Learn Japanese Katana Sword Terms (Part 1)
If you just started your own sword collection and plan on getting a Japanese Katana sword,this article is definitely for you (another Katana enthusiast!). A sword truly worthy of respect (and worship by some),the Japanese Samurai sword is a fascinating combination of engineering and art to learn much about.This article is written with that task in mind focusing on the basic sword terminology.
The Japanese Katana developed in the 16th
century is undoubtedly the best martial arts weapon ever created. It was
broadcasted so in several international documentaries and certainly deserves
this title with its technological perfect structure and fearsome cutting
capability allegedly able to split a man from throat to groin in one swing.
The Katana’s physical body can be divided
into 2 main sections ? the blade and hilt. Let’s begin with the blade.
The blade point Kissaki is the most
difficult part to be forged and polished making it one of the main determining factors
to a sword’s value. There are 3 types of Kissaki categorized by their length ? Ko-Kissaki
(short), Chu-Kissaki (medium) and O-Kissaki (long). An interesting way to learn
Japanese language Nihongo, isn’t it?
Let’s move on to the Shinogi, the ridge
line along the length of the blade. You may have heard of the Ko-shinogi. If
you remember the Nihongo tips above, you may have a good idea what it is. Ko
relates to ?short’ so Ko-shinogi is a Shinogi in the shape of a small sharp arc
that stretches along the Kissaki (blade point).
Yokote is the dividing line separating
the Kissaki (blade point) plane and blade plane.
Hi is the blade groove made to reduce the
sword’s weight while giving it better strength. It’s not designed for the blood
to flow along as hyped by many.
Next is Yakiba - the tempered line with a
distinct design that stretches across the blade. It separates the hard blade
edge as a result of differential heat treatment.
Boshi is the extended Yakiba tempered
line stretching into the Kissaki (blade point).
Mune is the back ridge of the blade.
Ha is the sharp edge of the blade.
So there you have it, a short and simple glossary on
Japanese Katana blade. It can help you to study and value a Katana before
purchasing your next collection.
For a more visual-friendly description with labels
for easy reference, you can visit this page :
, you can check out my blog for info and guides on movie sword replicas :
http://awesome-movie-sword-replica.blogspot.com
About the author
Tags: 16th century, blade edge, boshi, chu, differential, distinct design, dividing line, groin, groove, heat treatment, hilt, hyped, international documentaries, japanese katana sword, japanese language, japanese samurai sword, kissaki, martial arts, shinogi, swords