Makibishi – Ninja Spike Metal

Makibishi or Igadama as it is referred is a sharp spiked object used in feudal Japan. Ninja Makibishi shows the resourcefulness of Ninjas in creating weapons from ordinary objects.

The purpose of using Ninja Makibishi is to slow down pursuers. These Ninja Weapons were used to fortify Samurai defenses during attacks of the enemies.

Ninja Tools that are made from iron are known as Iron caltrops or Tetsubishi while those that are made from dried seed pod are known as water caltrops.

These are categorized as Makibishi. Both of these weapons have the capacity to penetrate thin soles of the shoes such as Waraji sandals which were commonly worn in feudal Japan as footwear.

The Makibishi is dropped in advance or planted on the ground. It was easy to carry Ninja Makibishi in a bag attached to the belt.

This was considered as a favorite Ninja weapon and carried along with Shuriken and Kaginawa. This Ninja tool can be thrown on the enemy even when he is on horseback.

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Way to Defend

Makibishi is shaped like a pyramid. It has three sharp points. The one position on top can damage the foot of the enemy. Other material used besides iron and bamboo includes two needles twisted together.

Makibishi was designed in such a way that when it is dropped it tends to stick up in the enemy’s soul. Spiked caltrops are used to slow down opponents once they stepped on it.

These weapons were very sharp because it was made of hardened iron or wood. Before the use of steel, water chestnuts were used. These are grasses that grow near lakes and ponds.

It serves as food in case something happens and other pieces serve as weapons. The sharper edges of these weapons face the soles of the feet that enemies cannot find a way to avoid landing on it.

These weapons can be hurled in the face. When it is dark it is hard to notice Makibishi scattered on the floor. It was not only the Ninjas that find these useful since some Japanese used this in defense during World War II.

Means of Escape

Unlike Samurais it was not a shameful act to escape from the enemy. In fact, this is a vital part of his mission. The goal is to steal important information.

Samurais, when they flee, are executed because they consider such an act as a shameful thing to do as a warrior. Going back to Ninjas, they worked on their technique of flight to perfection as an art of Ninjutsu.

They even created a term for this as Tonso-jutsu. What they do is to scatter these Ninja weapons while on an escape route. Makibishi looks like a tiny rivet that penetrates the straw sandals of the enemy.

Ninjas prepare in advance before they go on missions. They set this Ninja Makibishi into a bamboo pipe. A part of their escape plan includes remembering where they planted these weapons in order to avoid these when in flight.

The inspiration for Ninja Makibishi was taken from landmines. The use of this weapon provides a passive defense.

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Types of Ninja Makibishi

• Iron type

This is the most famous type of Makibishi. This is from 30mm to 40 mm in length. It weighs about 5 grams. This comes in different shapes like a pyramid, tetrapod, and sharp arms.

The last one is the most lethal of the iron-type because it can pierce deeply into the sole of their enemies. Since Sharp Arms is shaped like a wave and saw blade it is hard to get rid of when trying to take it out of the sole because it tends to borough deep.

This makes it hard to stand because of too much pain. Iron types were hard to produce under the kind of casting techniques used back then. It was also hard to get hold of iron in Japan.

• Wood or Bamboo type 

Most frequently used because materials were readily available

• Dried Fruits 

These are transformed into very hard material just like wood. Caltrop which is a fruit is dried under the sun. These fruits would become firmer.

When used against the enemy it tends to tear their flesh. This is how effective these dried fruits are as weapons