Sword
Disclaimer:
Before we begin, let me clearly state that I am not a fanatic and do not advocate that the samurai sword, katana, or nihonto (Japanese swords) in general are the best type of swords ever created in the world. Cultures from around the world have developed swords that are better suited for different circumstances. In fact, even within Japan, different weapons were more favored during different time periods and different types of battles. Check here for a brief discussion of several other weapons within the samurai’s armory.
With that out of the way, let’s talk swords.
Before we begin, let me clearly state that I am not a fanatic and do not advocate that the samurai sword, katana, or nihonto (Japanese swords) in general are the best type of swords ever created in the world. Cultures from around the world have developed swords that are better suited for different circumstances. In fact, even within Japan, different weapons were more favored during different time periods and different types of battles. Check here for a brief discussion of several other weapons within the samurai’s armory.
With that out of the way, let’s talk swords.
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Sword Parts:
A quick glance at the photos on the slideshow to the left reveals that there are many technical terms to denote different parts of the sword. Even just at the tip of the blade, close to 20 different divisions can be identified. The sword is also divided along its length, and below the tsuba (handguard), the tsuka (handle) hides even more pieces. The handle is pegged to the sword with mekugi (peg) through the mekugi-ana (peg hole). It is a wooden piece wrapped by samegawa (ray skin), which is further wrapped with tsuka-ito (hilt wrap generally made of cotton, leather, or silk). Menuki (grip ornaments) are also fitted underneath the tsuka-ito as decorations and also for extra grip, and a kashira (pommel) is also secured at the end of the hilt by the tsuka-ito. As you can see, while the handle appears quite simple, it is actually quite intricate. Similarly, you’d be wrong if you thought saya (sheath) was just one component and could not be further broken down! All of this information may be quite overwhelming, so let’s look at specific parts individually. |
Tsuba:
Previously mentioned, the tsuba is the handguard and fits right above the handle. The tsuba's main purpose is to protect the hands of the swordsman from sliding onto the sword. Throughout the years, the tsuba of Japanese swords have become highly ornamental besides serving that function. Below is a slideshow of pictures of tsuba.
Previously mentioned, the tsuba is the handguard and fits right above the handle. The tsuba's main purpose is to protect the hands of the swordsman from sliding onto the sword. Throughout the years, the tsuba of Japanese swords have become highly ornamental besides serving that function. Below is a slideshow of pictures of tsuba.
The first two pictures are from a Japanese catalogue of tsuba. The third picture shows that there can be very slight variations between each design pattern. Many sword and accessory stores allow customers to browse a variety of tsuba via these numbered catalogues. Some customers are first time sword buyers picking out the fittings of their blades, while others are looking for replacements to swap the old tsuba out. While many new tsuba are cast to meet demands, antiques are on display in museums (Picture 4). Close ups of individual tsuba reveal the amount of detail that they may have (Pictures 5 - 8). Many tsuba designs revolve around gods & demons or mythical creatures such as the dragon, phoenix, and kirin, or natural phenomenon like waves, clouds, and landscapes; others revolve around animals such as the tiger, crane, and insects, or even plants like flowers and trees. Picture 8 is the design that I chose for the tsuba on my iaito (literally: iai sword); depending on the translation, it can be titled the "Musashi Cresent" or simply "Crescent Moon." The last two pictures show that sword fittings very often share the same theme.
Hamon:
Hamon is a line which forms along the length of the blade as a result of the tempering process of the sword. Once a sword is drawn out of its sheath, the hamon is one of the most distinguishable and appreciable features of a sword. No two true swords have the same hamon, but experts are able to determine quite accurately the origin of the sword simply by looking at the hamon: the hamon reveals not only the historic period in which the sword was forged, but can hint at the the lineage of sword's maker.
Hamon is a line which forms along the length of the blade as a result of the tempering process of the sword. Once a sword is drawn out of its sheath, the hamon is one of the most distinguishable and appreciable features of a sword. No two true swords have the same hamon, but experts are able to determine quite accurately the origin of the sword simply by looking at the hamon: the hamon reveals not only the historic period in which the sword was forged, but can hint at the the lineage of sword's maker.
Buying a Sword:
Before you decide to add "owning a sword" to your bucket list, there are a few things to consider. Of course, the most important aspect is safety. For the average college student, budget is a close second. Please refer to Pablo Kuntz's "7 Points to Consider when Choosing your Japanese Sword." Kuntz is the founder of Unique Japan, and has written a very detailed guide with highly detailed images. Most of the hamon images are from Point 5 of his guide. Personally, I purchased my iaito from Sword Store.
Not Buying a Sword:
If you would like to learn more about the process of making the sword along with some history, Nova PBS has a well made documentary titled "The Secrets of the Samurai Sword." For a more detailed description, check the "Videos" page.
Before you decide to add "owning a sword" to your bucket list, there are a few things to consider. Of course, the most important aspect is safety. For the average college student, budget is a close second. Please refer to Pablo Kuntz's "7 Points to Consider when Choosing your Japanese Sword." Kuntz is the founder of Unique Japan, and has written a very detailed guide with highly detailed images. Most of the hamon images are from Point 5 of his guide. Personally, I purchased my iaito from Sword Store.
Not Buying a Sword:
If you would like to learn more about the process of making the sword along with some history, Nova PBS has a well made documentary titled "The Secrets of the Samurai Sword." For a more detailed description, check the "Videos" page.