Info on Shobu Zukuri Katanas

[Paulo K. Ogino]

Hi!

A long time ago I posted a thread about shobu vs. shinogi zukuri. I've been searching the web on this particular blade design, but I couldn't find any deep info. I also saw the sword forum info, but it's still very slight. Can anybody give me some links, historical info, the purpose of the design... etc.?? any help will be higly appreciated. Thankz!!!!

[Ford Hallam]

Hi there Paulo,

Shobu means Iris (the flower) in Japanese, shobu-zukuri refers to the blades Iris leaf-like shape. In a shobu-zukuri blade there is the customary longtitudinal ridge line but no yokote, the short transverse line which usually marks the start of the point area,(boshi). As to the function of this particular configuration I imagine it has to do with the asthaetics of this particular blade shape rather than any mechanical advantages. It would appear to be rather uncommon in longer blades, most examples are tanto or wakizashi particularly those of the Muromachi period (1392-1573).
I hope this is of some help to you

Regards,

Ford Hallam