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Japanese Chokuto Sword

The Japanese Chokuto Sword was used even before the Heian Period which was from 794 to 1185. It was called the Heian period because of the name of the Capital City Heian-Kyo. This weapon was produced after this period, but mostly was used as Temple Offerings. The Ancient Sword Chokuto was straight and had a single edge, and sometimes part of the other edge was double but it didn’t cover the entire blade. The original design originated in China but it was imported and used in Japan.

The Ancient Sword Chokuto was one of the first Japanese Swords that were ever forged. Differential Tempering technology came to light after this but this weapon was created before this technology existed. The Hira-Zukuri and the Kiriha-Zukuri Tsukurikomi were the two sword blade styles of the Chokuto. These styles were remarkably different from the Tachi and the Katana which hardly ever were made this way. One of the most differentiating features of this weapon is the blade which was completely straight on the Chokuto. It’s almost impossible to even find a picture of one of these weapons these days.

Japanese Hachiwara Sword

The Japanese Hachiwara is another version of The Ancient Sword. It was commonly known as a “Helmet Breaker”. It was a blunt weapon shaped more like a Knive, and resembled a lot of the characteristics of the Jutte. The Samurai carried this weapon as their sidearm. It was used to defend an attack against an enemy sword, or to use the hook on it to pierce their enemies helmet. It had a curved, triangular rod blade with a hook on the back of it. This weapon was approximately 350mm in Length, however they could be up to 450mm. The mounts were made out of carved wood.

In Europe similar weapons existed. They called them Left Handed Daggers and sometimes Sword Breakers which was known as a very strong well built dagger. These weapons were crafted a lot differently from the Hachiwara, however, their use in battle were similar. What made the Left Handed Dagger so powerful in combat was that it could catch a sword. By doing this it allowed the user to gain a formidable combat advantage. You could use a Hachiwara to hook a helmet which will then split it open. There are only a few Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu Dojo’s left that still train with this weapon.

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Source by Brian Garvin