{"id":104900,"date":"2025-01-15T23:08:17","date_gmt":"2025-01-16T04:08:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/?p=104900"},"modified":"2025-01-15T23:08:18","modified_gmt":"2025-01-16T04:08:18","slug":"anatomy-and-characteristics-of-shinogi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/anatomy-and-characteristics-of-shinogi\/","title":{"rendered":"Shinogi Explained: Anatomy and Characteristics of the Ridge Line"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><p>Table of Contents<\/p><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#anatomy-and-related-terminologies\">Anatomy and Related Terminologies<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-height-of-the-shinogi\">Height of the Shinogi<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-shinogi-in-various-blade-constructions\">Shinogi in Various Blade Constructions<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#examining-the-shinogi-in-sword-appraisal\">Examining the Shinogi in Sword Appraisal<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>shinogi<\/strong>, a defining feature of Japanese swords, is more than just a structural element\u2014it\u2019s a window into the artistry and history of swordmaking.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This prominent ridge line, running parallel to the cutting edge, not only contributes to the blade\u2019s functionality but also holds secrets about its origin.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From its height to its placement, the shinogi can reveal when a blade was forged and which swordmaking school influenced its design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s uncover the significance of the shinogi and its role in understanding the craftsmanship behind Japanese swords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"anatomy-and-related-terminologies\">Anatomy and Related Terminologies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"90\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Shinogi.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104918 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Shinogi.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Shinogi-740x74.jpeg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/90;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Featuring the shinogi or ridge line parallel to the cutting edge of the blade, from the butt end of the tang to the yokote line &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong><em>Shinogi<\/em> (\u93ac)<\/strong> \u2013 The ridge lines on both sides of the blade, between the back (<em>mune<\/em>) and the cutting edge. It extends from the butt end of the tang (<em>nakago-jiri<\/em>) to the <em>yokote<\/em> (the line perpendicular to the cutting edge at the point).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Shinogi-ji.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104917 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Shinogi-ji.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Shinogi-ji-740x493.jpeg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The shinogi-ji surface of the blade appears darker than the cutting edge area &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antique<\/em>s<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong><em>Shinogi-ji<\/em> (\u93ac\u5730)<\/strong> \u2013 The flat surface of the blade between the <em>shinogi<\/em> and the <em>mune<\/em> (back).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"707\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/ko-shinogi-and-the-shinogi-mitsukado.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104916 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 707px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 707\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The ko-shinogi and the shinogi mitsukado at the point area of the blade &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong><em>Ko-shinogi<\/em> (\u5c0f\u93ac)<\/strong> \u2013 The continuation of the <em>shinogi<\/em> in the point area above the <em>yokote<\/em>, a diagonal line dividing the point area from the back of the blade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong><em>Shinogi mitsukado<\/em> (\u93ac\u4e09\uff82\u89d2)<\/strong> \u2013 The spot where the <em>shinogi<\/em>, <em>ko-shinogi<\/em>, and <em>yokote<\/em> lines meet.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"609\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Nakago-Parts-and-Features.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104898 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 400px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 400\/609;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Featuring the nakago shinogi on the tang area of the blade &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong><em>Nakago shinogi<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 The continuation of the <em>shinogi<\/em> in the tang (<em><a href=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/examining-nakago\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/examining-nakago\/\">nakago<\/a><\/em>) of the blade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"453\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kasane.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104887 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kasane.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kasane-740x372.jpg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/453;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Featuring the kasane and mihaba on a blade cross-section &#8211; Credits: Markus Sesko<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong><em>Kasane<\/em> <\/strong>\u2013 The thickness at the <em>mune<\/em> (back of the blade).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2022 <strong><em>Mihaba<\/em><\/strong> &#8211; The width of the blade from the back edge to the cutting edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-height-of-the-shinogi\">The Height of the <em>Shinogi<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The height of the <em>shinogi<\/em> refers to the thickness of the blade from one side of the <em>shinogi<\/em> (ridge line) to the other. Generally, if the blade has a <em>shinogi<\/em>, the cross-section will be thickest where the ridge line is located. The difference in the thicknesses is described as either <em>high<\/em> or <em>low<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">High Shinogi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/High-Shinogi.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104913 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/High-Shinogi.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/High-Shinogi-740x493.png 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A blade in a shobu-zukuri construction featuring a high shinogi, as seen in its diamond-shaped cross-section &#8211; Credits: Markus Sesko<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If the distance between the two ridge lines is relatively large, it is referred to as a high <em>shinogi<\/em>. Also, the cross-section of the blade is diamond-shaped. More than that, the distance between the ridge lines is noticeably wider in cross-section <a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2015\/02\/19\/kantei-1-sugata-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">compared to the <em>kasane<\/em><\/a>\u2014the width or thickness of the blade at the <em>mune<\/em> or back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, a blade may feature a high <em>shinogi<\/em>, but its actual <em>kasane<\/em> is thin. High <em>shinogi<\/em> is commonly found in blade constructions like <em>shobu-zukuri<\/em>, especially on <em>wakizashi<\/em> and <em>tanto<\/em> of the Muromachi period. It also appears on <em>nagamaki<\/em>, <em>naginata<\/em>, <em>yari<\/em>, and ken-style blades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Low <em>Shinogi<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, if the distance between the two ridge lines is relatively small, it is described as a low <em>shinogi<\/em>. In some cases, the <em>shinogi<\/em> is extremely low and virtually looks like the blade thins from the <em>mune<\/em> to the <em>shinogi<\/em>. Also, some blades feature a <em>shinogi<\/em> that appears to be lower or at the same level as the <em>kasane<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-shinogi-in-various-blade-constructions\">The <em>Shinogi<\/em> in Various Blade Constructions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Japanese swords and daggers widely varied in<a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2015\/02\/14\/kantei-1-sugata-1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> blade constructions (<em>tsukurikomi<\/em>, \u9020\u8fbc)<\/a>. Depending on the blade construction, a <em>shinogi<\/em> may be oriented towards the <em>mune<\/em> (back of the blade) or the cutting edge. However, the <em>hira-zukuri<\/em>, which is flat on both sides, lack a <em>shinogi<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <em>Shinogi Zukuri<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Shinogi-Zukuri-Swordis-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-102996 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Shinogi-Zukuri-Swordis-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Shinogi-Zukuri-Swordis-600x338.png 600w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Shinogi-Zukuri-Swordis-400x225.png 400w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Shinogi-Zukuri-Swordis-740x416.png 740w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Shinogi-Zukuri-Swordis.png 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Also known as <em>hon-zukuri<\/em> (\u672c\u9020), the <em>shinogi-zukuri<\/em> (\u93ac\u9020) is the most common blade construction found in Japanese swords, particularly in long swords. Its <em>shinogi<\/em> is positioned closer to the <em>mune<\/em> (back of the blade) than to the cutting edge, <em>yokote<\/em>, and <em>ko-shinogi<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <em>Kiriha Zukuri<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Kiriha-Zukuri-Swordis-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-102992 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Kiriha-Zukuri-Swordis-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Kiriha-Zukuri-Swordis-600x338.png 600w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Kiriha-Zukuri-Swordis-400x225.png 400w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Kiriha-Zukuri-Swordis-740x416.png 740w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Kiriha-Zukuri-Swordis.png 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Also known as <em>kiriba-zukuri <\/em>(\u5207\u5203\u9020), a <em>kiriha-zukuri<\/em> features a <em>shinogi<\/em> that\u2019s very close to the cutting edge. It can only be seen on ancient blades or later blade reproductions, as some swordsmiths of the Bakumatsu and Meiji eras experimented with the <em>kiriha-zukuri<\/em> shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <em>Katakiriha Zukuri<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Katakiriha-Zukuri-Swordis-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-102991 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Katakiriha-Zukuri-Swordis-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Katakiriha-Zukuri-Swordis-600x338.png 600w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Katakiriha-Zukuri-Swordis-400x225.png 400w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Katakiriha-Zukuri-Swordis-740x416.png 740w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Katakiriha-Zukuri-Swordis.png 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Also known as <em>katakiriba-zukuri<\/em> (\u7247\u5207\u5203\u9020), the <em>katakiriha-zukuri<\/em> features a blade with a <em>shinogi<\/em> very close to the cutting edge on one side, while the other side remains flat. It emerged during the end of the Kamakura period and regained popularity during the Edo period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <em>Shobu Zukuri<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Shobu-Zukuri-Swordis-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-102997 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Shobu-Zukuri-Swordis-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Shobu-Zukuri-Swordis-600x338.png 600w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Shobu-Zukuri-Swordis-400x225.png 400w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Shobu-Zukuri-Swordis-740x416.png 740w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Shobu-Zukuri-Swordis.png 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>shobu-zukuri<\/em> (\u83d6\u84b2\u9020) is characterized by a blade with a <em>shinogi<\/em> that extends to the tip of the point area but lacks a <em>yokote<\/em> line. Its name is derived from its resemblance to a Japanese iris leaf (<em>shobu<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <em>Kanmuri Otoshi Zukuri<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Kanmuriotoshi-Zukuri-Swordis-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-102990 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Kanmuriotoshi-Zukuri-Swordis-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Kanmuriotoshi-Zukuri-Swordis-600x338.png 600w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Kanmuriotoshi-Zukuri-Swordis-400x225.png 400w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Kanmuriotoshi-Zukuri-Swordis-740x416.png 740w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Kanmuriotoshi-Zukuri-Swordis.png 1920w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>kanmuri otoshi zukuri<\/em> (\u51a0\u843d\u9020) is a blade construction that combines the features of a <em>shinogi-zukuri <\/em>style on the lower half of the blade. Its distinctive characteristic lies in the diagonally cut <em>shinogi-ji<\/em>, reminiscent of a <em>shobu-zukuri<\/em> style. This construction can be found on swords crafted by Yamato swordsmiths and appeared during the Kamakura period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"examining-the-shinogi-in-sword-appraisal\">Examining the <em>Shinogi<\/em> in Sword Appraisal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Japanese sword appraisal, the <em>shinogi<\/em>, along with the <em>shinogi-ji<\/em>, is an important factor examined regarding a blade\u2019s shape (<em>sugata<\/em>). It plays a crucial role in dating a blade, as the characteristic features of the <em>shinogi<\/em> and <em>shinogi-ji<\/em> often reveal insights into certain swordmaking traditions, production era, and individual swordsmiths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Shinogi<\/em> and the Associated Swordmaking Schools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the height of the <em>shinogi<\/em> which can be described as either <em>high<\/em> or <em>low<\/em>, one can gain an idea regarding the swordsmith, school, or traditions behind the blade.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordmaking schools for a high <\/strong><strong><em>shinogi<\/em><\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>The Yamato and Yamato-related schools are notable representatives for blades with a high <em>shinogi<\/em>. These include the Uda, Mihara, Nio, Iruka, Tadasada, Kongobei, and the Naminohira schools. Additionally, the Sue-Bizen schools produced blades featuring a high <em>shinogi<\/em>. Examples of high <em>shinogi<\/em> can also be seen in the works of Shinto-era swordsmiths Nanki Shigekuni and Kunikane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordmaking schools for a low <\/strong><strong><em>shinogi<\/em><\/strong><strong>: <\/strong>The Bizen and Soshu schools were known for producing swords characterized with a low <em>shinogi<\/em>. This style is evident in blades crafted by the Ichimonji, Osafune, and Kozori schools. Notably, Shinto-era swordsmiths Tsuda Sukehiro and Omi no Kami Sukenao also produced swords with the <em>shinogi<\/em> appearing to be at the same level or lower than the <em>kasane<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Shinogi-ji<\/em> and the Associated Swordmaking Schools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"327\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Japanese-blades-featuring-a-wide-and-narrow-shinogi-ji.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-104912 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Japanese-blades-featuring-a-wide-and-narrow-shinogi-ji.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Japanese-blades-featuring-a-wide-and-narrow-shinogi-ji-740x269.jpg 740w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 900px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 900\/327;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>(From top to bottom) Japanese blades featuring a narrow and wide shinogi-ji, respectively &#8211; Credits: Markus Sesko<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>shinogi-ji<\/em> refers to the surface of the blade between the <em>shinogi<\/em> (ridge line) and the <em>mune<\/em> (back of the blade). The width of the <em>shinogi-ji<\/em> can be described as either <em>narrow<\/em> or <em>wide<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordmaking schools for a narrow <em>shinogi-ji<\/em>: <\/strong>The Soshu and Yamashiro swordsmiths were renowned for crafting blades characterized by a narrow <em>shinogi-ji<\/em>. The Awataguchi school also employed a narrow <em>shinogi-ji<\/em> in their works, along with swordsmiths Ko-Hoki Yasutsuna, Sekishu-mono, Hidemitsu, Masatsune, Sanetada, and Kotetsu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordmaking schools for a wide <em>shinogi-ji<\/em>: <\/strong>The Yamato and Yamato-related schools are recognized for crafting blades characterized by a wide <em>shinogi-ji<\/em>. Among the swordsmiths known for applying a wide <em>shinogi-ji<\/em> in their blades are Mino Kanetsugu, Kanesada, Aoe Masatsune, Kozori Tsuneie, and Osafune Mitsutada.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion accordion-sources article-slide \"><div class=\"faq-item accordion__item\"><h5 class=\"faq-item__heading accordion__handler\">Sources Cited<span class=\"faq-item__opener faq-item__opener--dark\"><\/span><\/h5><div class=\"faq-item__content accordion__slide content-area\"><ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kapp, L., Kapp, H., &amp; Yoshihara, Y. (2013). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=c7YeN0F5tn4C&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=Modern+Japanese+Swords+and+Swordsmiths:+From+1868+to+the+Present&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqgqvbrvmKAxWTbPUHHbP3KRQQ6AF6BAgHEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern Japanese Swords and Swordsmiths: From 1868 to the Presen<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">t<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Kodansha USA.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nagayama, K. (2017). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">T<\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=zPyswmGDBFkC&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=the+Connoisseur%27s+Book+of+Japanese+Swords&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiYhufhrvmKAxWCma8BHZdFAh0Q6AF6BAgMEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">he Connoisseur&#8217;s Book of Japanese Swords<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Kodansha USA.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sat\u014d, K. (1983). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u5200\u5263<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (J. Earle, Trans.). Kodansha International.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2015, February 14). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">KANTEI 1 \u2013 SUGATA #1<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Markus Sesko. Retrieved January 12, 2024, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2015\/02\/14\/kantei-1-sugata-1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2015\/02\/14\/kantei-1-sugata-1\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2015, February 19). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">KANTEI 1 \u2013 SUGATA #2<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Markus Sesko. Retrieved January 12, 2024, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2015\/02\/19\/kantei-1-sugata-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2015\/02\/19\/kantei-1-sugata-2\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tsuchiko, T. (2002). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=BWy3gx-0PR8C&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=he+Connoisseur%27s+Book+of+Japanese+Swords%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E5%88%8021%E4%B8%96%E7%B4%80%E3%81%B8%E3%81%AE%E6%8C%91%E6%88%A6:+The+New+Generation+of+Japanese+Swordsmiths+%E8%8B%B1%E6%96%87%E7%89%88+(K.+Mishina,+Trans.)&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwif4oXprvmKAxUFdfUHHcLmEAcQ6AF6BAgEEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u65e5\u672c\u520021\u4e16\u7d00\u3078\u306e\u6311\u6226: The New Generation of Japanese Swordsmiths \u82f1\u6587\u7248<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (K. Mishina, Trans.)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Kodansha International.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yoshihara, Y. (2012). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=URDQAgAAQBAJ&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=The+Art+of+the+Japanese+Sword.+The+Craft+of+Swordmaking+and+its+Appreciation&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjB9Z7vrvmKAxXoUfUHHQ_FALIQ6AF6BAgMEAI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Art of the Japanese Sword. The Craft of Swordmaking and its Appreciation<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Tuttle Publishing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The shinogi, a defining feature of Japanese swords, is more than just a structural element\u2014it\u2019s a window into the artistry and history of swordmaking.&nbsp; This prominent ridge line, running parallel to the cutting edge, not only contributes to the blade\u2019s functionality but also holds secrets about its origin.&nbsp; From its height to its placement, the&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":104919,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[],"class_list":{"2":"type-post","6":"hentry"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104900","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=104900"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104900\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":104920,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/104900\/revisions\/104920"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/104919"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=104900"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=104900"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=104900"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}