Ninjatō
| Ninjatō | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Information | |
| Weapon type: | sword |
| Designations: | Ninja sword |
| Use: | Weapon, traditional weapon |
| Working time: | until now |
| Region of origin / author: |
Japan , ninja |
| Distribution: | Japan , today worldwide |
| Overall length: | approx. 70 cm to approx. 85 cm |
| Blade length: | about 46 cm to about 61 cm |
| Handle: | Wood, metal, fish skin, silk |
| Lists on the subject | |
The Ninjatō [ nin.dʑa.toː ] ( Japanese忍者 刀) is a straight short sword that is used for ninjutsu .
description
It is occasionally claimed that the ninjatō was the common sword used by Japanese ninja . In fact, there is no evidence of this in historical documents and representations. Instead, many consider it an invention of modern western ninja imitators, for example Stephen K. Hayes . It is described as follows:
- It usually has a blade length between 46 and 61 cm (1.5–2.0 Shaku ) with a straight blade, sometimes a katana was simply shortened to get a ninjatō. The scabbard had more functions than just storing the sword. It could be used as a snorkel or to stow smaller items of equipment in it. Another possible use was to use the scabbard as a blowpipe for Metsubushi (blend powder made from ash, flour and shavings). This allowed the ninja to blow the blinding powder in the face of the enemy and then flee. Throwing knives could also be hidden in the sheath, a throwing star disguised as a tsuba would also be possible.
In contrast to the samurai's katana, the ninja sword is said to have been worn obliquely on the back. This should supposedly allow greater freedom of movement for the wearer: A long sword on the side would have been a hindrance when climbing and sneaking. This way of carrying it also results in its brevity: a longer sword would have been difficult to pull out of its scabbard over the shoulder. This particular sword also resulted in a different way of fighting than that of the samurai.
However, this way of carrying is also regarded as unhistorical, as it does not allow the sword to be pulled quickly or retracted and it also hinders or prevents many combat movements (such as rolling forwards or sideways). Likewise, a normal katana in the obi can be pushed back on the hip if it is not allowed to hinder the side. The statement that the ninjatō was used as a crowbar or climbing aid is illogical, since all Japanese blades are too filigree to be rammed into walls or trees and then the weight of a whole body is attached to them. Both ninjatō and katana or wakizashi would break.
literature
- Jürgen Bieber: Ninja-to: The sword of the ninja . Verlag Autorenschmie.de, Wangen 2009, ISBN 978-3-940404-12-1 .