I hope to avoid the appearance of showing disrespect by limiting my comments about the recent episode of Warriors about the Samurai.
Weapons development evolves in response to real or percieved threats. The use of the chain and sickle against a swordsman suggests one such case.
Some counters to this could have included:
1. The use of a large pommel similar to that used on western swords. But sword tradition and/or fighting techniques may have precluded its introduction.
2. The use of a lanyard to retain control of the weapon. When the sword was snagged, a swordsman using the lanyard could keep control and redirect his blade into the sickle master.
3. The use of a second sword as a throwing knife. Used in at least one case, the success of this technique probably declined as more people became aware of its use and ways to counter it.
The use of technique adaption over hardware modifications may be an example of the philosophy that a weapon is not a seperate object, but an extension of the person using it.