Japanese Swords - Assembly, Disassembly, Terminology

[@Britzzio]

I'm no swordsman, I do not own a katana (except for a cheap replica), but I love the japanese culture and being an eingineer I utterly enjoy the metallurgic part of this craftmanship. Really informative videos, nicely done and very entertaining. Thanks for spending your time doing these videos!

[@kaizoebara]

The rather Americanized pronounciation notwithstanding, this was a very good introduction to the topic. Kudos for breaking down a complex topic without dumbing it down in the process.

[@annapeterson5897]

This video is exactly what I have been looking for. A breakdown and explanation of the individual parts and correct terminology. Thank you, Walter.

[@OutandAboutWest]

Outstanding! As a novice practitioner of Iaido, I really appreciate how you set aside all that mysticism, and look at it as a well-designed weapon, even tool. This fits in well with the way my sensei teaches us. Kudos!

[@Ammobucket]

Many other practical things have been given mystical powers by the public. Guns are now "evil" and may stalk and kill humans all by themselves. Classic cars do have magical powers, though. ;-)

[@kazunori8565]

Sir your craftsmanship is beautiful, I would have to say your blades and fittings look just as good as antiqe Japanese swords.

[@AnthonySforza]

Actually, the menuki did have a utility, in that they were originally used to keep the mekugi in place or from loosening. As initially, they were over the opening on the side they go in or out of, being that mekugi are usually tapered a little bit. They also affect the grip, and in turn the swing. Also, the tsuba aided in thrusting, keeping the hand off the blade.

[@mattoberholtzer5224]

The hamon on the blade at 4:54 is absolutely gorgeous.

[@Waizzie]

its called a "choji" hamon

[@vladimiriantchev8420]

An amazing super-professional tutorial Walter Sensei ! Thank you very much and best regards from Great Britain !

[@davethompson2881]

Nice ken. When I was in Japan doing some Aikido training, my host took me to a blade shop in Kyoto that had been there with the same family running it for something like 600 years. Most of the really old blades were on permanent display and wouldn't be removed, even for the most eager of 'gaijin'. The owner did, however, take out a 300 year old blade that was for sale and he he allowed me to handle it - it had no handle 'furniture' but this allowed us to see the signature underneath, which I have a photo of somewhere. This was 20 years ago and I've sadly forgotten the name now, but the maker was this guy's great grandfather or some such relative. He took out a tissue and dropped it onto the edge of the blade from about 150mm above the blade and it cut it as it fell over it. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, but that's what happened. I could have purchased this blade, but I didn't have enough money on me, and besides, I would have had to mortgage my house in order to buy it, which my wife wouldn't let me do. You can see why we are no longer together. Thanks for the videos, you have inspired me to set up my new workshop to cater for not only guitar making, but blade making as well. No doubt I'll muck a lot up learning, but it's exciting to start something new.

[@BikerDaveBlade]

It's always a pleasure to watch your videos

[@leonardoescamilla6030]

Hey, i have been practicing aikido for a few years including the katana, and know that the menuki are there so you don't hold the katana wrong (with the right hand below the left hand). I love your videos and you inspire me to start making knifes, please continue making knife videos.

[@lexievv]

True, but at the end of the Samurai era (or something, i'm not an historian XD) they became more of a fashion statement and they turned the Menuki around so that they were visible while wearing the blade in it's Saya. I've heard of this in a few documentaires if i'm not mistaken.

[@chengboli1462]

That is true, originally menuki (placed turned around) would actually improve the gripping of the katana, however, they turned them around for fashion purposes, so the menuki became useless now.

[@VietnamWarShorts]

+Leonardo Escamilia Some people including me dont like the menuki because its kinna uncomfortable, when I did wood chopping with my Tanto, the mekugi was not comfortable

[@wincharter1]

Walter, thanks for your time on this video, great as usual.

[@knightingalesaid]

Excellent video on the incredible Japanese sword.

[@raybrennan7851]

Thank you for taking the time to do his video.

[@jasonsomers7526]

Who might sharpen the katana as I'm sure they, like any other sword, get dull after time. Your video on the mounting was outstanding. I would have said something but commented but comments were disabled, some idiots can ruin it for everyone. Beautiful work all around.

[@donaldsage8778]

This was by far the best video I have seen on the tube. Most informative and;done with style. Awesome video Sir Walter.Please make more

[@tsgillespiejr]

Great video as always! You're certainly the person I would have chosen to do a video like this, and you've done it perfectly.

[@_Korinzu]

I'm not sure if I would call it the most badass sword in the world, but it is aesthetically pleasing to look at. Nice video though, very professional.

[@sharkfinbite]

He didn't say it was the most badass. He said, "One of the world's most badass." When ever you hear the phrase, "one of," it means another way to say "among of." I am not being a grammar Nazi for pointing this out. I experienced way to many situations where people get into arguments all because one person thought the other was being ethnocentric and arrogant and thought he was implying something was best of all when he really didn't. He was just saying it was among of the best.

[@sharkfinbite]

George Robartes You sound like another anti-Japanese/katana basher. HE DIDN'T SAY THEY WERE THE MOST BAD ASS. He said, "one of." Quit being so xenophobic about Japan. They weren't that backward. They lacked resources yes, yes they did had war that restricted technology improvement, but they were not backward. Ray skin I think was introduced by some Chinese sword which I forgot. It looks almost identical to a katana. The one I saw didn't had that had wrapping on it though. There was a video made by skallagrim that mentioned he the ray skin hurt his hand when he hit something. That's why there is wrapping on katanas. I think they used ray skin for more than one reason besides lack of resources. They were really more of lines of just being xenophobic backwards. They were willing to adopt some foreign ideas obviously but they would still act very closed minded at times too. I think that is what really was going on. This is the #1 gripe I have regarding the western weapon and Japanese weapon debates. People some how act very sensitive if another weapon gets more credit or someone thinks another person implies one is better than another. It's because they mix this objects with national pride. It not just western people but the other side too. I have gotten to a point I don't even give people the benefit of a doubt that are involved in the debates. I just go ahead and call them both racists and ignorant. It's because that's all the debates just end up leading to any way.

[@sharkfinbite]

George Robartes I am telling you for a fact. "One of," is another way to say, "among of." If I make a list saying of which apples are the top 5 largest wouldn't saying, "Apple A/B is one of the largest," work when I want to refer to it? It doesn't say what rank but it is better than saying, "among of," all the time.

[@luigiviking3667]

Most bad ass sword in the world in Viking 1 samurai 2

[@andrewchrostowski6269]

Outstanding presentation. Well done.

[@Shadow0fd3ath24]

Its amazing how cheap it is to buy a well made 300+ year old blade handed down through the generations and to have a truly amazing tool and display piece

[@DannoCrutch]

Been watching your videos for a little while now. Very happy to have found your channel. Went to you web site today. I love and respect your philosophy. Wish I saw more of that in the professional world. One of these days I'm going to see if I can afford a nice 5 to 6 inch blade from you.

[@VietnamWarShorts]

+DannoCrutch He has a website namedd tactix armory

[@sharkfinbite]

Wow. This video is very informative. I learned a lot more in this than that video bbc, Net Geo, or what ever made that video of how katanas are made on youtube.

[@RobertHohan]

I don't want to sound pedantic, but as far as I know that method of securing the sageo isn't quite good. One reason I say that is that it locks the saya to the hip, which would incumber sayabiki, and make it easier for an adversary to use it to control your movements (imagine being surprised from behind and someone grabbing the saya). The other reason is that you may want to use the saya as a weapon by itself (either striking with it, or just using it similar to a hanbo). Also, safely rolling with a sword on the belt is usually accomplished by sliding the saya forward so that as little of the "tail" protrudes, in order to avoid hitting the ground with the end of it. Furthermore, the sageo itself can be used (as a whip to hit the eyes for a momentary distraction, or as a rope to bind an attacker's hands, etc), so having it easily detachable may be an advantage. The main "philosophy" of budo is to be flexible, so having the sword not "locked down" is part of this way of thinking. I hope you're not taking this the wrong way. Cheers!

[@dustinbrandel59]

Interesting

[@luigiviking3667]

I don't think u need to tie it to u just stick it in the obi tight

[@guloguloguy]

....IMHO: Thanks for this EXCELLENT, tutorial!!! [FYI: "Koiguchi"... "Koi guchi"... ~"Carp (fish) mouth" LOL!!!] WOW!!!! I REALLY APPRECIATE SEEING YOU DOING SOME SERIOUS BLADESMITHING!!!!! YOU DO SUCH GREAT WORK!!! AWESOME!!!! THANKS FOR SHARING!!!!

[@stevenbolstridge596]

I enjoyed the video, being an Iaido practitioner I found it very informative.

[@smhogan77]

I just acquired an antique Katana and this video was great info.

[@robertgraybill5829]

Excellent video, very informative. I never would have thought George Bush knew so much about katanas?!?!?!

[@irongastelum6202]

Lmao

[@irgproductions]

Dude I had the same impression when i logged on the video :) Great Vi btw

[@ronaldthomas3528]

Darn I was hoping for a demonstration!

[@bryanperry4557]

Great video...!!! Thank you for sharing your wealth of information in the history and development of the Katana...!!!

[@Jarastlad]

Hi Walter, Firstly thanks for all the good videos you've made. I'm currently making a knife thanks to your how to video as well as some other knifemakers on youtube. This is a very interesting video, very well presented for the novice. If I can give you my opinion though, I've always thought that you put a little bit too many interruptions/jingles during your videos. It's only my thoughts of course ^^. Anyway thanks again for what you do and keep in mind that you helped me (and I'm sure many others) get on with something I've been fascinated for quite a while now. Keep doing what you do !

[@luigiviking3667]

Good thing I found this video thanks

[@steelforge08]

great video thanks for posting, you make some of the nicest katana ive ever seen. ive been making some adjustments to my forge to get it up to welding heat hopefully it'll work i want to start making some swords and pattern welded blades soon.

[@SculptyWorks]

Brilliant video! 👍

[@randysexton6364]

Thank you for such an excellent video instruction

[@islandboy7432]

Excellent tutorial !

[@mawilkinson1957]

Excellent video. More info here than I have ever seen on the parts and assembly of the sword. Thank you.

[@raymustaine3274]

Simply awesome!!! Love it!!!

[@everest0411]

Thanks for the teaching. I just start into the katana world, not knowing many terms yet....man....terminology....what the....just a sword......

[@brianc2065]

Great video, everything I wanted to know and more!

[@jdmrok20]

Thanks for the knowledge love your swords

[@althesmith]

When someone gets a (new to them) katana and things seem a tiny bit loose, often the mekugi is pretty worn down. Good mekugi material I've found is the Japanese knitting needles in craft stores, which also have the advantage of being found in several diameters. Hopefully we can keep our chopsticks for Chinese food night and away from our swords!

[@JohnnyTwoStep89]

I would love to see a video pertaining to the manufacturing process of the different parts (unless you have no part in that process but judging from the cast iron tsuba video I'd wager you're well versed ;) )

[@elindred]

Nice video, very comprehensive. Would you consider making a tsukamaki tutorial video some day?

[@MrSpinteractive]

Outstanding - thanks for the very informative video.

[@fourtenphoenix4822]

very informative video. thank you sir

[@paultroiani255]

That is an awesome video! Thanks!

[@st0rm244]

Does every sword have the mekugi? Because i dont think mine does i cant find it

[@conradstott23]

Brilliant video Walter as usual, what martial art do you study ?

[@WalterSorrellsBlades]

In the sword realm, I trained mainly in Shinkendo, but I also did an iaido style called Mugai-ryu. I started out in martial arts doing a variant of Shito-ryu karate, and I trained in that for almost 20 years. I've also practiced aikido and tai chi in the past, and I still train in Brazilian jiujitsu.

[@antmallett6065]

Thanks Walter. For a perfect mini-documentary on Japanese swords and their component parts. I have a question regarding a blade I own - 1050 steel, water hardened. Beautiful, subtle hamon, no other activity in the steel except for one small tear-drop shape . Hand forged and shaped, amazing balance in the hand . My plan was to take this blade from a 'Smith's polish' to a perfect polish. I got lost somewhere along the way - a few years ago... The question is: To remove all the 'wobbles', what would you recommend?

[@WalterSorrellsBlades]

You can do it by hand polishing on stones. Takes a ton of time and a lot of skill. Truly, there's not a shortcut!

[@ndmeyer66]

Awesome vid--super helpful. Thanks!

[@IcarusArsenique]

I know it is a bit late to comment on this, but I was under the impression that the menuki served the purpose of better filling the void in the palm of your hand while handling the sword. Was I mistaken?

[@cain2523]

My sword is dyed and I want to know if there is a way to know if it was actually forged, as it is hard to see the lines

[@edogould9865]

I like the "gently slide it in" part. Hope that's OK.

[@ZarlanTheGreen]

Length is not what defines a katana. Yes, it has to be over two shaku, but it also must be edge up (or it's a tachi). Also it mustn't be _too_ long. Also 1-2 shaku aren't all wakizashi. There is also kodachi. Otherwise, the info is decent ...and does a fairly good job of illustrating the anatomy (which is what I searched for, resulting in me seeing this, which did the job)

[@gilgamesh3113]

Great video!!! Very well explained in lamens terms!! How can I get my hands on one??

[@alexcue6509]

I have always heard that the Habaki was the only part designed to never come off. Is that wrong?

[@mauricebrown9641]

Outstanding video Sensei. Are you familiar with Sensei Harry Dach?

[@elijah11162]

Hey, Walter! Fantastic video. I just have two questions: 1) Why does the tang have a bevel and taper? 2) How is that tiny bamboo pin able to hold the tang securely in the handle when the blade is exposed to strong lengthwise forces, such as swinging quickly through the air? Could one use a metal pin instead, or perhaps multiple pins? Thanks.

[@Suyamu]

I'm not Walter, but allow me to answer nr 2. The handle is custom made to fit the sword and it's inside is so narrow, it holds the blade on it's own for the most part without the pin. The Mekugi pin mostly prevents the blade from flying or wiggle out of the grip with time. The majority of real Japanese Katana have only one Mekugi-Ana (hole). Most modern Chinese made Katana have 2 Mekugi/Mekugi Ana.

[@dimitrijevasiljevic]

Elijah B Due to traditions and for a more secure fit because of the friction (works like a register pin) on traditional Japanese blades the tapers and bevels run all the way down the Tang.

[@shadeth90]

Does the clay for the hamon goes on the edge or the spine? Also does the quinching of the blade curve it backwards? Or do you have to make it curved before the quinch, if you use hamon?

[@stokermeister3]

I really enjoy your videos and very informative 👍 is manganese steel a durable metal that may be used for sword blades?

[@Shaded45]

I have a new katana, took the pins out, hit my wrist a bunch of times, tried the other arm, it wont come apart, i'm a big guy over 240 but this sword wont budge, any advice, loved the video btw, great info

[@AnthonySforza]

I'm sure you've figured it out by now, but I do know that Musashi makes a tsuba removal kit.

[@DenatBalla]

Hey Walter, Have you made any videos on the making of the Hibaki, Sepa, and Tsuba?

[@labdogman3335]

Great video Walter. I enjoy all your videos. I had heard (don't remember where) that the curve in the blade isn't there until it is quenched and is the result of the differential thermal expansion and contraction after quenching. Is this true or is this another one of those myths?

[@guss1470]

Very informative, what is the average length of a Katana?

[@WalterSorrellsBlades]

The blade length is typically around 26 or 27 inches, but it varies a great deal. Theoretically anything with a blade length over about 24 inches is considered to be a katana.

[@guss1470]

Walter Sorrells thank you very much.

[@shanek6582]

Should an American that's 6 foot have a correspondingly longer blade maybe 3 feet than a 5 feet 2 inch 500 year old samurai with 25 inch katana? Steven Segal just looks silly with an original.

[@WalterSorrellsBlades]

Sure, the size of a blade should be influenced by size, strength, the type of training you have, personal preference, etc. There's no simple formula for it.

[@guss1470]

I heard something about regular katanas and battle katanas. Battle katanas were a little thicker and wider is this true?

[@stokermeister3]

what type of clay can be used to clay the blade to creat the hamone ? and i know cromoly steel is not tamahagane but can a hamone be created on the steel ?

[@apostolapostolov7526]

who else came after watching Alec Steele's video :D

[@chuckchristiansen9080]

Apostol Apostolov - Alec brought me here too lol. I’m glad he left that link though. Mr. Sorrells has a new sub because of it.

[@ZoneCrasher]

This just proved you are controlled by programmed robots. Nothing funny here.

[@michaelcraft7358]

lol what

[@mrkrunch4340]

@@ZoneCrasher Alec Steele is a robot?

[@bulldogtonyyt1116]

Topics like these should only be explained by a true Japanese who understands the appreciation and respect needed for these weapons! This guy gives off the wrong kinda vibe, like listening to Steven Segal talk about Ikedo!

[@elindis]

Walter.. I have to ask: What is it about Japanese-styled blades that you find appealing, from a craftsman's perspective, over blades styled after other cultures'? If it is the aesthetics, then how so? Is it the designability? That is, is it that there are a greater number of elements that can be made artfully?

[@WalterSorrellsBlades]

To some degree I think it's really just that Japanese swords dovetailed with my interest in Japanese martial arts. Then once I got into it, I kept finding interesting avenues to pursue. So it's not like I made a judgement call about one thing being better than another. That said, Japanese blades have an uninterrupted craft tradition and very specific methods for preserving old blades, so that there are more well preserved Japanese blades and a flourishing craft tradition to delve into. The flip side is that the Japanese tradition can be a little suffocating, whereas there's more room to breathe if you have an interest in European swords.

[@elindis]

Walter Sorrells Ah! Thank you; I was wondering which art came first! The history of Japanese swordcraft is interesting. Actually, Japanese swords were what got me interested in Chinese swords, given that Japanese designs were likely heavily influenced by them. It's kind of a shame that bladecraft, as an art, had to fade away from so many places that weren't Japan - as a sword enthusiast, I love all types and wish that they were still 'living'.

[@justinjohnson2186]

walter i have a crisis my katanas habaki is loose how can i fix it

[@canoticoyote]

the menuki is for blade indexing?

[@yesacwerdna]

Who is doing around and dis-liking these videos, I can only assume they missed

[@georgehelix3297]

+Walter Sorrells Hey Walter, I am an up coming knife maker who is looking to get into swordsmithing. Your videos have helped so much with putting me on the right path. However I have recently started the making of a katana. Most of the forging is done and I wanted to order the ito, sageo, and menuki so I have them by the time I need them. However I can't seem to find a supplier of these pieces that seems to be safe to order from. If you have any recommendations for me that would awesome!

[@VietnamWarShorts]

Try Kult of athena

[@liamgraham956]

do you have a video/can you make a video on making all the fittings of a sword ( habaki, end caps, ect)

[@WalterSorrellsBlades]

+liam graham I sure do. It's available on my web page. You can find a link to my page in the description above.

[@liamgraham956]

+Walter Sorrells OK thanks walter

[@jonduffer4340]

Very well said...

[@buffordevans6942]

Would you be interested in a muramachi period wakazashi

[@TheSheepDogPatriot1776]

Mr. Sorrells, is it your opinion that Mushashi katanas are good quality blades, im looking at buying a 1060Carbon steal 55HRC katana!!!

[@Wik3dNuTS4k]

TheSheepDogPatriot1776 just make your own

[@ryanbobkuntz5815]

Wait I thought the menuki was for grips they are put right where your palms line up?????

[@saetmusic]

Extremely informative video. Will I remember any of the terminology? Probably not. Does this bother me? Not at all!

[@inglwud5625]

I want to see the cord wrap of the handle and what it's made of.

[@biometrix1000]

thanks Walter...

[@futuresonex]

I have a couple of questions that are sort of relevant to this video. The Japanese katana is probably the single most beautiful sword in history, and it has superb combat capabilities, but why the almost total lack of hand & lower arm protection?! Why not a cross guard? The Europeans figured that one out centuries ago. You have to go all the way back to the viking age to find a Western sword with so little hand protection. That's always puzzled me. Perhaps it has to do with the Samurai's warrior ethos of always attack rather than defend? The famous, or perhaps infamous, Mitsubishi A6M 'Zero' fighter plane of World War II was similar in its design. In the beginning of the war it was the best fighter plane in the Pacific, easily able to outperform our Wildcats in just about every way, except one. Our Grumman F4F Wildcats, as well as the F6F Hellcats that followed it (which actually outperformed the Zero in every way), were rugged airplanes that were heavily armored. It took a lot to shoot one down. Their Zeros, on the other hand, could be taken down with just a short burst. A single .50 caliber incendiary round to the fuel tank was all it took to turn an A6M into a fireball. Its designers focused all their attention on the attack and none on the defense. I wonder if the designers of the katana were thinking the same way? The other question is much simpler. What the hell is that little thing in the sword care kits that looks like a little rice bag on a stick? What is that for?

[@lionfishmodels]

one of the biggest difference is samurai in battle wore separate hand and arm protection. the tsuba acted to defect any blades that travel down to the hand. they really werent designed to catch blades. the weapon design usually follows fighting style and philosophy. the idea that the zero had no defence is kinda false, speed and maneuverability where the name of the game. the tactics of the americans was in pairs or groups and to outlast the enemy. the ball on the stick is cleaning powder. simple google search helped with that.

[@nikhilsinha7730]

European swords and katanas were used differently in fights. A European blade is made for and used in a drawn-out fight with parries, counter cut and all that. A katana is a sword that was not meant for drawn-out fights a katana duel is meant to be short and to the point, so there was no need to have such a drawn-out cross guard since a duel ends in less than a minute and with one or two cuts

[@q-tip7780]

@waltersorells how much is a simple katana?

[@billfrater1948]

Interesting Stuff !

[@MadAirsofterMatt]

Walter what would happen if you just continuously kept fold the steel?

[@zedman6547]

you would eventually burn out the carbon leaving you iron instead of steel to my knowledge

[@shanewright344]

Back when swordsmiths made swords for samurai, they used a type of bloomery steel that they called tamahagane. Tamahagane contained a lot of impurities, and repeatedly folding it back over onto itself drove out those impurities. However, folding tamahagane like that too much will eventually drive out other necessary elements in the steel, burning out the carbon and reducing it to iron. Therefore, a good swordsmith knew when to stop folding the steel before that could happen. Modern steel alloys contain fewer (if any) impurities, and so folding them like tamahagane is unnecessary and can severely lower their carbon content.

[@Dj_lilfate]

how come u didn't mention about the blood grove (hi) that are in some katanas?

[@awakenedautopsy4586]

Bohi ;)))

[@TheVexinator]

This video has some excellent information... and a guitar riff that, a REALLY annoyingly, plays about a dozen times interspersed throughout. Gods man, I don't care how much you like that riff, once or twice per video is ample. Had my finger hovering over the mute button near the end... that's never a good thing.

[@abelgarza8805]

how mutch would u charge to make me a basic batle ready katana

[@Wik3dNuTS4k]

Abel Garza you need to get back into school with spelling like that

[@VietnamWarShorts]

+Abel Garza Go to Kult of Athena, they sell tons of weapons, AND IMPORTANT NOTE, TRADITIONALLY MADE KATANA'S SUCK AND ARE WEAKER THAN MODERN KATANA

[@bpinto9245]

this video is freakin awesome

[@erp1776]

thank you

[@lizstacegordon1211]

its not manta ray skin on the tsuka.....its the skin of a more common skate but informative video - thanks

[@JamesKeeton1]

What if you have an old blade with rust on the tang? Do you clean the tang from rust? Grandfather brought it back from WW2.

[@nikhilsinha7730]

I wouldnt recommend you to clean the rust from the tang. Its used to help the expert determine the age of the sword and cleaning the tang could potentially mess up the signature

[@Guthem]

Video start in 5:00

[@KaptainCanuck]

The letter A is pronounced, ALWAYS, as in "awe" so it is sawyaw and sawgeo (Heerosheemaw and Nawgawsawkee). Also, the second pronunciation you gave for katana was 100% incorrect because Japanese does not stress syllables.

[@KaptainCanuck]

The person putting the swoird into the scabbard at the 6:00 mark needs some education on it. The temper line is a hawmen, not hawmone.

[@notsure7060]

can I oil the mei ?

[@notsure7060]

or will it be devalued?

[@philochristos]

It bothers me that the handle is held on by one bamboo pin. It seems like it could easily break, sending the blade flying through the air, and leaving you defenseless against zombies.

[@stevenbolstridge596]

Sometimes it's held by two pegs depending on the length of the handle.

[@lilianlagrimas5755]

here in the philippines we have the tactical katana. Fix handle katana.

[@samuraichuck87]

+Sam Harper This is why you inspect and maintain the weapon before use, if you see that the mekugi are loose or cracked, it's time to replace them. It's the same with every weapon, you check it before using it or yourself or others can be put in jeopardy.

[@dDbalL-to7rt]

Is it just me or does the tang look beveled??? Why would that be done???

[@jasonsomers7526]

Aikido?

[@WalterSorrellsBlades]

Jason Somers That and four or five other things over the course of twenty years or so... :)

[@jasonsomers7526]

I practice Krav Maga myself, not really a martial art but if I had to pick a Martial Art Aikido or Judo would be top contenders. Both are used in Krav. Your knives and swords are very impressive by the way. I might say though, you may want to look into a better choice of handgun. Maybe a CZ or HK :P

[@khadinh5129]

Jason Somers Can't go wrong with the HK VP9

[@coryleslie80]

I've never seen the sageo rapped like that.

[@scorpo.2000.platinum]

The problem is that my katana is dull and has different form.