Polearms
What is a Yari?
Spear with a straight blade (sometimes with slight curves), very popular in medieval Japanese warfare for its simplicity and effectiveness; It could reach several meters in length. It...
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51 articles
Polearms
Japanese weapons
What is the Fuchi?
Discover what the Fuchi is, the essential component of the katana that secures the Tsuba. Learn about its function, materials, design, and the importance of its maintenance in...
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Japanese weapons
What is a Chokuto?
The chokutō (literally "straight sword") is the primitive form of Japanese sword that precedes the famous curved katanas.
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Japanese weapons
What is Mekugi?
Discover the essential role of the Mekugi in the Japanese katana: its function, safety value, and maintenance tips. Ensure the integrity and performance of your sword.
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Japanese weapons
What is the Menuki?
Discover what the Menuki is, a symbol of history and status in Japanese swords. Learn about its aesthetic and practical function, materials, and conservation tips.
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Japanese weapons
What is the Kashira?
Discover what the Kashira is, its role in the balance and handling of the katana, and the importance of its care and maintenance. A crucial component that combines...
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Japanese weapons
What is the Kojiri?
The Kojiri is essential in the katana, protecting the scabbard and adding aesthetic value. Learn about its function, materials, and care in our guide on this distinctive element...
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Polearms
Is the Yari a weapon only for infantry or for cavalry?
The yari: versatile weapon that was used for infantry and cavalry thanks to its modularity and variants. Explore unique tactics, lengths and uses. Read more.
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Sharpening and maintenance
What does a katana maintenance set have to include?
Katana Maintenance Set Guide: Learn what tools you need to preserve the blade and prevent rust. Get informed and take care of your weapon!
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Japanese weapons
What is stingray skin used for in katanas?
Learn what stingray skin (samegawa) is on the katana, its practical functions and differences from synthetic material. Educate yourself and understand your role. More details.
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Polearms
What function does the Yari's triangular design serve?
Discover the yari's triangular design and why it maximizes the weapon's penetration and rigidity. Explore its physics, variants and historical context.
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Japanese weapons
Why does the katana have a curved blade?
Discover why the katana has a curved blade: a mixture of history, metallurgy and differential temper explains its sori, its balance and its use in combat.
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Japanese weapons
What is the difference between Nihonto and katana?
Discover the difference between nihonto and katana: learn what each term is, how to distinguish an authentic katana, and what signs of quality to look for.
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Japanese weapons
What is Tamahagane steel for katanas?
Discover Tamahagane: the traditional Japanese steel that shapes authentic katanas. Learn its process, advantages and why it makes a difference. Get informed.
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Japanese weapons
What is a Kyoketsu Shoge? Parts and differences with the kusarigama
Identifies the kyoketsu shoge by its hooked blade, its cord or chain and its ring. We resolve doubts about its relationship with ninjutsu and explain how to distinguish...
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