My First Introduction And Study Of Nihonto

[Ooitame]

Sorry for the bad pics, but figured the NMB might enjoy and see the difference in the swords; and a bonus piece.

[vajo]

I didn't understand this thread. Maybe it's some special english term?

[PNSSHOGUN]

Yes, what are we looking at to compare?

[Ooitame]

Different period swords, that seem to reflect the style of fighting on the battlefield of their respective times. Could be wrong, but the Kunifusa seems lighter and thinner for faster movement and quick precise striking. More archers and horse back during this time , I believe.

While the Kinimichi is much wider thicker and heaver, for more infantry and a slower moving armored combat style.

Just thought it was intersting and wanted to pass along.

[TheGermanBastard]

Thank you for this excellent post! Keep up the great work! We would like to see more, Great job!

[vajo]

I wonder why that was never discribed in any of my "very expensive" books. Great topic, i hope for more research. 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Different period swords, that seem to reflect the style of fighting on the battlefield of their respective times. Could be wrong, but the Kunifusa seems lighter and thinner for faster movement and quick precise striking. More archers and horse back during this time , I believe.

While the Kinimichi is much wider thicker and heaver, for more infantry and a slower moving armored combat style.

Just thought it was intersting and wanted to pass along.

You might want to add that in the first post, otherwise we're just looking at two different swords with no explanation.

[TheGermanBastard]

I am sure that Eric will do further research and present it to us as his time permits. This is a very interesting topic and research so far. Keep up the good work!

[paulb]

 

 

Different period swords, that seem to reflect the style of fighting on the battlefield of their respective times. Could be wrong, but the Kunifusa seems lighter and thinner for faster movement and quick precise striking. More archers and horse back during this time , I believe.

While the Kinimichi is much wider thicker and heaver, for more infantry and a slower moving armored combat style.

Just thought it was intersting and wanted to pass along.

 

 Most introductory references books will explain that shape evolved as fighting methodology and technique changed over time. 

As a brief summary:

Originally the bow, not the sword was the primary weapon of the warrior classes. Swords were carried hanging from the side and were generally slim and relatively light.

As the sword became more prevalent in use blades became longer and as armour styles changed they also became heavier. By the time you reach the nambokucho period they have become massive and are designed to swing from horseback.

later fighting on foot became more common and these huge blades impractical. This resulted in many old blades  being shortened. At the same time Edo smiths trying to emulate the suriage shape of classic swords copied the shape in their original ubu work. 

later changes occurred as methods of drawing and fighting evolved.

As with much else the shape changes are a case of "form following function". 

 

[Stephen]

Do you have this book Chris?

 

[vajo]

Haha Stephen, i had this twice. 

But i think there is a great difference between our languages in the way we transport what we think. 

[TheGermanBastard]

Erics research and this very topic could prove to be fundamental. Let's wait for more results from Erics research. Keep up the good work!

[TheGermanBastard]

Any more news on this?

[Ooitame]

No, my attention is drawn elsewhere for the time being.

[J Reid]

Something else to consider (when judging the weight) is the health of the blade. Old swords are much thinner as they have been polished many times. As a result, they become lighter. Even Shinto period swords are still generally healthy as they weren't used as frequently as a sword of kamakura or muromachi. Nanbokucho swords were relatively large and as such carry a significant weight even til this day. Shin-shinto, gendaito and shinsakuto are obviously still healthy and heavy in comparison. I notice the lightest blades are heian, and early kamakura (oldest) and muromachi (most used). Coincidence?