Unusual Edo period blade found in Chiba cellar

[Randy McCall]

Not sure if this has been posted previously, but it's an interesting if odd bit of sword-related news:

http://www.tameshigiri.ca/2014/01/22/bl ... ord-found/

 

"In the anime series Rorouni Kenshin ( also known in North America as Samurai X ), the hero carries a sword called a sakabato, an unusual sword shaped like a standard katana, but “… with its edge forged on the opposite side than normal, making it a sword ill-fit for killing.” News outlets in Japan are saying that a short sword very much like a sakabato was discovered in an old Chiba Prefecture family storage cellar last October. Experts have declare the blade, designed to be used with the sharp edge up and curved “spine” or back of the blade down, was made during the Edo period (1603 to 1868)..."

 

Asahi News report:

「るろうに剣心」でおなじみの刀、文化財に　千葉・白井

http://www.asahi.com/articles/ASG1J5SJ0G1JUDCB016.html

“Asahi News reports that the entire weapon, which it’s calling a “kogatana” (小刀) or “short katana,” was covered in rust and measures 11 inches, with the blade measuring 8.6 inches. This reverse-blade, which is also covered with dragon engravings, is different from traditional Japanese swords.”

[watsonmil]

Dear Randy,

I would say, ... the first definitive example of a Kubikiri tanto ( head cutting dagger ) that I've seen. Vitually all other so called kubikri tanto pictured are most likely pruning knives or some other tool type implement.

... Ron Watson

[Dr Fox]

'Ill fit for killing'!!!! Don't think I'd like to be used to prove that fact.

[Stephen]

Pix lifted from here?

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/unji.htm

[Randy McCall]

Pix lifted from here?

 

http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/unji.htm

 

Yes, and linked to in the paragraph prior.

[ROKUJURO]

If I remember correctly, we have discussed this before. It is a gardening tool, a HANAGATANA.

[John A Stuart]

Referred to as a Bato 馬刀 John

[ROKUJURO]

Ah, yes, I remember! David/SOSHIN was looking for one:

 

....... I need to purchase a new Batto training sword in the near future.....Jan. 04./TSUBA on E-Bay

[kaigunair]

The first picture, referred to in the article, is different from the second piece. Definitely had a different kissaki shape. The interest in this new find, esp for the Japanese public, is probably because of the manga reference. I recall that HANAGATANA have tips much like the second picture, almost like a reverse Japanese hatchet blade, and not generally shaped more like a reverse nihonto...

 

Really wish there were more detailed pics of this one, and possibly a professional polish...

[Baka Gaijin]

Good morning all,

 

It's all in the "T"

 

Bato 馬刀

 

Batto 抜刀

 

 

Cheers

[Eric H]

A hana-gatana, 22 cm, by Naotane with koitame hada in nioi deki.

 

Picture B from „Fresh out of the woodwork nihonto“

 

Eric

[watsonmil]

Dear Eric,

A " gardening tool " ... for the Daimyo with a passion of bonsai or gardening no doubt.

... Ron Watson

[Eric H]

Ron

 

The sky's the limit :lol:

 

Eric