Kogatana and Kozuka

[pootsythesam]

I'm not sure of the proper overall term for these knives but I would like to know if anyone has any information on how they are made and whether they can be thrown as I believe?

http://mimi6cu.free.fr/sabres/katana-masamune-kozuka61.jpg

if you haven't any idea what i'm talking about the little knife in the saya.

Kogatana is the term used for the blade and kozuka the handle/hilt

They had/have numerous functions:

1. mark a kill by sticking in the ear
2. utility knife/eating knife?
3. throwing?????

[ggfh666]

As far as I know it is just a utility knife.
Like your EDC. Sometimes kogai were also included. Usable as both eating utensils and hairpins. Or to stitch chopped off heads on a rope...maybe.

Rich S may have some info on his extensive site.

Well you can throw a broom stick as well.....
Seeing shape and balance, throwing does not seem a good idea.

[etorix]

Kogatana seem to be about in numbers .. the fancy mounts are collectibles but the blades are often disregarded by the collector-supply houses .. ive seen some definitlely chisel ground, but not all are
id really like to get a proper old utility blade, NOT chisel ground tho
gokatana
kokatana
kogatana
seem to be the same thing
i bet theres piles of em in the corner somewhere in japan ..they dont seem to sell well

[scruff]

I'd agree with the others. They were utility items. I think the idea of throwing them is a bit flawed as I think they would be too handle heavy.

The use of a Bo-Shuriken tucked in the obi, on the other hand, I have read of (all be it questionably). The wearer/user could use if to forestall or surprise an assailant by my making the motion of drawing the sword but instead of going for the handle of the sword, they could draw the shuriken, discretely tucked away near the sword, and chob it....perhaps whilst still performing saya-biki?

[Colin KC]

Utility knife I believe, the construction & light weight would make throwing unlikely, tanto would be too long for lots of simple tasks.


Samurai version of a slipjoint edc;)