Kurikata – Wrough Iron

Kurikata is the knob attached to the scabbard of a Japanese sword. The Sageo or cord that secures the Saya of the sword goes through the hole called the Kurikata. and tied to the samurai Obi.

For those who have bigger hands, the placement must be lower. In order to produce a more natural Sayabiki the hand placement should also look more natural.

The Katana Kurikata guides the Sayabiki contrary to what others may think that it is restricting it. The little finger must guide the left hand as it pulls back around the hip.

This will prevent the Saya to jam as the Kurikata hits the obi. This placement applies only to somebody highly skilled in handling the sword.

How to Wear a Daisho

How a swordsman wears his Katana and Wakizashi depends on his style of swordsmanship. For those who are students of Konjaku Kioi Toyama Ryu Dojo the proper way to do this is described below:

• Wrap the obi three times. This means buying an obi wide enough to be capable of wrapping three times. The wakizashi is slipped under the obi. The tsuba is in front of the navel; edge up. There is no need to use a Sageo cord on the wakizashi. However, this cord can be tied onto the Saya
• Using the left thumb open the obi. The edge of the Katana must be up. The Katana Kurikata should be placed above the obi
• The Sageo is looped under the Hakama straps on the right side of the body
• Form a second loop by using the loose end through the first loop
• The second loop tightens the knot
• The Katana is held by the Saya while the left hand and thumb holds the Tsuba in place

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Four Acceptable Ways of Carrying a Sword in Kurikata

• Worn through the belt – Generally speaking, this is the most preferred way to carry the sword inside the dojo but, this method is not used outside of the dojo. Carried in the right hand with the cutting edge down. The Katana Kurikata is behind the hand. This is used during standing bows where no movement is required
• Sageto Position – This is when the Kurikata is in the hand while the cutting edge is up as the left-hand holds the sword
• Teito Position – From the Sageto position, bend the elbow while raising the Tsuba. The tsuka is slightly pointing inward

When it is time to discuss this means the sword must be placed back into the Saya for the entire duration of the explanation. During ceremonial bowing, the right index finger must be switch on the Tsuba as the right thumb is placed over the Kurikata.

However, this is not the same position when doing a standing bow. The back of the right hand should face away from the leg while the sword is held about the Kurikata.

These positions are not just for a practical reason but, are executed for aesthetic purposes as well. The addition of this part and Sageo fits some swords, ideally, Kurikata can be used on larger wakizashi or Katana.

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