Swordsmiths Made More Than Swords

Japanese swordsmiths crafted not only katana, wakizashi, and tanto, but also yari (spears), naginata (pole swords), and nagamaki, all using the same folded steel forging techniques. These weapons are classified under Japan's sword registration system and form an important part of nihonto collections and scholarship.

Yari: The Dominant Sengoku Infantry Weapon

Statistical analysis suggests most Sengoku-era battlefield deaths resulted from spear wounds — the period is sometimes called "the age of the yari." Yari varieties include the sugyari (straight double-edged standard form), the jumonji-yari (cross-spear with side hooks for catching enemy blades), the kama-yari (with curved side blades enabling multi-directional attacks), and the Kikuchi-yari (single-edged with diamond cross-section, from Kyushu). Famous smiths including Nagasone Kotetsu produced numerous high-quality yari alongside their sword work.

Naginata: From Battlefield to Women's Budo

The naginata — a long-handled curved-blade weapon — was a primary samurai weapon from Heian through Muromachi times before yielding to the yari. Post-war, it became associated with women's martial arts practice. Female warriors wielded naginata in historical battles, including the 1868 Boshin War, where Aizu clan women defended their domain. Modern naginatado (naginata way) continues this tradition.

Short Blades: Tanto and Kaiken

Tanto (blades under 30cm) served as personal defense weapons and the instruments of ritual suicide. The kaiken, a woman's short blade traditionally included in wedding trousseau, represents the domestic dimension of Japan's bladed culture. All these weapons — regardless of scale — embody the same forging philosophy as the great tachi.