The kissaki is the tip of the Japanese blade and begins at the geometric yokote, or the line that separates the body of the blade from the tip. While the kissaki is a main component of the blade, not all kissaki are the same. There are many different sizes and shapes when it comes to the kissaki, with each different variation coming from a distinct period or for a particular purpose. In many cases, the different variations affect the fukura, or the curved portion of the kissaki that extends from the yokote to the tip of the blade. Let’s take a closer look at the different kissaki options and help you decide which one might be best for you.
The Ko-Kissaki
“Ko” means small, so it makes sense that the Ko-Kissaki is the smallest blade tip option when it comes to Japanese swords. The Ko-Kissaki and its smaller size refers to the width of the point relative to the width of the blade at the machi, so this kissaki is typically found on very tapered blades. You most often find this tip on very old swords from the Heian or Kamakura periods and most notably on 12th century tachi swords, or the precursor to the Katana. In most ways, this tip is similar in proportion to the standard Chu-kissaki, however, in comparison to the base of the blade, it is much smaller in size, measuring around 3cm.
The Chu-Kissaki
“Chu” means medium and is generally around 4-6cm. With this kissaki, the width and length are in good proportion, with the length being slightly bigger than the width. Swordsmiths began using this kissaki in the mid-Kamakura period and it is still the most common choice for most mass-produced production swords.
The O-Kissaki
“O” means large, and the O-Kissaki is the largest of the kissaki options, with the length being much longer than the width. This design is seen most in swords made during the North-South Dynasty Period (1336-1392) and Keicho and Genna eras (1596-1624) during the Edo period and is most often found on blades longer than 90cm (35.5”). The length of the kissaki is between 7-8cm and it has a fukura kareru, meaning it has a straighter curve to the tip.
Ikubi Kissaki
During the middle Kamakura period, sword trends moved toward a wider and sturdier style, with little blade taper from the mune-machi to the kissaki. “Ikubi” means the neck of the wild boar. This kissaki is thick, short, and stout looking in appearance, with a length much shorter than the width at the yokote. On this tip, the fukura has a round appearance, or fukura-tsuku.
Ikari Kissaki
Ikari kissaki, often referred to as ikari-o-kissaki, is a long kissaki with a point that curves slightly upward. This kissaki is mostly seen on naginata, nagamaki, or unokobu-zukuri. This is often referred to as a tanto tip and is commonly used with ninjato or shinobigatana.
Kamasu Kissaki
The kamasu kissaki, named after a long-beaked barracuda fish, this large kissaki dates back to the Heian period and is sometimes referred to simply as the Barracuda point. This kissaki has a noticeably straight edge, or fukura kareru. This is another blade commonly used with ninjato.
At Kult of Athena, you will find the chu-kissaki and o-kissaki on most of our swords. We strive to offer a wide variety of high-quality katanas inspired by the traditional swordsmith techniques. If you are looking for a specific feature and are unable to find it within our catalog, please contact us and we will work with you to help find the sword you are looking for.
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