Kissaki – Japanese Razor Blades
The Kissaki is of great significance to a Japanese sword. The Katana Kissaki is the tip of the Japanese sword that has the ridge line. This part must never be confused with Boshi which refers to the pattern of the hamon.
The final process of grinding and polishing process separates the Kissaki Katana ground. There are different classifications of Kissaki which depends on the length, shape, and curvature of the blade.
This is fan shaped area located at the tip of the blade. Knowing where the Katana Kissaki will help those who are not familiar with what it is.
There are different classifications of this part and this depends on which point it is located ( yokote to the point) and its shape. This is the most noticeable part of the blade’s edge.
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History of the Katana Kissaki
In the early 12th century the Samurai class was viewed with reverence. They are considered as royal guards. A government cannot survive without Samurai; however, they do not have political power.
The type of Kissaki use was Ko-Kissaki. At the end of the 12th century, the Samurai has its government. Officially they are known as guards of the Emperor. Blades during this period became stronger and more powerful.
In the late 13th century, Japan was attacked by Mongolia not once but, twice. During this period Ikubi-Kissaki was used. A strong blade having Ikubi-Kissaki was a symbol of the Samurai spirit.
In the early part of the 14th century, the Samurai government was broken and there were two imperial governments. In this period O-Kissaki blades were used.
This is also the period when Samurai fight with the Emperor. It was in the 15th century when the blades favored are Chu-Kissaki or O-Kissaki.
Kissaki Kai was developed as a Karate-Do in the 1990s. The types of Kissaki during each period show the evolution of this part depending on what type the period it was used.
Types of Kissaki Kai
- Chu-Kissaki. Chu means middle where the length looks bigger than the width. This is one of the most commonly seen designs on a Katana blade. These are also known as Ko-Kissaki or Co-Kissaki.
- Ikubi-Kissaki. This has short length and width than the average Kissaki Katana
- Kamasu-Kissaki. Possessing the rounded edge similar to that of a barracuda this type dates back to the Heian period. This is sometimes simply known as Barracuda point
- Ko-Kissaki. This refers more to the size where when translated this means small form of this. This blade has big fumbari. This type is the kind known for easily wearing out when use frequently
- Kissaki-Moroha Zukuri. This Katana Kissaki was made during the 700 to 800 A.D. A blade of this kind has a curved shinogi zukuri blade. Little Crow is known as one of the most famous of the styles under this type. This heralded the beginning of the Koto sword period
- O-Kissaki. It is large. The use of this type of blade became popular during the 14th century. A wavy kind of hamon was developed about the same time as the long kissaki
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