Purpose of SORI

by Ken C.
(Toronto, Canada)

QUESTION: What is the practical purpose of the sori on Japanese swords? I don't believe it is purely aesthetic. My guess would be the sori increase the "slicing" effect at the point of contact when the sword is swung against the target. Am I on the ball?

Thanks!

ANSWER: Hey Ken,

Spot on! Sabers work on the same principle. Generally speaking, a cutting sword is better when it is curved. Not as effecient as a thruster - and that is not to say that straight swords are not good cutters (many are, much depends on the cross sectional geometry of the blade) - but the sori curve adds an extra dimension that gives them especially good 'cutting goodness'.

Cheers,

- Paul