Blade care...

[huntershooter]

Anyone familiar with firearms knows what damage blood can do to the finish. Blood is extremely corrosive.

I've been curious how nihonto was cared for, AFTER it's intended use (cutting off major body parts).

Would anyone have any info re. this?

Merry Christmas to everyone.

[Brian]

Todd,

 

That is quite a question to be followed by a Merry Christmas :? :D

I know there was a certain "flick" move designed to remove most "deposits" after a battle, and I guess the procedure was simply to do a more thorough clean as soon as possible afterwards. Blood is indeed extremely corrosive, and would have started pitting and staining very soon afterwards, so after battle care would have had to be a priority.

Let's keep this topic short, as I can see it making many squirm a bit in the context of our studies.

 

Brian

[John A Stuart]

Hi Todd, The most common method to remove debris is called chiburi, This is a quick sweep of the sword with a sudden stop to 'fling', as Brian says, the debris off the blade. Prior to noto, as well, one takes the washi that is within the fold of the front of kimono to wipe the blade. Most kata have this formalised as part of the technique. When you see the washi in most movies peeking out from the kimono that is it's purpose. John

[Bugyotsuji]

Strangely enough, we do the Chiburui motion after firing our matchlock pistols.

[John A Stuart]

Piers, Do you think it is done to clear the barrel or is it one of those traditions that just hung on? John

[Bugyotsuji]

Piers, Do you think it is done to clear the barrel or is it one of those traditions that just hung on? John

 

Not many matchlock pistols were produced, John. There may have been more ceremony associated with its use since only a leader would have one. It is held in one hand, like a sword, and fired at fairly close quarters. We are encouraged to put our left hand on our hip when we fire, so how we look is as important as how accurate we are. To flick the pistol after firing would not clear the barrel though, and even sometimes the ramrod falls out if you're not careful. I think it is just a triumphal flourish, following on from disposing of your enemy. Ha! Slight disdain, like a sniff?

 

One other thought. The matchcord will have been blown clear, so a flick of the gun could be an excuse to move the burning end away from the body...

 

 

But we risk going off thread!