What are the Characteristics of the Ninjato?

One can describe the Ninjato as having a straight short blade. It’s said to be similar to a Shikomizue, which is a concealed sword disguised as a walking stick or cane.

The difference between the Shikomizue and Ninjato is that the latter features a square-shaped guard.

The Blade

Generally, the Ninjato blade is straight, thick, and is less than 60cm long. It’s believed that the Ninjato takes this form since the Shinobi who crafted these aren’t skilled smiths.

The Shinobi created their own swords since they couldn’t afford to have a swordsmith make one for them.

Generally, the Ninjato is categorized as a short sword, and its standard length is 48cm and weighs 0 .42kg in mass.

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Blade Quality of the Ninjato

Since they lacked forging skills, it was easier for the Shinobi to create straight-bladed swords using scraps of metal. This is compared to the adequately curved blade of a Katana.

Also, the materials they possibly utilized consisted only of steel or iron slabs. With that, it was likely that the cutting edge of the Ninjato was only ground on stone.

Saya, Tsuba, and Sageo

The Saya of a Ninjato often had various purposes. It was useful for overhearing conversations, or as a snorkel for underwater espionage.

Claims also state that the Saya was quite longer than the Ninjato blade. The extra space was necessary for keeping different items like poison, chemicals, and other tools.

The Tsuba of the Ninjato is said to be larger compared to the standard size. Plus, it also sports a square shape instead of the usual rounded one.

One theory about the Ninjato sword’s Tsuba shape and size is that it was utilized as a tool during missions. The Shinobi would lean the Ninjato against the wall, then use the Tsuba as a step to extend their reach.

After reaching higher spots, the Shinobi would retrieve this by pulling it up via the Sageo or Saya cord.

Which Martial Arts are Ninjato Used for?

The Ninjato can be a tool used for practicing the martial art called Kenjutsu.

A lot of Japanese sword skills came from the experiences of real battles. Only then did these become sports activities, when the later peaceful era arrived.

However, Kenjutsu of the Shinobi was an art only utilized to kill an opponent.

What is Kenjutsu?

Kenjutsu refers to the Japanese swordsmanship and is a term for all Ko Budou schools predating the Meiji era. It means the method or technique of the sword.

Kenjutsu is a Japanese martial art that involves the use of various types of Nihonto. These include Samurai swords like the Katana, Wakizashi, and Tachi. The Ninjato or sword of the Shinobi is also used for Kenjutsu.

A lot of Japanese swordsmanship skills taught in Kenjutsu were developed from real battles. But in the peaceful ages, this martial art became a form of sports and training. For the Shinobi, they only practiced Kenjutsu to kill their opponents.

Modern forms of Kenjutsu were included in the curriculum of some contemporary styles of Iaido and Kendo. These were established in the 20th century.

Kenjutsu can also be combined with the techniques used in Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and more. It’s to perform more lethal techniques.

The Ninjato

The typical Ninjato for Kenjutsu has a length that resembles the size of a Wakizashi. It’s a short sword measuring less than 60 centimeters long, but unlike the Wakizashi, it has a straight blade. Its Tsuka is as long as the handle of the Katana to accommodate two hands.

For its Saya, it was longer than the blade of the Ninjato, since it was said that the Shinobi used this to deceive an opponent and make them miscalculate how quick the wielder would draw the sword. Short swords took less time to draw, and this was something that the Shinobi took advantage of.

With the size of the Ninjato, it became easier to carry and utilize even in close-quarters.