What is the Average Size of a Ninjato Sword?

A Ninjato comes in various sizes and shapes, but it’s usually 48cm long and weighs 0.42kg. Often, they’re described to be shorter than a classic Katana.

Aside from its length, the Ninjato features a straight blade, while its Tsuba has a square shape.

When the Ninjato is used for stage or film, the sword is shown to be shorter than a Katana. However, its functions and uses are portrayed as nearly identical to that of a Katana.

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Origins of the Ninjato

These swords are said to have come originally from Japan. However, there is still no evidence and proof from ancient times that the Ninjato did originate from Japan.

This is why the history of a Ninjato can only be reliable if it came from the 20th century onwards.

A couple of research also states that the Ninjato may have had a straight blade because of a specific deity. It’s because the Shinobi may have replicated the sword used by Fudo Myo Oh.

He was a Shinobi clan’s patron Buddhist deity who wielded a straight-bladed sword that looked like a Chokuto.

Modern-Day Ninjato

In this day and age, a lot of sword makers recreate the Ninjato. With that, the swords are usually in various Japanese dramas and films. The Ninjato is also present in anime series which guarantees the sword’s role in Japanese history.

The modern Ninjato features unique styles, designs, as well as color schemes. Plus, they have a lot of different purposes and uses such as for movies, plays, re-enactments, and the like.

There are a ton of online platforms that offer a wide selection of Ninjato swords. However, if you plan to purchase one for yourself, it’s best to do some research. Find legitimate shops that sell the Ninjato and other swords to guarantee durability and great quality.

What is the Difference Between Chokuto and Ninjato?

The Chokuto and Ninjato differ when it comes to their functions, history, origin, and size.  Both swords may feature a straight blade, but the Chokuto and Ninjato have their uniqueness.

Straight Sword and Short Sword

The Chokuto or straight sword is a single-edged Japanese sword or Nihonto. It appeared before the 9th century, and its standard style is likely based on the swords of ancient Chinese.

The blade length of a Chokuto usually measures between 60 and 70cm, though swords longer than a meter also existed. Often, the double-edged swords were shorter than usual.

The Chokuto typically features the Hira Zukuri and Kiriha Zukuri Tsukurikomi or blade styles. This feature is what makes them unique from other Katana and Tachi, which rarely utilized this style.

The Ninjato is usually described as a short sword, and is often exhibited as having a straight blade like a Shikomizue. Also, it comes with a square-shaped guard which is different from the usual circular one.

Often, a Ninjato measures less than 60cm, while the rest of the sword is heavy, thick, and straight.

Functions and How the Swords Were Used

Foot soldiers commonly utilized the Chokuto for slashing or stabbing. They often wore this by hanging it from the waist.

Books and various written materials described numerous ways to utilize the Ninjato. One of these is the fast drawing technique. This method focuses on drawing the sword then cutting as a simultaneous attacking or defensive action.

This technique also slightly combines a thrusting and fencing technique, and a reversed grip.

History of the Chokuto and Ninjato

The Chokuto was one of the earliest swords created in the history of sword forging in Japan. The sword represented a basic forging technique and style. These likely originated in China, then was brought to Japan in the 3rd century.

The Chokuto had a distinct form due to its straight blade. It was similar to the classic Chinese swords of the 2nd century BCE to the 10th century CE.

For the Ninjato, there is no physical evidence for its existence before the 20th century. However, it’s believed that the designs used for the alleged replicas came from the style of a Chokuto. Claims also state they were taken from the design of the Wakizashi or swords of the Ashigaru.

Due to the lack of physical evidence, matching the descriptions of a Ninjato was difficult. With that, it can only be chronicled reliably from the 20th century, onwards.