making them vulnerable to attack.

Let the fight begin!

Determining who would win in a battle between medieval knights and Japanese samurais is not an easy task.

Both groups were skilled warriors who had their unique weapons, armor, and tactics.

A samurai's strengths in a fight with a medieval knight include their speed, agility, and skill with the katana.

Samurai were trained to move quickly and efficiently in combat, using their mobility to outmaneuver and strike their opponents.

They were also skilled at using the katana, a versatile weapon that was well-suited to close combat.

In comparison, the knight's greatest advantage was the fact that their armour provided significant protection from the slicing action of the samurai's katana.

However, if the knight had any chainmail as their only protection, then the samurai could use the end of their katana to stab any vulnerable areas.

Locations such as the neck, armpits or behind the knees would be ideal locations to avoid the medieval body armour.

However, samurai also had some weaknesses that a medieval knight could potentially exploit.

One of the most significant weaknesses was their lack of heavy armor. While samurai armor was designed to protect against various weapons and attacks, it was not as heavy or extensive as the armor worn by medieval knights.

This made samurai more vulnerable to heavy blows or crushing attacks, especially from weapons like maces or battle axes.

As mentioned above, one of the most significant weaknesses of the knight was their lack of mobility.

The heavy armor worn by knights could be cumbersome and tiring to wear, especially in hot weather, which could slow them down in combat.

This would make them vulnerable to fast-moving opponents like samurai, who could use their speed and agility to outmaneuver them.

Our verdict...

In conclusion, it is difficult to determine who would win in a battle between medieval knights and Japanese samurais.

It would be impossible to definitively determine who would win in a hypothetical clash between medieval knights and Japanese samurai due to the significant differences in time and place that separated the two cultures.

Medieval knights and Japanese samurai existed in vastly different cultural contexts and fought in different eras.

Knights fought primarily during the Middle Ages, between the 5th and 15th centuries in Europe, while samurai fought during the feudal period in Japan, between the 12th and 19th centuries.

Ultimately, the outcome of a battle would depend on the circumstances of the battle and the strategies used by each group.

Nonetheless, the comparison of the two warrior classes highlights the richness and diversity of martial cultures across the globe.

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What Are The Similarities And Differences Between Knights And Samurai?

There are many similarities to be found between Medieval Japan and Medieval Europe. However, there are also many differences. One that immediately jumps out is that the warriors of Medieval Europe were knights, and the warriors of Medieval Japan were samurai. 

Knights and samurai may be considered the equivalent of one another, and they indeed share many similarities. However, there were also many differences between the two that allow us to classify them as two distinct groups. 

However, aside from their names and where these groups originated, not many people know the similarities and differences between knights and samurai. We are here to rectify that! 

In this article, we will be discussing the similarities and differences between knights and samurai to give you a better understanding of who they were, what they did, and more. 

So, if you’re interested in learning more about these two fascinating groups, then read on for more! 

Samurai And Knights: Who Are They?

First of all, let’s check out the basic information we need to know about samurais and knights. 

A knight is an individual who has been awarded the honorary title of a knighthood by a monarch for fulfilling an obligation to the nation or the monarch itself. This is particularly true in the context of the military.

The very first medieval knights were warriors of the cavalry. In medieval times, knights were skilled fighters who were also extremely artful and known for their excellent display of manners. Knights were usually well-educated and they valued and constantly displayed respect and honor. 

Knights had to follow a concept known as Chivalry. Chivalry was a moral, religious, and social code that saw knights trying to live up to the role of noble warriors who were fair on the battlefield, but also in their dealings with God and with women. 

Knights typically fought in small groups. They wore chainmail armor, helmets, and their weapon of choice was a sword and shield, typically made from metal. These were very heavy and knights had to dedicate a lot of time to learning how to wield them. 

From the age of 7, knights began their training. They would begin by serving at the king’s or lord’s castle and work their way up. Generally, knights had soldiery ranks and had to be involved in tournaments, such as jousts, and typically rode into battle on a horse. 

Samurai means “one who serves.” In the time of feudal Japan, Samurai were part of the military caste and had to train from a very young age.

The origins of the samurai can be traced back to the early Heian period, in the 8th and 9th centuries. They were created to subdue the Emishi people, who were native to the Tohoku region. 

The samurai would go on to become symbolic of the ideal citizen and warrior for the next 700 years, becoming the ruling military class from 1603-1867, during the Edo Period. 

Unlike knights, the samurai had no ranks. However, they had a similar concept to Chivalry known as “Bushido.” 

Bushido means “the way of the warrior” and it has a religious meaning to the samurai . Bushido was a way of life for the samurai and took influence from Confucianism as well as Buddhism.

The most important tenets of Bushido are courage, calmness, loyalty, justice, politeness, self-sacrifice. honor, self-discipline, and fairness. The samurai were supposed to be stoic warriors who followed their code seriously, holding all of its values above their own lives.

The samurai also had a fighting spirit, much like knights, and they also rode into battle on swords. However, they used a series of different weapons while knights typically only used swords.

For example, when in direct combat samurai would use a katana and a shorter blade, but at a distance, either weapon of choice was the bow and arrow. 

As for armor, the uniform worn by the samurai far surpassed that worn by the knights of Europe.

The samurai armor was specifically designed to allow them to move. However, despite being very flexible, it was also sturdy and would allow the samurai to hold their own on the battlefield.

The plates were typically made of leather or metal and the armor was bound together by either silk or leather. 

The samurai held shoulder shields and their sleeves were lightly armored. However, to allow for increased movement their right hand would often be left without any sleeve.

Finally, the samurai would wear helmets called the kabuto, and the kabuto was made from riveted metal plates. 

On top of being strong, renowned warriors, the samurai were well-educated. They were often skilled in mathematics and were highly literate. Samurai studied literature, made ink paintings, and wrote poetry. 

Finally, unlike knights who were all men, some of the samurai warriors were actually women. The term “samurai” was masculine, but the Japanese bushi class did include many women who had the same training in both strategy and martial arts as the samurai.

These women were known as the Onna-Bugeisha, and they would fight in battles alongside the samurai. 

The feudal era of Japan ended around 1868, and a few years later, the samurai class was dismantled. 

The legacy of the samurai culture has produced many arts unique to Japan, including rock gardens, arranging flowers , and tea ceremonies. 

How Are Knights And Samurai Similar?

Here are the ways in which knights and samurai are similar!

• Both samurai and knights were trained from a young age and were skilled warriors
• Knights and samurai both rode horses into battles
• Samurai and knights both followed codes of conduct that influenced their interactions with each other and others. 
• Both knights and samurai fought for the dignity and pride of their respective nations and people. 

How Are Knights And Samurai Different?

Here are the ways in which knights and samurai are different! 

Differences Between Knights And Samurai: Origin

The origin of knights and samurai is very different. 

Knights were considered an inferior aristocracy and granted as mounted fighters.

This only changed in the middle-late centuries when knights were considered to be skilled warriors and examples of good Christian soldiers – thanks to the code of Chivalry that they had to follow. People are still given knighthoods today, although it looks very different from what it once did. 

Meanwhile, the samurai were once warriors in ancient Japan, and they eventually came to be the ruling military class of the nation. They received the highest position of social caste during the Edo era. The samurai were disbanded in 1868, once the feudal period of Japan ended. 

Differences Between Knights And Samurai: Attire

During the middle ages, knights would wear thick, bulky attire. During battles, they wore armor that covered all of their bodies, including chainmail and helmets. This armor was usually made from iron or metal and was typically very heavy. 

Meanwhile, in their homes, the samurai would wear two-piece outfits which were known as “kimishima.” They would wear kimishima over their kimonos .

Then, on the battlefield, samurai would weather armor made from various materials, such as metal, silk cords, leather, bamboo, and wood. Japanese armor was made to be flexible enough to move in but still bulky enough that they would be protected on the battlefield. 

Differences Between Knights And Samurai: Weaponry

Knights and samurai had different weapons. 

In the middle ages, knights would typically use swords in battle. However, during jousts and other events, they would use other weapons including lances. They would also use battleaxes, poleaxes, maces, and daggers. 

Meanwhile, the weapon of the samurai depended on distance. For example, at long range samurai would use a bow and arrow to hit their targets. But at a close distance, they would fight with a katana or a smaller sword. 

Differences Between Knights And Samurai: Military Ranking System

Knights employed various military ranks, with the grandmaster being the highest. 

Meanwhile, the samurai did not have military ranks. However, they did have very basic ranks, including housemen and feudal lords. 

Differences Between Knights And Samurai: Traditional Skills

Knights had to learn sword fighting and other weaponry, as well as great horsemanship. 

The samurai also had to learn horsemanship and sword fighting. However, they also learned archery. On top of that, the samurai had to be well-educated, so they learned how to study literature and calligraphy, and had to write poetry as well as create ink paintings. 

Differences Between Knights And Samurai: Code

While it is true that both knights and samurai had to follow a code of conduct, the codes themselves were different. 

When it comes to knights, they had to follow a code known as Chivalry. Chivalry meant behaving in a way that was morally, religiously, and socially appropriate, particularly when it came to God and women. 

However, the samurai followed a code known as Bushido. Bushido was a code that saw the samurai value self-sacrifice, self-discipline, loyalty, justice, and more, above their own lives.

Following bushido meant you had to be a stoic warrior who would fight for the dignity of your people and land. 

Differences Between Knights And Samurai: Warriors 

The knights were strictly men. However, the samurai had a female equivalent that was also trained in combat and strategy and would fight alongside them in battles. These women were not known as samurai, but the Onna-Bugeisha. 

What Were The Strengths And Weaknesses Of The Knights?

Let’s check out the strengths and weaknesses of knights in more detail! 

Knights: Strength

• Knights had powerful armor and were extremely skilled warriors, meaning they were challenging to defeat in battle. 
• Thanks to their swords and shields, knights were able to attack and defend proficiently, making them hard to hit.

Knights: Weaknesses

• The metal armor restricted the movements of nights a fair deal, meaning it took a lot of physical strength to move around. 

What Were The Strengths And Weaknesses Of The Samurai?

Let’s check out the strengths and weaknesses of samurai in more detail! 

Samurai: Strengths

• Samurai could move around easily because their armor was very light, yet sturdy.
• Samurai were not just skilled with weapons, but they were also skilled in martial arts, which means that even without a weapon they were very difficult to defeat in battle.

Samurai: Weaknesses 

• Samurai weaponry was typically not strong enough to penetrate the armor of knights because it was so thick. So, theoretically, if the knights and the samurai were to battle, the knights would be difficult to injure using weapons.

Who Are Some Famous Knights And Samurai In Popular Culture?

Let’s check out some of the most famous knights and Samurai in popular culture. 

Examples Of Famous Knights 

Here are some examples of the most famous knights in popular culture!

King Arthur 

Of course, you cannot discuss knights without discussing arguably the most famous knight in history: King Arthur of Camelot (along with his band of knights, the Knights of the Round Table.) 

Many people believe Arthur to have been a real figure who lived during the 5th or 6th century. However, many people believe him to be nothing more than a folk tale.

No matter whether you believe his story is fact or fiction, the legends of Arthur have been well documented in both the imaginative History Of The Kings Of Britain by Geoffrey Monmouth and Le Morte D’Arthur by Thomas Malory.

Perhaps the most famous story of King Arthur is the story of the sword in the stone, in which many people struggle to pull a sword, known as Excalibur, from a stone created by Merlin. However, the one to succeed is Arthur, and this means he is destined to be the once and future king of England. 

The stories of King Arthur have gone on to inspire many adaptations, such as Merlin (2008-2012) and The Sword In The Stone (1963.)

Sir Lancelot

Of course, we cannot mention King Arthur without mentioning Sir Lancelot. Lancelot Du Lac was the very first Knight of the Round Table.

It is said that as a small child, Lancelot was abandoned at a lake by his family. However, he was found and raised by the Lady of the Lake, and became one of history’s greatest and most famous knights. 

Lancelot is well known for his courage, courtesy, and gentle nature. He was a skilled swordsman and intelligent as he was charming.

Perhaps it was for these reasons that he captured the heart of Lady Guinevere, beloved of King Arthur, which resulted in one of the most famous love triangles in western history. 

Richard The Lionheart

Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart, was a real-life king who began his reign in 1189. However, he spent very little time sitting on the actual throne.

In fact, most of Richard I’s time was spent fighting in other countries. Most famously, he fought in the Third Crusade, and it was here that he earned his reputation as a great military leader and fierce knight. 

In total, Richard did not even spend one year of his entire reign in England. And, he spent the last years of his life doing what he loved the most – fighting! He even died on the battlefield, being wounded by a crossbow bolt during the English besiege of a castle in Chalus, France. 

Examples Of Famous Samurai

Here are some examples of the most famous samurai in popular culture!

Oda Nobunaga

One of the most famous examples of a samurai is Oda Nobunaga. Nobunaga was a skilled warrior and a great leader. One of his most famous victories happened in 1560 when he killed Yoshimoto Imagawa after the latter attempted to take Kyoto and unify Japan. 

Nobunaga was also an innovator and had the novel idea of introducing firearms to battle. 

Sadly, he was murdered by his own general, Akechi Mitsuhide. Mitsuhide later committed suicide, which was considered to be a more honorable death. 

Date Masamune

Date Masamune was well known for being a man of great violence and little mercy. For these reasons, he was one of the most feared samurai of his time. 

Because of a smallpox infection as a child, he could only see out of his left eye. Therefore, he had to make a huge effort to gain recognition as a great warrior. So, he had many defeats when he started out, but slowly grew his reputation as a skilled warrior. 

Masamune is famous for killing all members of his clan enemies when they kidnapped his father, but he also killed his father during this process. 

Uesugi Kenshin

Ueusgi Kenshin was also called the Dragon of Echigo. He was a strong warrior and leader, famous for his ongoing rivalry with Takeda Shingen. These men fought for many years and faced off in 1-1 combat many times. 

Kenshin is one of the only samurai warlords to resist Oda Nobunaga’s campaigns. 

It is not known how exactly the Dragon of Echigo died, and there are many different stories surrounding his death. 

Hattori Hanzo

Hattori Hanzo was the leader of the Iga clan. He is one of the most unique samurai on this list since he was both a samurai and a ninja warrior . This was not the only distinct difference between Hanzo and his fellow samurai.

One other major difference is that while samurai typically use katanas and bows and arrows, Hanzo’s weapon of choice was a spear. 

Hanzo was a follower of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and he saved him from death many times during the course of his life. During his elder years, Hattori Hanzo was a Buddhist monk. 

Hattori Hanzo remains one of Japan’s most famous and popular warriors, and he has gone on to inspire many other famous fictional characters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How heavy was the average knight’s sword.

A typical long sword (a sword from Europe with a double-handled hilt) measured around 6-11 inches. The straight twin blade weighed in at around 2.2-3.3 lbs. 

Why Were Katanas So Strong?

Katanas are well known for their capacity and power. They were made using Japanese steel known as Tamahagane, which is piled a dozen times and purified and refined until the blade was complete. 

Did The Samurai And The Knights Ever Engage In Battle?

As far as we know, no. Knights and samurai did not ever engage in battle. This is because in the 1600s, during the European colonization of Asia, soldiers had already replaced knights, and gunpowder had replaced swords. 

What Is The Correct Way To Wear A Katana?

Katanas were generally worn with the blade facing up, and this was for a few reasons. 

The first is that this was the best way to ensure that the blade stayed sharp. Sometimes, the blades would become blunt due to friction when it was facing downwards in the scabbard.

The other was to reduce the number of leg and finger injuries from the sword when the collar becomes loose thanks to it constantly tearing and rubbing. 

Final Thoughts 

There are many similarities and differences between knights and samurai. Knights hail from medieval Europe and were known to be excellent swordsmen who followed a code of conduct known as Chivalry.

They wore heavy armor, fought primarily with swords and shields, and rode horses into battle. People are still knighted today. 

Samurai hail from ancient Japan and were also known to be excellent warriors but were proficient with many weapons, including the katana , as well as martial arts. Samurai followed a code of conduct known as Bushido.

They wore light, flexible armor that was still sturdy enough to make them hardened opponents. The samurai came to an end in 1868, along with the end of Feudal Japan. 

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Knight vs Samurai: Are They Similar Or Different?

Medieval Europe shared numerous resemblances with medieval Japan but also had several differences. Both Knight and Samurai were great warriors. They were well trained and had very good manners as well. They had knights in ancient Europe and Samurai in ancient Japan . Samurai vs knights ran in battle horses and fought for the honors and dignity of their country in a true spirit. They were fighting differently and were trained with various stuff, let’s take a look at the similarities and distinctions more closely: Knight vs Samurai.

Knight vs Samurai: Who Are They?

1. who are the knight.

In fact, a Knight is an individual awarded a knighthood honorary title by a monarch or other political chief for an obligation to the monarch or nation, particularly in the military capacity. The Knights were excellent fighters and very artful as well as having good manners. They were usually known as well-educated warriors. They strived for their country’s honor and respect.

There was a rule called Chivalry and Knights follow it tightly. They tend to fight in a small group and nerve enemies by their fierce appearance. In the fight, Knights wore armor and used swords along with shields which were made of metal.

Each inch of their body was covered by a metal outfit during the combat. At the age of seven, the Knights had to begin training by serving at the lord’s castle. A knight has a soldiery rank and must be involved in tournaments.

Knights cover their whole body by metallic link including their head with a helmet.

2. Wh0 Are The Samurai?

“One who serves” implies the term Samurai. In feudal Japan, Samurai belonged to a strong military caste. There are no ranks of samurai warriors. As mentioned above, The Knight has a “Chivalry” rule and the Samurai follows a rigid standard of behavior known as “Bushido” which is “The way of the warrior”. It has a religious meaning for the Samurai. Also fighting with the same spirit as Knights, Samurai is always willing to sacrifice for national self-esteem.

Samurai use distance strategies for weapons. They use the Sword when they are close to their opponents, and they use arrows when they are far away. Samurai take great care of their swords that is their lives and their honor. During the fight, they wore two swords, a Katana and a shorter blade.

Samurais tend to use different types of weapons.

Knight vs Samurai: Are They Similar?

Knight and Samurai share some common things as listed below:

• Samurai vs Knight were well trained and were fantastic fighters.
• Knight vs Samurai begin their training since infancy.
• Both Knight and Samurai ride horses in battles and fight for the pride and dignity of their respective peoples and nations.

Knight vs Samurai: How Are They Different?

Key differences between knight and samurai.

Here are seven main differences between Knight and Samurai.

Other Differences Between Knight And Samurai

• Knights were located in Europe, while we met Samurai in Japan.
• Knights followed the “Chivalry” rule, while “Bushido” was the religious belief of Samurai.
• If a samurai’s father was a Samurai, he must be a samurai as well.
• If a Knight’s dad was a Knight, he can choose to follow his Dad’s career or not.
• Knights play “Joust” while Samurai play “Kendo”.
• A knight had a rank in the army, but a samurai had no.
• Compared to Knight, Samurai looked scarier.
• Samurais tend to optimize the functions of weapons, while Knights tend to attack their enemies.

In general, Samurai vs Knight are from two different continents, each has their own identity. They are the pride of the ancient warriors of each country. Their fighting spirit of the nation is undeniable. This article aims to provide useful information about two prominent feudal warriors, helping people have a better understanding of an important part of human history.

Knight vs Samurai: Strengths And Weaknesses

Knight strengths and weaknesses, samurai strengths and weaknesses.

Video explanation: 

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. how heavy was a knight’s sword.

A long sword is a kind of European sword with a double-handed hilt with a handle of roughly 16 to 28 cm (about 6 to 11 in); the straight twin blade is roughly 1-1.5 kg (2.2 to 3.3 lbs) in length, and weighing around 1 to 1.5 kg (2.2 to 3.3 lbs).

2. Short Comparison Of Chivalry And Bushido?

They began with literal meanings, “Bushi” which translated “soldier” and “chivalry” which derived from French “Chevalerie”, “which means” horseman. Both Bushido and Chivalry have developed into concepts and rules for the behavior of a person who claims to be a samurai or a knight. Chivalry is a broader social term: take care of the sick, defend the weak, be faithful to your liege lord, and so forth.

3. What Is The Proper Way To Wear A Samurai Sword – Blade Up Or Down?

Samurai prefers letting the blade side up because of the following reasons:

In order to keep the blade sharp. The blade may become blunted by gravity and friction on a downside blade against the scabbard.

Reduce the risk of leg or finger cutting when the sword collar loosens because of rub and tear.

4. Why Were Samurai Swords So Strong?

Traditional Japanese Katanas are known for their unbelievable power and capacity to cut. These swords were created in Japan at the beginning of the 5th century. Steel techniques have been introduced from China and Korea, while the iconic sword curve is believed to have been influenced by weapons of the Arabic style.

The swordsmiths were able to gradually refine and purify the blade makeup, using native Japanese steels called Tamahagane, by piling the metal till a dozen times. The completed blades had their enormous power, which would be checked repeatedly to guarantee that the metal did not contain imperfections.

5. Which Is Better Knight Or Samurai?

This is so challenging a theoretical question that we will never have a clear answer. Still, let’s try to imagine a single-combat duel between them, who do you think would win? 

• Physical strength: European knight win . By comparing the size of their armors (6′ to about 6’5″compared to 5’3″-5’5″), we can know that European knights were higher and may have some advantages.
• Armor: Even. It is believed that in the same period, Western metal quality exceeded its rivalry and the armor of knights covered most of his body which means it offers better protection . However, samurai armors are more light-weighted and allow better freedom of movement.
• Swords: Samurai win . Actually, katana is not really lighter than knight swords (them taking the weight of the warrior into account). But it is deadlier. Firstly, the katana was well-roundedly designed to be suitable for slicing or thrusting, one or two-handed. Moreover, thanks to special hardened treatment and expert constant care, the katana was always razor-sharp.
• Swordsmanship and martial arts: Even. Samurai and knight styles of unarmed fighting and using swords differ tremendously according to different purposes and functions. One serious problem is that we know little about a knight fighting technique. We just know for sure, the fight you saw in Hollywood movies can be nowhere near the real Medieval heritage martial arts.

Now, many other factors that can change it all are the scenario, the personality of the warrior himself, and even the culture.

6. Did Knights Ever Fight Samurai?

No. During the European colonization of Southeast Asia (the 1600s), knights have been already replaced by soldiers and gunpowder. 

7. Would A Samurai Beat A Viking?

Again, we never know for sure. But we can roughly break down some of the following factors:

• Weight, strength and pain resistance: Vikings win
• Armor, sword, skill, and range: Samurai win

Since skill and sword are huge factors, Samurai can have a higher chance of victory here.

8. Who Would Win Ninja vs Samurai?

Armed 1-1 fights or large-group fights: Samurai wins. They usually have 2 swords (a katana and a wakizashi) while ninjas normally don’t even use swords. Samurai also possess horses and are highly trained since infancy for one and one thing only, killing. This victory for samurai is in fact proved by Japanese history many times. For instance, in the Tensho-Iga war (1581), the samurai of Oda Nobunaga gained victory after defeating the ninja clans. However, thanks to the fight, the samurai were impressed by ninja irregular fighting skills and even began using the ninja spies.

Other circumstances that Ninja may win:

• I n their advantageous areas like mountainous terrain where they can make use of their hiding and survival skills.
• When they fight in small groups and they can utilize other methods to kill the enemies. For example, poison, ambush, and lay traps were commonly used by ninja. The ninja can even sneak and wait until nights when the samurai sleep or apart from his weapon long enough (such as when he’s in the toilet) to finish him. There are no rules on this.

Last but least, you need to know that the fighting between samurai and ninja is extremely rare because they tended to work together.

Hopefully, after reading this blog, you have found out the similarities and differences between Knight vs Samurai. If you still have any questions about these warriors, feel free to ask Question Japan!

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43 responses.

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This also helped me with a project THANK YOU!

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this is very quick info this is good

thank you for this information. I am now able to complete a my assessment on Knights and samurais. Thank you very much. =)

need for project thanks

This is really helpful… but it’s kind of funny how it’s on the travel tips section

That’s funny

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really good website, helped a lot.

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this was fun. thank you sempai.

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both the long sword and the katana are excellent weapons. but for me the long sword is better. better steel, longer reach, cross guard, long sword flexes more. katana’s aren’t flexible so if they bent they stay that way. but they are better at cutting. long swords are really good at penetration. And a knight in armour isn’t a clumsy fool. you can move freely in full plate armour. the only down side is you get tired faster than others. knights did not use bow and arrow in battle but they used various other weapons. from blunt weapons like maces to long swords to lances and so much in between. if anything they had more variety of weapons to choose from. and the shape of the katana didn’t come from arabic swords. the katana is built straight and it curves in the cooling process automatically because there is a different in heating and cooling rate of the edge and the rest of the blade. do not use this as a source for your project. this is so wrong.

This is so cool!! :))

Also, samurai carried their katanas blade up due to it allowing for a quicker draw and slice. Test it yourself and you will see.

thanks this helped me on my assignment!!!

I might get full marks on my samurai assignment thanks to you

wow this is cool information to know! i know samurai would use martial arts, such as kendo, karate, judo, as well as others. did knights have a hand to hand fighting technique, or would they rely on brute strength / weaponry? for instance, if a samurai for were to fight a knight without any weapons, who would most likely win? would the knights heavy armor be an advantage, or disadvantage? feel free to reply, i would love to see peoples thoughts and opinions about this.

European knights in full plate armor were in fact surprisingly agile and quick (even capable of mounting a horse on their own), due to the distribution of the armor’s weight on different areas of the knight’s body. You can see plenty of evidence of this in videos shot by historical reenactors.

you helped my finish my essay. THX SOOOOOOO MUCH !!!

Thank you very much, it helped with my assignment about Knights and Samurais. I wished you could provide a citation center.

Nice Info I think I am going to kick off my essay this week.

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really helped, thanks.

Look up Fiore dei Liberi if you want to know how knights fought. His manual is one of the oldest surviving documents of the 14th centuary.

Look up Fiore dei Liberi if you want to know how knights fought. His manual is one of the oldest surviving documents of the 14th century.

this helped a lot with my assignment

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Gimme a break! Knights had more advantages than vikings and samurai.

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I have been using this website for most of the span of my project. I can proudly say that it has helped with my journey. Of the great history and legend of samurai and knights.

THANK YOU need this for assignment <3333

This helped a bit but funny how its in the travel section

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