History Main / WoodenKatanasAreEvenBetter

** [[FridgeLogic At that point, aren't you pretty much]] just holding a [[BladeOnAStick polearm]] wrong?
*** Not really. Musashi's carved oar would have been under 4'6". Most Polearms are 6'+ blade.
** The tactical brilliance of this preserved what would've been a priceless weapon at the time; not only did he not risk the katana on a treacherous rowboat journey, but he could discard the easily replaceable wooden weapon during what he knew would be a flight for his life after the duel.

* The latest version of DwarfFortress plays with the trope a bit. Wooden ''training'' weapons do bludgeoning damage instead of slashing or piercing, but armour in DF isn't great at protecting the wearer from blunt-force trauma and the new version goes to a lot of trouble to avert ElementalRockPaperScissors, so a really well-crafted wooden training sword could well beat a poorly-made iron or copper shortsword in some circumstances. The sharpened wooden swords wielded by the elves remain rather feeble, however.

* While his sword isn't a katana (instead settling for a {{BFS}}, Susano from ''Okami'' can qualify during his CrowningMomentOfAwesome where he declines help from the player (who was helping from behind the scenes, without his knowlege) and ''bisects the boss under his own power''.

* While his sword isn't a katana, Susano from ''Okami'' can qualify during his CrowningMomentOfAwesome where he declines help from the player, Amaterasu and succeeds (for once) in grand fashion.

** With even ''more'' levelling and said time machine, it is possible to beat Lavos with Chrono using a [[AlmightyJanitor mop]].

* Wooden katanas have an advantage in beeing lighter then most other weapons. This allows the user to move quicker and strike faster/more strategic.

** [[spoiler:[[EpilepticTrees Not that we see a dead body.]]]]

* Shinai (aka "kendo sticks") are a popular weapon in ProfessionalWrestling. On the wrestling weapon power scale, they seem to be one step below [[{{WWE}} Triple H]]'s sledgehammer.

* The [[PennyArcade Cardboard Tube Samurai]] takes it even further.

** The story actually subverts this trope, as it's made very clear that Kauro and Yahiko fight at a distinct disadvantage, and that they'd be much more powerful with real weapons. However, since they believe that swords are meant to protect instead of harm, their fighting spirit and skill bridge the difference.

This seems like an ImprobableWeapon, but wood can still be dangerous if sharpened enough (just like a javelin can be dangerous, or an arrow or spear without a metal tip). But even if it isn't, getting hit with a bokken is about the equivalent of [[BatterUp a baseball bat]], which means bones can be broken or worse, and shinai can cause concussions. Note how at least these days, those training with these weapons have to wear safety gear. In the right hands, a wooden sword is even capable of shattering a katana.

* In the latest version of DwarfFortress, weapons are still only effective if they are metal, however you can now cut down trees with a wooden training axe.

* Taiga Aisaka, from ''ToraDora'', is sometimes seen wielding something similar to a wooden katana. She doesn't actually use it much, though. She's much more effective with [[CuteBruiser her fists]].

* While his sword isn't a katana, Susano from [[Okami Okami]] can qualify during his CrowningMomentOfAwesome where he declines help from the player, Amaterasu and succeeds (for once) in grand fashion.

* NinjaGaiden sigma has a wooden sword, which is almost completely useless until fully upgraded. At which point it becomes the "Unlabored Flawlessness", the most powerful weapon in the game--if you are one hit from dying.

This seems like an ImprobableWeapon, but wood can still be dangerous if sharpened enough (just like a javelin can be dangerous, or an arrow or spear without a metal tip). But even if it isn't, getting hit with a bokken is about the equivalent of [[BatterUp a baseball bat]], which means bones can be broken or worse, and shinai can cause concussions. Note how at least these days, those training with these weapons have to wear safety gear.

It should be noted that simply using one is not quite enough for this trope. The weapon has to stand up well. If it beats a steel weapon, it's definitely an example. This can also be TruthInTelevision, given that, in the right hands, a wooden sword is capable of shattering a katana.

It should be noted that simply using one is not quite enough for this trope. The weapon has to stand up well. If it beats a steel weapon, it's definitely an example.