Oniyuri" 9260 Bujinkan Katana length


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Oniyuri" 9260 Bujinkan Katana length

by J. Dunn
(Boise, ID)

QUESTION: When I saw this model, I told myself that this may be the sword I'm looking for, due to the shorter blade. I was then surprised (and just a little disappointed) that the handle is 14", making it even longer, overall, than the models with approx. 28" blade.

Is there a reason for the long handle on this model? I thought the idea of the "ninja" style, wss to have a more compact sword? Is it available with the 11" handle? Am I misreading the specs in some way? thanks, John

ANSWER: Hi John,

Well - the sword is essentially a replica of the Togakure Ryu Ninjato owned by Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi...

So you would have to ask him why the handle is so long. ;-) (I think it is to greater increase the illusion that it is a really big sword that will take time to draw, but is then whipped out in an instant, and the handle length allows it to be used in ways so that it does not suffer a reach disadvantage when facing a Samurai's Katana).

Anyway, I think what would suit you better might be a Ko Katana or Chisa Katana. There are two reviews on my site for these swords. The traditionally forged Kaze Ko Katana and the through hardened 9260 Spring Steel Tenchi Ko Katana

Hope this helps.

- Paul

Comments for
Oniyuri" 9260 Bujinkan Katana length

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Jan 05, 2011

sad
by: Anonymous

I wish the overall sword length will 42" so they could ship it to Europe...

Aug 21, 2010

This is a good replic
by: Anonymous

The longer handle on this sword gives the user better leverage and control on cutting. The shorter handle Katana's we see replicated today were weapons to be worn in times of peace. On the Battlefield a samurai would be carrying a Nodachi or Odachi, swords with longer blade lengths and handles.

Jul 09, 2010

I thought it was obvious...
by: Anonymous

I thought it was kinda obvious... the longer handle is so if you find yourself in a duel against a katana you dont have a huge length disadvantage... but it keep advantage of quicker draw...

Jan 11, 2010

very nicely balanced sword
by: John Thacker

Various reasons for the 14" handle: 1st- With the the full length saya gives the appearance more so of a full katana. 2nd- The longer handle allows multiple hand positions used, which once practiced are very easy to transition to. i.e. two handed w/ the typical right hand finger width from tsuba, left hand at end of tsuka. move the right hand down mid tsuka for extra length(1 or 2 hands) 3rd- the handle can be used to block sword( or other weapons) also for but strikes( easily done by slidin left hand up or removin left hand) These reasons aren't necessarily in any order. Love this sword very much, favorite of all the ones I own.

Dec 04, 2009

Long Tsuka
by: Broughton

Perhaps one reason the tsuka is longer, is that in Bujinkan the tsuka is gripped differently than in other schools of kenjutsu or kendo. In kendo, the bottom of the tsuka is held in the lower hand, with the bottom end of the tsuka resting on that big muscle between your thumb and wrist. I suppose to maximize the distance between the hands to increase the leverage as the sword cuts. In Bujinkan, the bottom of the tsuka protrudes below the lower hand, so it an be used as a blunt instrument to strike the opponent. So if the blade misses the opponent or the distance between antagonists is too close to effectively use the blade, the base of the tsuka becomes an alternate weapon.

May 10, 2009

not exactly a replica
by: Anonymous

Actually, Soke Hatsumi has several shinobi-gatana some with shorter 11-12 inch handles some with closer to 14. I think it was a personal thing that was decided by the user. I think Cheness made them with 14" handles to work better for larger hands.

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