Why are some Ashi 's located on the cutting edge side of Saya?

[robinalexander]

It was noted in a recent post from Mark (Trying to get information on inherited Katana) that the ashi on his saya was located on the swords cutting edge side (second pic)

 

I also have a sword with the ashi mounted in a similar fashion (first picture).   Both appear to be old blades and in pic one, it is probably c. edo/koto.

 

My questions are...

 

1. why was it done?

2. how common is it for this to occur?

3.does it primarily relate to old blades?

 

I just another thought .... could be a couple of new terms for the Glossary.....Tachi-ashi and Katana-ashi 

 

Rob

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

From the handful I have noted they are chiefly on field scabbards. My best guess is personal preference of officers/NCO's adept in different sword schools.

[Bruce Pennington]

Link to Mark's thread HERE.

 

I recall seeing pictures of Samurai wearing their swords hung from a ring rather than stuffed in their belts.  Anyone have those pics?  Could these be original ashi from back then?  Seems like it was photos from around the early 1800s.

[robinalexander]

Bruce my ashi looks like it could easily date from the 1800's but that is based solely on the simplicity of construction and patina.  In any event I dont think it came from the 'top shelf'.

 

Rob