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Anatomy of a Samurai Sword. Appreciating a Katana

The Dojo - Samurai Budo Martial Arts・23 minutes read

The sword crafted by swordsmith Kunitada is a unique hand-forged Japanese sword with historical significance, featuring a wood grain pattern, gunome choji hamon, and a bohe fuller. With a lineage from the Komia family, the sword showcases exceptional craftsmanship and detail, including a tang revealing the swordsmith's signature and date of creation.

Insights

  • The sword discussed is a hand-forged Japanese sword made by swordsmith Kunitada from the Mike Province, showcasing a historical lineage and intricate details such as tang inscriptions revealing the swordsmith's identity and creation date.
  • The sword's craftsmanship includes a wood grain pattern, gunome choji hamon pattern, and bohe fuller for balance, with a boshi end featuring a distinct wavy pattern, all contributing to its unique design and functionality for cutting.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of the tang on a Japanese sword?

    The tang of a Japanese sword is a crucial component that reveals important information about the swordsmith, the province of origin, and the date of creation. It is typically hidden within the handle and can be exposed by removing a peg called makugi. The tang often features kanji inscriptions that provide insights into the sword's lineage and history, making it a valuable aspect for collectors and enthusiasts to study.

  • How can one identify the quality of a Japanese sword?

    The quality of a Japanese sword can be identified through various features such as the blade's craftsmanship, patterns, and dimensions. For example, a sword with a wood grain pattern called hatta, a gunome choji hamon pattern, and a bohe fuller for balance and weight reduction is indicative of high-quality craftsmanship. Additionally, details like the boshi pattern at the end of the blade, the blade's length, width, and weight, as well as the presence of a distal taper, all contribute to assessing the quality and performance of a Japanese sword.

  • What are some maintenance tips for preserving a Japanese sword?

    To preserve a Japanese sword and prevent rust, it is essential to handle it with care and keep the blade clean. Using oil like gun oil or choji oil can help protect the blade from corrosion. Additionally, avoiding direct contact with the hada, the blade's surface pattern, can help maintain its integrity. Proper storage in a scabbard with a secure habakki to lock the suba guard in place is also crucial for ensuring the longevity and condition of the sword.

  • What materials are commonly used in the construction of Japanese sword handles?

    Japanese sword handles, known as ska, are typically crafted using a combination of traditional materials such as rey skin, emperor pearl ornaments, and silk wrapping. The handle may also feature makugi pins and engraved flower ornaments for decorative purposes. The use of these materials not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the sword but also enhances the grip and overall balance of the weapon, making it both functional and visually striking.

  • How can one safely disassemble a Japanese sword for maintenance?

    Safely disassembling a Japanese sword for maintenance involves carefully removing the handle to access the tang without causing any damage. This process usually requires unscrewing the peg, known as makugi, using a specialized tool like a makuginoki hammer from a cleaning kit. By following proper disassembly procedures and handling the sword with care, enthusiasts can inspect the tang, clean the blade, and ensure that the sword remains in optimal condition for display or use.

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Summary

00:00

Kunitada Sword: Japanese Masterpiece with Historical Lineage

  • The sword discussed is made by swordsmith Kunitada from the Mike Province of Japan, considered a top piece in the collection.
  • The sword is a hand-forged Japanese sword with historical lineage, not a replica.
  • The sword has a peg called makugi, which can be found on the omote side, holding the sagya.
  • To remove the handle, unscrew the peg using a makuginoki hammer from a cleaning kit.
  • After removing the peg, the sword's tang is revealed, showcasing the swordsmith's signature and the date of creation.
  • The tang's kanji inscriptions reveal details about the swordsmith, the province, and the date of creation.
  • The sword was made by Kunitada, born in 1954, from the famous Komia family of swordsmiths.
  • Kunitada's lineage includes his father, Komia Kuniharu, and his grandfather, Komia Kunimitsu, known for crafting high-quality swords.
  • The sword features a wood grain pattern called hatta, with a gunome choji hamon pattern and a bohe fuller for balance and weight reduction.
  • The boshi at the end of the blade has an irregular wavy pattern, with a hirazukuri shape and a shark fin-like kasaki, showcasing some light scratches as its only fault.

16:27

Japanese Sword: Quality Craftsmanship and Care

  • The blade's length is 26.93 inches, with a slight curve called the sortie measuring 0.63 inches from tip to back, aiding in cutting.
  • The width near the bottom of the blade is 1.28 inches, while near the top it is 0.86 inches, with a weight of 1.23 pounds.
  • The blade is crafted with quality, offering a distinct feel when swung, potentially having a distal taper.
  • To prevent rust, avoid touching the hada and keep the blade clean, considering using oil like gun oil or choji oil for protection.
  • The habakki, a small piece enclosing the base of the sword, locks the suba guard in place, crucial for securing the blade in the scabbard.
  • The suba guard, made of antique iron with a vine design inlaid with gold, prevents hand sliding and features a space for a kozuka knife.
  • The handle, or ska, features rey skin, emperor pearl ornaments, and a dark brown silk wrapping in a moto genetic style, with makugi pins and engraved flower ornaments.
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