What Was a Real Ninja Sword Like?

We've all seen ninja movies where the hero and all the bad ninja carry swords. The sword of the modern ninja is a straight-bladed weapon with a square Tsuba (hand guard). This image has been so ingrained in us by hollywood that few ever question whether this is an historically accurate depiction.

According to - Ninjutsu: History and Tradition, by Masaaki Hatsumi, the ninja sword was straight. This description is actually misleading, because it is straight only relative to the average sword of the period. Japanese swords of the period were designed as slashing and cutting weapons. To make them more efficient for this purpose, they generally had a substantial curvature. There seems to have been a steady progression from curved ninja swords to the modern straight version.

The first ninja swords were probably either wakazashi or katana that had been cut down. They were then carried in a full-length katana scabbard. This was a diversionary tactic to mislead opponents as to the length of the ninja's weapon. Using a technique called battoujutsu, which basically means strike faster than expected, a ninja could use this short sword to get the drop on an enemy because they could draw the sword much faster than they would be able to draw a full-length weapon. The excess space at the end of the scabbard could also be used to hide small equipment, making it like the predecessor to today's survival knives with the compartment in the handle. As an additional advantage, the short sword in a full length scabbard would appear as a normal weapon. Many times, the ninja would not want to be identified as a ninja. The full length sword was pretty much a part of the "uniform" for a warrior of the day. From samurai to basic armsmen, everyone who carried swords regularly would tend to utilize the full length types.

Ninja were the spies and assassins of medieval Japan. In such a role, they would prefer to avoid open combat if at all possible. Using a weapon shorter than the standard sword, they were able to both surprise opponents and gain an advantage in close combat. In addition to the surprise concept, a short sword could be concealed much more easily than a full length weapon. This was important when a ninja wanted to appear unarmed for his or her mission.

These various sword configurations, along with the progression from extremely curved blade to straight blade make deciding what is a "real" ninja sword a matter of historical period. For a serious collector to boast a complete collection, one would need the modern straight blade, wakazashi with katana fittings (handle and tsuba), and katana cut down in length. The various styles would show the progression of the weapon through the ages. This is one of the factors we, as collectors, pride ourselves on. Our collections are more than just a showplace of fine bladeware, they are a story told in steel.

BladeMaster Steve is a staff writer at HeavenlySwords.com, your online retailer and importer of high quality anime swords. For great deals on fantasy swords visit them today!