The shobu-hi is another type of blood groove, and it's characterized by an indention in the shape of an iris plant leaf. It's essentially the same as the bo-hi, but with two lines instead of one. The futasuji-hi, for instance, features two narrow indentions that run the length of the blade. But there are several other types of blood grooves used by Japanese swordsmiths. The most common type of blood groove used in the Japanese katana is the bo-hi, which is a narrow indention that runs the length of the blade. A traditional katana will measure 3 to 4 feet in total length, with the hilt taking up one-fourth of the total and a characteristic curvature of more or less than 1 inch. longer katanas benefit more from blood grooves than shorter katanas). It's important to note, however, that the benefits of blood grooves diminishes as the blade is shortened (e.g. With blood grooves, however, the sword retains its original strength and stability. Normally, methods used to reduce a sword's weight sacrifices strength. Granted, making a small dip in the center of a katana may not seem like a substantial amount of reduced weight, but it can add up, especially when you consider that blood grooves run the entire length of the blade.Īccording to Wikipedia, blood grooves - when combined with heat treatment and blade tempering methods - can reduce a katana's weight by as much as 35%. You see, blood grooves operate in the same manner as an I-beam: offering additional agility by lowering its total weight. So, why were blood grooves a common feature in traditional Japanese katanas? Aside from the aesthetic benefits it offers, there's a very real, practical reason for its use. Whether used in a Japanese katana or any other bladed weapon, this indention doesn't have anything to do blood. Wakizashi The Wakizashi is similar to the katana but shorter in length. The terms "blood grooves" and "blood gutters" is somewhat confusing, however. A traditional katana will measure 3 to 4 feet in total length, with the hilt taking up one-fourth of the total and a characteristic curvature of more or less than 1 inch. The blood grooves are a single indention where the steel dips down in the middle. You can easily tell if a katana has blood grooves by inspecting the blade. One such feature is blood grooves, which we're going to discuss today.Īlso known as a fuller and blood gutters, blood grooves are a long and narrow indention that run the length of the katana through the middle of the blade. Japanese swordsmiths invested a substantial amount of work and energy towards perfecting the katana, adding intricate features that often go unnoticed. Originating out of feudal Japan, it's characterized by a distinct single-edged, curved blade with a long grip to support two-handed wielding. The katana is one of the world's most recognized swords.
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