Naginata

Description

The naginata is a traditional Japanese pole weapon, characterized by its long, curved blade mounted on a wooden shaft. Historically, it was used primarily during the feudal period in Japan. The weapon’s design allowed for versatile combat techniques, including slashing, thrusting, and sweeping movements, making it effective against both infantry and cavalry. The naginata was particularly valued for its reach and ability to deliver powerful strikes, which could dismount horsemen and counteract the reach of swords and spears.

Initially, the naginata was used by samurai warriors and monks, known as sōhei, during the Heian period (794-1185), but later this formidable weapon found it’s way also into the hands of regular infantry soldiers (ashigaru). Over time, it became associated with the bushi class, and later, during the Edo period (1603-1868), it was often used by women of samurai families for self-defense and in times of war. Women trained in the use of the naginata were called onna-bugeisha. Today, the naginata remains a part of Japanese martial arts, practiced in a modern form called naginatajutsu, which emphasizes discipline, technique, and the preservation of traditional combat skills.

This naginata, while retaining its traditional qualities, has been slightly revised to better meet the needs of the martial arts practitioner qualified to use an edged weapon.

Hand forged in high-carbon steel and edge tempered, using a traditional claying method, the Naginata blade is at least the equal of the originals. Mounted on a long tang to better absorb the shock of a blow, the blade has a strong distal taper for balance and quickness.

The delicately engraved tsuba features a stylized Japanese silver butterfly motif. The one-piece staff (ebu) is very strong, featuring a traditional tear-drop cross-section for easy recognition of blade orientation and a black non-slip finish for better control of the weapon.

The Naginata is supplied with a wooden saya and cloth bag to keep it safe in storage and transport.

• Traditional Japanese pole weapon
• Naginata was valued for its reach and ability to deliver powerful strikes
• First used by samurai warriors and sōhei monks and later by onna-bugeisha (women of samurai-families)
• Naginatajutsu is Japanese martial art focused on using naginata
• Tear-drop shaft cross-section for easy blade orientation
• Edge tempered using traditional claying method
• Includes wooden saya and cloth bag for transport and storage
• Overall length: approx. 195 cm
• Blade length: approx. 53.8 cm
• Shaft length: approx. 141 cm
• Weight: approx. 2.1 kg
• Blade width at guard: 3.27 cm
• Blade width at tip: 3.32 cm
• Blade thickness at guard: 11.9 mm
• Blade thickness at tip: 5.0 mm
• Blade material: T10 high carbon steel
• Shaft material: Wood with non-slip finish
• Blade edge hardness Hrc: 58~62
• Blade back hardness Hrc: 38~42
• Sharpness: Very sharp
• Made by Hanwei