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CHOOSE AND MEASURE YOUR SABER

HOW TO MEASURE A SABER?

  

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A blade is divided into two parts A and B:

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AT :Edge of the blade

B:Nakago, tang of the blade that will be inserted into the Tsuka

VS :Nagasa, blade length

D:Mune machi

E :Sori, curvature

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In Japan, this blade length is still often expressed in the old Shaku unit of measurement.

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The "Ni-shaku san-sun" (about 70 cm) is a standard length for Katana.

 


The units :

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  • Shaku =30.2 cm or 11.9 inches.

  • Sun =1/10 of Shaku.

  • Bu =1/10 of Sun = 0.3 cm.

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Blade measurement parameters:

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  • Nagasa:Length measurement (straight line) between the Kissaki and the Mune-machi.

  • Sori:Measurement of the curve between the Nagasa and the Mune (Greatest distance).

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Saber Length Parameters:

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  • Tachi, Daito and Katana= 2 + Shaku.

  • Shoto, Wakizashi= between 1 and 2 Shaku.

  • tanto= less than 1 Shaku.

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​ The lengths indicated in the table below are for information only.

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The length of your blade may vary depending on the style, the school you practice and the recommendations of your Sensei.

 

The weight of a sword:

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In terms of weight and for regular use, I do not advise you to exceed 950g. Beyond that, you may start to struggle and generate injuries (Especially if you are a beginner : clumsy gestures, etc.). If you feel you have the physical abilities, take heavier, otherwise take lighter.

Basic guide for beginners, I suggest...
 

  •    _cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b-136bad5cf 58d_For small and medium-sized people: from 700g to 850g.

  •    _cc781905-5cde-3194-bb3b-136bad5cf 58d_For medium and tall people: from 800g to 950g max.


 

The balance of a sword:

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Somehow the weight of the saber is irrelevant. Technical and physical problems usually result from an unbalanced blade.

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Rarely considered, balance is an important factor in choosing a sword.

Many modern swords are no longer made taking this criterion into account.

 

 

Balance point of a saber:

The balance point is important for understanding weight andfeel of a saber.

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The balance point is a point on the blade that distributes equal weight to both ends of the sword. Because every blade is different, where this point is located can have varying effects.

When the balance point is closer to the Tsuka (Handle), there is more weight on the tip of the blade. Therefore, the blade will feel heavy in the hands. Conversely, a sword with a point of balance near the middle of the blade will be heavier towards the Tsuka.

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How can I find the balance point of a sword? :

In order to find the point of balance, you must first take your sword without its Saya (Scabbard). Now, it is very important to take extra care when handling a sharp blade.

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Place your saber on the table, find a piece of wood (Covered with a protective cloth) so that the saber no longer touches the table (Cutting edge upwards). Place the Mune of the saber on the wedge (At the level of the Sori).

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Move the wedge to find the point of balance, so that neither the Kissaki nor the Tsuka-Kashira touches the table. The blade should no longer oscillate.

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Next, take a tape measure and measure the distance between the Tsuba and the axis of the wooden block.

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The distance between the two is the position of the balance point of your sword.

the ideal balance point of a sword:


The ideal balance point is around 12.7 cm or 5 inches. Most good blacksmiths opt for a balance point at 13.97 cm or 5.5 inches. It is the ideal value combining both ease of use and cutting power.

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1 inch = 2.54 centimeters

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