Chokuto Japanese sword - Tokugawa Hidetada
The Practical Shinobi Ninja-to, whose construction patterns closely that of the Practical Katana, is a wonderful addition for those studying the Way of the Ninja.
The blade is Straight line made of hand-forged high-carbon steel and is differentially tempered using a traditional claying method. All the fittings (koshirae) are done in metals aged.
The ornate tsuba displays japanese scenes. The tsuka is wrapped in a synthetic ray skin (same), available in black, and the tsuka-ito is done in imitation black leather.
The saya (scabbard) has flat black finish with demon-head bindings for the black Japanese cotton sageo and an intricate kojiri (end of scabbard) on the end of the saya.
A sword no practitioner of Ninjutsu should be without.
The chokuto
(pronounced "choh-koo-tow") is a straight sword. Prior to the advent of clay technology that allowed a differentially hardened blade (harder edge and softer body thus creating a temper line in the shape of the clay application) the Japanese swords of the time were straight, since the differential heat treatment using clay would cause the blade to curve once it emerged from the quenching waters.
In later periods, chokuto could be made even with clay to achieve a hardened edge during the final heat treatment and quenching. Since this would normally cause a blade to curve, the process of making swords this way yet keeping them straight was considered to be a much more skilled (and possibly more costly) process.
The Hollywood "Ninja-to" was a straight blade but not the classical chokuto, since ninja-to were meant to be discardable. However, consider that some ninja were Samurai or Ronin, it made more logical sense to have a regular curved sword to eliminate any chance at a ninja being identified by his straight short blade.
KEY FEATURES:
* Forged high-carbon steel blade
* Differential tempering
* Japan made
Name of the warrior engraved on the blade.
Warning:
All Edged Weapons, Battle Ready or Not, May Injure, Kill and/or Become Damaged if Used Improperly.
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