Japanese Swords. Colin M. Roach
in the modern era. Expanding on the idea of value and commerce surrounding the sword, this chapter concludes with some guidance for readers by recommending some trustworthy organizations and reputable sword merchants. Later chapters will explain how swords are made, how spirituality shaped its iconography, and how the blade evolved as a metallurgical wonder.
Blade Types
Ken/Tsurugi—The ken, sometimes called a tsurugi, is a straight, double-edged sword of ancient Chinese design. It holds particular importance in Buddhism but has also been incorporated into Shinto- ceremonies. Although the ken is one of the oldest sword types to enter Japan, it remains relevant due to its symbolic significance.
Chokutō—Although also of Chinese design, chokutō were produced in Japan’s ancient times and pre-dated the quintessential, “Japanese” sword. Chokutō are straight and have one cutting edge. Less obvious is that the steel for these early blades is homogenous; not folded and combined to produce greater strength and flexibility. Variations are generally distinguished by the cross-section design. The kiriha-zukuri design would have been more efficient in hacking and thrusting, whereas the hira-zukuri would have a slight advantage in slicing due to its kissaki (tip) design. Some scholars suspect that these two designs were combined (along with several other innovations) to create the first tachi.
Tachi—The tachi was the first functional sword of truly Japanese design. Designed for use in slashing rather than thrusting, it incorporated a curved blade and a temperline, highlighting its differentially hardened steel.
Worn edge-down and tied to the outside of armor, it was designed to be drawn and used with one hand (usually from horseback). The tachi’s innovative technology and raw effectiveness became a blueprint for all swords developed in later times. Sharp and resilient yet durable and not brittle, the tachi marks the beginning of “the Japanese sword.”
The ken is a straight, double-edged sword of ancient Chinese design.
Sharp and resilient, the tachi marks the beginning of “the Japanese Sword.”
Chokutō blades courtesy of the Shosoin imperial treasure house.
Katana—The katana, like the tachi, is also curved and single edged. The katana is distinguished by a relatively shallow curve and was worn edge up, tucked into the belts of the warrior. This allowed the sword to be worn comfortably (without armor) on a daily basis. The katana could be drawn and immediately used to make offensive or defensive motions, whereas the tachi proved more cumbersome. Also important was that the invention of the katana marked a shift from swords used on horseback to those used on foot. The katana could be wielded with one hand or two, from horseback or on foot, in the market or on the battlefield—as needed. The katana grew popular due to its ease of use and flexibility in battle, and became the standard sidearm for warriors. The katana’s function and image was so important that it eventually became an exclusive symbol, worn only by those of samurai blood.
Wakizashi—The wakizashi is a short sword. It was designed to be worn in the same fashion as the katana. The handle of the wakizashi is shorter, making the use of two hands impossible. The wakizashi is smaller and less cumbersome/intrusive. As a result, it became a back-up of sorts. For example, a warrior may have been asked to “check his sword at the door” when visiting other households or a business. In these cases, the wakizashi would accompany the warrior into the building as his only source of protection. Therefore, this short sword became critically important and was often worn along with the katana, tucked into the belt, and ready for use.
Tantō—The tantō is a sword that is very short, usually serving the function of utility knife, self defense weapon and for use in seppuku, ceremonial self-disembowelment. Tantō come in many sizes and shapes but are generally less than 30 cm. Despite the size of the tantō, it showcases the same craftsmanship as its larger cousins. Therefore, the tantō is still considered a work of art equal to its longer counterparts. Tanto are sometimes given to newborn child ren as protective talismans, referred to as mamori-gatana.
Distinguishing Blade Characteristics
Swords are often discussed, evaluated, and appraised/ attributed using several measurements. These measurements are considered, along with other attributes, to determine the school, smith, condition, and even the value of a sword.
Length—The length of a sword, called the nagasa, is determined by measuring the distance between the tip of the kissaki and the munemachi. While nagasa is often used in describing the cutting edge in terms of length, overall blade length can be measured from the tip (kissaki), to the tang-end (nakago-jiri).
The daisho set, consisting of katana and wakizashi swords, was produced to be worn together.
The ken-brandishing Buddhist deity Fudo Myo-o.
The upper section, handle, and tang of a disassembled katana.
The tantō has a short, utilitarian blade.
Thickness—The thickness of a sword, as measured from its lateral sides’ ridges (mune-kado), is called kasane. Swords are described as being thick or thin. Some blades that have been polished many times are referred to as “tired,” because this measurement has decreased as a result of much of the metal having been polished away. On the contrary, swords that have retained their original kasane are sometimes called “robust,” or “healthy.”
Width—The width of the sword from edge (ha-saki) to back (mune-saki) is measured at two places on the sword. The first measurement, called sakihaba, measures the width from ha to mune at the yokote (the ridge delineating the sword’s point). The second measurement is called motohaba and it is taken between the ha and mune at the habakimōtō (the area at the base of the sword covered by the habaki). The relative difference in these measurements can mean different things to an expert appraiser. The term fumbari is used to describe the degree of tapering between the base and the tip. Therefore, blades with a lot of fumbari are considerably narrower at the tip than at the base.
Curvature—The depth of a sword’s curve is called the
sori. Sori is measured between the deepest point between the mune and the sword’s imaginary nagasa line.
Sword Tip Design (Kissaki)
The tips (kissaki) of swords show different types of construction in various schools and in various historical periods. Although each offers slight differences in performance, the selection of a certain type of kissaki over another is usually done as a result of a sword maker’s instructional lineage, personal style and trends of the historical era. Three basic kissaki are frequently seen, as shown below.
Edo era fittings for the tachi are often ornamental, as many were ceremonial and given as gifts among high-ranking samurai. Note the attention to detail in the metalwork as well as the harness and cords.
The terminology for different parts of the blade.
The angle of a kissaki varies and is influenced by training, individual preference and the fashion of the day. The three basic types are shown here.