Kouga Ninja-To

Description of the Product

Ninjutsu was developed as a collection of fundamental survivalist techniques in feudal Japan. It included methods of gathering information and techniques of non-detection, avoidance, and misdirection. Espionage and assassination were also useful skills to warring factions in times of turmoil.

Throughout history, ninja, or shinobi, operated as assassins, scouts, and spies. They are mainly known for their use of stealth and deception. Their covert methods were deemed dishonorable and beneath the honor of the samurai. Although they were considered the anti-samurai and were disdained by those belonging to the samurai class, they were necessary for warfare and were even employed by the samurai themselves to carry out operations that were forbidden by bushidō.

Proper shinobi appeared in the 15th century during the unrest of the Sengoku period, when elite peasant-warriors, in Iga Province and the Kōka District, formed leagues of self-defense and began to engage in guerilla warfare in order to protect their lands. The numerous estates and families had constantly engaged in low-level, small-scale feuds and squabbles with each other, both within and between each region. The fighting had been constant from at least the late 13th century.  External threats were posed by warfare in the 14th century, which made allying together and developing the specialized skills necessary, in order to restore peace and order to the province.  The remoteness and inaccessibility of the surrounding mountains in Iga may have had a role in the ninja's secretive development. By 1487, the two confederations were jointly participating in military operations. The armies formed by Iga and Kōka became known retrospectively by the term shinobi, later known as ninjas.

The Iga and Kōka became known for their military activities in the nearby regions, and sold their services as mercenaries and spies. The alliance between the provinces ended the centuries of feuding between them and thus enabled them to profit from a highly lucrative mercenary market. Unlike their untrained counterparts, the Iga and Kōga clans were professionals.  The Iga–Kōka alliance was terminated when Oda Nobunaga forced Kōka to surrender in 1574 and then destroyed Iga in 1581.

The neighboring Kouga and Iga clans of feudal Japan were first bitter enemies for centuries, eventually learning the value of being fast allies instead. These legendary Ninja families have been immortalized in Japanese literature. To commemorate these secretive warriors, we have introduced our Kouga and Iga Ninja-To.

The Kouga Ninja-To made by Hanwei  features a dismountable double-pegged Tsuka with a battle wrap over black rayskin, and Kouga Mon Menuki. The blackened iron Tsuba features the Kouga Mon (emblem of the Kouga clan) and pierced Kanji representing the clan's identity and values associated with the Kouga ninja heritage (reminders of stealth and endurance). These same symbols are repeated on the Fuchi/Kashira. The Kanji and Mon are also employed on the blackened fittings of the spiked Saya. The Kouga features a forged high carbon blade, differentially quenched to an edge hardness of 60HRc. Essential tool for the Ninjutsu practitioner.

• Ninja sword named after neighboring Kouga and Iga clans of feudal Japan
• These legendary ninja families were first bitter enemies and later allied and started to sell their services to highest bidder
• Two distinct styles to choose from Kouga Ninja-To and Iga Ninja-To
• Battle wrap and natural black rayskin on handle
• Differentially quenched blade to an edge hardness of 60 HRc
• Blackened iron fittings and tsuba
• Includes wooden saya with spike at the end
• Includes cloth bag for transport and storage
• Overall length: 86.9 cm
• Blade length: 58 cm
• Handle length: 27.7 cm
• Weight: 1.06 kg
• Point of balance from the guard: 6.2 cm
• Blade width at guard: 3.5 cm
• Blade width at tip: 2.1 cm
• Blade thickness at guard: 10.0 mm
• Blade thickness at tip: 4.7 mm
• Blade material: 1566 High Carbon Steel
• Sharpness: Very sharp
• Manufacturer: Hanwei