Points of Japanese Blades

M

me2

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Oct 11, 2003
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Just a question about the yokote (line at which the point begins) on the japanese style blades. Is this line always present, or were some tanto and swords made without it? From an article by Bob Engnath and from his web site, the line isnt present on some styles of tanto, but seems to be more common on sword points, although its not always there. Also, I understand the straight angled tips common now are a modern interpretation that is rarely found on traditional blades. Just checking what I think to be true.
 
I'm not really interested in a certain period. I hadnt even realized that they could be identified that way. It just seemed the "ideal" shape had this line, and in most peoples minds its not a japanese style without it. It just seemed that a culture that placed so much emphasis on edged weapons for so long would have a huge variety of shape and that there couldnt be a single classic point shape. I've even heard of double edged katana, with the top sharpened about halfway down the spine. Of course it was on cold steels web site, but its in there with the rest. Thanks for the links.
 
There are various and different shapes and geometries in Japanese swords...the standard katana usually has a yokote but there are such things as hirazukuri and shobuzukuri shapes that have no definate yokote or delineation at the tip.

In my opinion, one has to be careful about viewing modern interpetations as "Japanese" swords. When studying and trying to draw conclusions it is best to study antiques made by Japanese smiths. Many modern makers have focused on certain styles that may or may not contain all of the original or "proper" attributes.

One of my favorite sites is: http://www.aoi-art.ab.psiweb.com/index.html

You can browse excellent pictures of genuine, high price antique swords in katana, wakizashi, and tanto lengths and judge for yourself what is proper or "Japanese".

Another great site is: http://www.nihontoantiques.com/gallery.htm

This site has excellent pictures and is run by a guy who is a top notch polisher and well respected in the Nihonto sword community. He travels to various sword shows and sets up a booth for viewing swords. His work is excellent and he is a major source of study materials. Modern makers and retailers often have a narrow point of view about what is "correct" or proper in a Japanese style sword.... I always try to beware of taking advice from people who are trying to sell me something in knife/sword circles.

Brian
 
It depends from period and style of manufacture. Some swords doesn't have a yokote, even if most have it.
Shinogi zukuri blades have a yokote, hira and shobu zukuri baldes don't have it. Other blade forms exist that are less common.
Of these, some have and some haven't a yokote.
 
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