Nihonto Random Thoughts

Dr. T's "Nihonto Random Thoughts" Page

(ドクターＴの「日本刀雑考」之頁)

Disclaimer:

This page was created for the sole purpose of introducing some aspects of Japanese culture, history and tradition in association with one of the most respected traditional work of art in Japan, Nihon-to (i.e., traditionally hand forged and polished Japanese swords). Unless otherwise noted, the articles contained herein were written by the author of this web page (i.e., a.k.a. Dr. T) to present academic information on Japanese history, culture and traditional crafts related to Nihon-to. While the author of this web page possesses limited experience both as a collector of authentic Nihon-to and as a student of Iai-do (i.e., the art of sword drawing), by no means the articles contained herein are intended as instructions for martial arts training or any activities involving the use or manipulation of live swords for combative, aggressive, or potentially dangerous purposes.

Although Nihon-to is wonderful work of art of Japan with one thousand years of history, it is still a potentially dangerous weapon capable of causing serious bodily harm or even death. Therefore, no collector of art should ever handle live Nihon-to unless properly instructed on its safe handling, proper care and maintenance by a more experienced collector or appraiser. Similarly, no student of martial arts should ever handle Nihon-to unless properly trained by a qualified instructor on the appropriate use of Nihon-to in martial art training.

The author of this web page, the author(s) of specific articles, the Department of Sociology or University of North Alabama will assume absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for any damages resulting from abuse or misuse of information contained herein.

(24 articles as of Jan. 31, 2007)

Click on the links below to read the articles.

Feudal Japan and Nihon-to

[封建時代の日本と日本刀]

"Common length of tsuka on Nihon-to from a socio-historical perspective." by Dr. T

"Historical classification of wakizashi and the taxonomy of Nihon-to based on their blade length and functions/purposes." by Dr. T

"How did samurai wear uchigatana traditionally?" by Dr. T

"Was chonin class in Edo period allowed to wear/carry swords?" by Dr. T

Gendai-to/Shinsaku-to

[現代刀・新作刀]

"Why even a "martial arts grade" shinsaku-to by a mediocre smith costs so much?" by Dr. T

Koshirae (Mounts)