Kissaki - The tip of Katana sword
By Dremdsword
July 20th, 2024
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The Katana kissaki (切先), referring to the sharp, pointed end of a Japanese sword blade, is an essential component contributing to the overall performance of the weapon. Kissaki is used to directly cut or stab, swordsmiths have continually improved the Kissaki to make it stronger and sharper with each battle, and shape of Kissaki evolved to meet the needs of different combat style in each era. The value of a sword is determined largely by the quality of the point.
The tip or point area of a samurai sword that has a ridge line (shinogi) is called a Kissaki. This is the hardest part of the sword to polish and forge and to hand create a quality one would require an extremely skilful artisan. Another word for Kissaki in Japanese is "鋒". To be more specific, Kissaki is the section above where two specific lines meet: the "Shinogi-Suji" (鎬筋) and the "Yokote" (横手).
KATANA KISSAKI TYPES
There are several katana kissaki types, each with their own distinct features. The size of the Kissaki is up to the blade maker but generally fall in Ko, Chu or O sizes which is small 3 cm, medium 4-6 cm and large 7-8cm. The Kissaki-Chu is the most common and will be found on the majority of production swords. There are also numerous shapes the kissaki can be. These kissaki styles are predominantly used for thrusting attacks, their rounded design functioning to prevent the katana from getting lodged in an adversary's armor.
Ko-kissaki (小切先 / Small Tip)
Ko means 'small' (2-3cm long) and refers to the kissaki being of small proportion with respect to the rest of the blade. This form is typical of early Kamakura tachi.
Chu-Kissaki (中切先 Medium Tip)
Chu means 'medium sized' (3-4cm long) . The width and the length of the kissaki are in good proportion. The length looks a little bigger than the width. Chu-kissaki is used from the mid-Kamakura period onwards. It's the most common shape among existing swords.
O-Kissaki (大切先 Large Tip)
"O" means "large" (longer than 5cm). The kissaki length is far larger than the width. It looks emphatic for eyes. This type started in 14th century. It appears on large blades, over 90 cm long. The blade width also is large towards the kissaki and it is proportional to the length. But the thickness doesn't become so large. An O-kissaki is one which is large in proportion to the rest of the blade.
Kamasu-Kissaki (かます切先 Barracuda Tip)
The kamasu-kissaki (2-3cm long) is another common katana kissaki type, and is characterized by a pointed tip. So called because its shape resembles the head of the fish. A very large kissaki with an almost straight edge (has little curve, or Fukura). This katana kissaki type is often used for slashing attacks, as the pointed tip can more easily penetrate an opponent's armor.
Ikubi Kissaki (猪首切先 Boar's Neck Tip):
Ikubi Kissaki (shorter than the saki haba) was popular during the middle of the Kamakura period. It is a short kissaki and looks robust and steady. Ikubi Kissaki is often featured on Tachi, which has a wider Mihada "身幅" than Uchigatana "打刀". Ikubi means boar's neck, because the shape of Ikubi Kissaki looks like one.
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