Talk:Shen/@comment-61.6.218.177-20111019151916/@comment-67.191.24.147-20111023011022

Katana were traditionally used by the samurai class as it symbolized their rank in society. Ninjas, though the extent of their weaponry and tactics are largely speculative, were said to have used more functional swords such as what are called ninja-to or shinobigatana. Katana, being long swords, are pretty bulky weaponry that usually wouldn't fit with the ninja's roles of espionage, assasination, and sabotage. However, you are correct in saying that a ninja would be familiar if not mastered in its use as the role of the sword was paramount to the warrior class of japanese feudal society and being masters of disguise and infiltration ninja took on any number of roles that would suit their purposes,utp to and including samurai or ronin. So, it wouldn't be that they use any weapon available but rather whichever suited their intents. No reason to use a katana when a nice little dagger will do the same thing but quieter,cleaner,and quicker.