Japanese Swordsmithing

Hoko yari

The hoko yari (矛槍) is an ancient form of Japanese spear or yari that is said to be based on a Chinese spear. The hoko yari came into use between...

Hoko yari

The hoko yari (矛槍) is an ancient form of Japanese spear or yari that is said to be based on a Chinese spear. The hoko yari came into use between...

Bisentō

The bisentō (眉尖刀) is a long spear with a curved steel tip used in feudal Japan. Much heavier in structure than the naginata, it is primarily used as a training...

Bisentō

The bisentō (眉尖刀) is a long spear with a curved steel tip used in feudal Japan. Much heavier in structure than the naginata, it is primarily used as a training...

Yoroi-dōshi

Yoroi-dōshi (鎧通し) is a Japanese single-edged knife, literally meaning "armor piercer." The Yoroi-dōshi is a type of armor-piercing weapon designed for close combat. It is specifically intended to penetrate through...

Yoroi-dōshi

Yoroi-dōshi (鎧通し) is a Japanese single-edged knife, literally meaning "armor piercer." The Yoroi-dōshi is a type of armor-piercing weapon designed for close combat. It is specifically intended to penetrate through...

Kunai

Kunai (くない or 苦無 in Kanji) is a multipurpose tool from ancient Japan. It originated during the feudal era and was primarily used by carpenters and other craftsmen. The Kunai...

Kunai

Kunai (くない or 苦無 in Kanji) is a multipurpose tool from ancient Japan. It originated during the feudal era and was primarily used by carpenters and other craftsmen. The Kunai...

Kaiken

A kaiken (懐剣) is a single- or double-edged tantō with a length of 15-20 cm, devoid of ornamental features and housed in a simple mounting. Uses of Kaiken In the...

Kaiken

A kaiken (懐剣) is a single- or double-edged tantō with a length of 15-20 cm, devoid of ornamental features and housed in a simple mounting. Uses of Kaiken In the...

Hachiwari

A Hachiwari (鉢割), also erroneously spelled as Hachiwara, was a rare sidearm carried by the samurai in medieval Japan, which could be used for parrying. During the early period (before...

Hachiwari

A Hachiwari (鉢割), also erroneously spelled as Hachiwara, was a rare sidearm carried by the samurai in medieval Japan, which could be used for parrying. During the early period (before...