Kyu Gunto - The Officer's Sword - Japanese Weapons of WWII

Kyu Gunto - The Officer's Sword - Japanese Weapons of WWII #history
#SeeUinHistory

[@-RONNIE]

Yeah and you have to think when General Douglas MacArthur demilitarized the country how many ancient swords were lost in the process. For instance the Honjō Masamune the best or at least one of the greatest swords ever made.

[@dragon12234]

One of the best yeah. The generally considered "Best" sword is the Dojikiri, which was according to legend said to have been used by the real historical warrior Minamoto no Yorimitsu to slay the great Oni Shuten-Doji (Dojikiri means Doji-Cutter) in the 12th century. Luckily this sword is still known and is displayed in the Tokyo Historical Museum

[@-RONNIE]

@@dragon12234 oh yes I did see all the swords and other weaponry also so much nice information there in the museum when I went

[@charliemcternan8190]

This is going to be both crazy and exciting

[@yofu3048]

“Kyu gunto” refers only to the swords with saber hilts. Every other sore depicted is a ”shin Gunto” or “Kai gunto”

[@samym1694]

Makes me wonder like Bayonets after Vietnam War, what was the point to use melee weapons in modern warfare where firearms with higher firing rate were common?

[@stevengreen9536]

@samym When the Japanese officers initiated a charge. They would unsheath the sword but fire their service pistol while at range. When they closed to melee range (if they made it that far) then they would use the sword. But to answer your question it is simple. Using the sword gave them a cultural and honorable link to their samurai forebears. It would be especially significant to any officer who happened to be descended from a samurai clan. As they would see it as carrying on their proud ancient warrior heritage.

[@matthewrussell4343]

CQB, modern operators still carry a blade with them for a reason, especially if you get into urban warfare where you're constantly moving through confined spaces. Take Fallujah for instance, you'd still see marines rocking bayonets.

[@raulpetrascu2696]

Sometimes it's about style 😎

[@redclayscholar620]

1917: Fix Bayonets! "Alright boys, let's go." 2027: Fix Bayonets! *Screws knife to a drone

[@gavinlinville9691]

hmmm