: 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.
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
The History of the Katana: Origins, Evolution & Samurai Legacy : Unlike the earlier, longer tachi worn blade-down,
: The first use of the term "katana" to describe a long sword occurred as early as the Kamakura period (1185–1333). : Unlike the earlier
: 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.