Kissaki Forms and Fukura

The Kissaki is the tip portion of the blade forward of the yokote (shaded area)

Fukura

Fukura refers to the curved portion of the blade edge (ha) forward of the yokote. The curvature of the Fukura varies independently of the typical types listed below giving a great variety of possible kissaki shapes.

Typical Kissaki Forms

Ko Kissaki

Ko means 'small' 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.

Chû Kissaki

Chû means 'medium sized'. This kissaki form is used from the mid-Kamakura period onwards and is the type most often encountered.

Ô Kissaki

Ô means 'large'. An Ô Kissaki is therefore one which is large in proportion to the rest of the blade.

Ikubi Kissaki

Ikubi means 'boar's neck'. It is a kissaki whose length is shorter than the saki haba (the width of the blade at the yokote)

Ikari Kissaki

The Ikari Kissaki form has a slightly upswept point.

Kamasu Kissaki

Kamasu refers to a kind of fish with a long beak. So called because its shape resembles the head of the fish. This kissaki type having virtually no curvature in the fukura is a very early form.

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