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:

• In 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.

Conclusion

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!