{"id":105951,"date":"2025-02-25T09:04:07","date_gmt":"2025-02-25T14:04:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/?p=105951"},"modified":"2025-07-21T17:00:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T22:00:11","slug":"types-of-bo-hi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/types-of-bo-hi\/","title":{"rendered":"Types of Bo-Hi (Grooves) and Their Attributions for Katanas"},"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=\"#different-types-of-hi-grooves\">Types of Hi (Grooves)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#types-of-tome-groove-end\">Types of Tome (Groove End)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#types-of-hisaki-groove-tip\">Types of Hisaki (Groove Tip)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#types-of-chiri-groove-wall\">Types of Chiri (Groove Wall)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Hi (grooves) found on Japanese blades are not only highly functional but also serve as indicators of the blade\u2019s swordsmith, swordmaking school, or production time, making it crucial in sword appraisal. These grooves vary greatly in shape, ranging from wide to very narrow, having shaped ends, or being carved into the tang without a finished end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"different-types-of-hi-grooves\">Different Types of <em>Hi<\/em> (Grooves)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Japanese sword appraisal, the swordsmith, school or tradition, and the age of the blade are determined based on its appearance. Generally, the <em>hi<\/em> (grooves) and their features are examined when evaluating the blade shape (<em>sugata<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Hi<\/em> vary in shape, with specific grooves associated with particular swordsmiths and swordmaking traditions. However, some grooves were added later and are referred to as <em>ato-bi<\/em> (\u5f8c\u6a0b). The grooves are only considered indicators in sword appraisal when they are original to the blade.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"accent-block accent-block--info\"><div class=\"accent-block__icon\"><svg width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M16 3C13.4288 3 10.9154 3.76244 8.77759 5.1909C6.63975 6.61935 4.97351 8.64968 3.98957 11.0251C3.00563 13.4006 2.74819 16.0144 3.2498 18.5362C3.75141 21.0579 4.98953 23.3743 6.80762 25.1924C8.6257 27.0105 10.9421 28.2486 13.4638 28.7502C15.9856 29.2518 18.5995 28.9944 20.9749 28.0104C23.3503 27.0265 25.3807 25.3603 26.8091 23.2224C28.2376 21.0846 29 18.5712 29 16C28.9964 12.5533 27.6256 9.24882 25.1884 6.81163C22.7512 4.37445 19.4467 3.00364 16 3ZM15.5 9C15.7967 9 16.0867 9.08797 16.3334 9.2528C16.58 9.41762 16.7723 9.65189 16.8858 9.92597C16.9994 10.2001 17.0291 10.5017 16.9712 10.7926C16.9133 11.0836 16.7704 11.3509 16.5607 11.5607C16.3509 11.7704 16.0836 11.9133 15.7926 11.9712C15.5017 12.0291 15.2001 11.9994 14.926 11.8858C14.6519 11.7723 14.4176 11.58 14.2528 11.3334C14.088 11.0867 14 10.7967 14 10.5C14 10.1022 14.158 9.72064 14.4393 9.43934C14.7206 9.15804 15.1022 9 15.5 9ZM17 23C16.4696 23 15.9609 22.7893 15.5858 22.4142C15.2107 22.0391 15 21.5304 15 21V16C14.7348 16 14.4804 15.8946 14.2929 15.7071C14.1054 15.5196 14 15.2652 14 15C14 14.7348 14.1054 14.4804 14.2929 14.2929C14.4804 14.1054 14.7348 14 15 14C15.5304 14 16.0391 14.2107 16.4142 14.5858C16.7893 14.9609 17 15.4696 17 16V21C17.2652 21 17.5196 21.1054 17.7071 21.2929C17.8946 21.4804 18 21.7348 18 22C18 22.2652 17.8946 22.5196 17.7071 22.7071C17.5196 22.8946 17.2652 23 17 23Z\" fill=\"#01231F\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"accent-block__content\">The term hi is typically pronounced as bi when preceded by other characters. For instance, a straight groove referred to as bo-hi is pronounced, and sometimes spelled, as bo-bi.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p>For a comprehensive list of swordsmiths and schools, the book<a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com.ph\/books?id=zPyswmGDBFkC&amp;printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&amp;q&amp;f=false\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <em>The Connoisseur&#8217;s Book of Japanese Swords<\/em><\/a> by K\u014dkan Nagayama serves as a valuable reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Bo-hi (Straight, Wide Groove)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"450\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Bo-hi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105995 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Bo-hi.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Bo-hi-740x370.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\/450;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Also spelled <em>bo-bi<\/em>, a <em>bo-hi<\/em> (\u68d2\u6a0b) is a long, straight, wide groove. As a long and wide groove, it takes most of the <em>shinogi-ji<\/em>, which is the surface between the ridge line and the back of the blade. However, when a long, wide groove is carved into a <em>tanto<\/em> or a specific type of <em>wakizashi<\/em>, such as <em>hira-zukuri ko-wakizashi<\/em>, the term <em>katana-hi<\/em> (\u5200\u6a0b) applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordsmiths and swordmaking schools:<\/strong> <em>Bo-hi<\/em> is the most common type of groove used by several swordsmiths and schools, making it impossible to provide representative names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <em>Bo-hi<\/em> with <em>Soe-bi<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"450\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Bo-hi-with-Soe-bi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105994 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Bo-hi-with-Soe-bi.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Bo-hi-with-Soe-bi-740x370.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\/450;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Bo-hi with soe-bi<\/em> (\u68d2\u6a0b\u306b\u6dfb\u6a0b) refers to a straight, wide groove (<em>bo-hi<\/em>) accompanied by a second, thinner groove (<em>soe-bi<\/em>). Its thinner groove lies along the wider groove and can either be located at the ridge line (<em>shinogi<\/em>), on the flat surface between the ridge line and the back (<em>shinogi-ji<\/em>), or slightly under the <em>shinogi-ji<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordsmiths and swordmaking schools:<\/strong> <em>Bo-hi with soe-bi<\/em> was more or less introduced by the Bizen swordsmiths of the Nanbokucho period, with this style being most popular during the Muromachi period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Notable swordsmiths known for incorporating this groove in their blades include Nobukuni, Sanjo Yoshinori, Horikawa Kunihiro, Miyoshi Nagamichi, Echizen Kanenori, and Yamashiro no Kami Kunikiyo. Schools applying this type of groove include the Hasebe, Sue-Shikkake, Kanabo, Takada, Sue-Mihara, Hojoji, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <em>Bo-hi<\/em> with <em>Tsure-bi<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Bo-hi with tsure-bi<\/em> (\u68d2\u6a0b\u306b\u9023\u6a0b) refers to a straight, wide groove (<em>bo-hi<\/em>) accompanied by a second, thinner groove that extends to the top of the <em>bo-hi<\/em>. In this case, the thinner groove extends around the front of the wider groove and towards the back surface of the blade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordsmiths and swordmaking schools: <\/strong><em>Bo-hi with tsure-bi<\/em> became more popular towards the end of the Muromachi period, but was also found on blades of famous Kamakura and Nanbokucho-period swordsmiths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Koto-era smiths like Nobokuni, Sukezane, Kagemitsu, Sanenaga, and Kanemitsu incorporated this groove into their blades, as did Shinshinto-era smiths like Suishinshi Masahide and Taikei Naotane. Schools known for applying this groove into their works include the Rai, Ko-Osafune, Horikawa, Hojoji, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <em>Futasuji-hi <\/em>(Double Bo-hi)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"450\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Futatsuji-hi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105996 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Futatsuji-hi.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Futatsuji-hi-740x370.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\/450;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Futasuji-hi<\/em> (\u4e8c\u7b4b\u6a0b) refers to a pair of identical and parallel grooves, but not necessarily of the same length. It is also known as <em>nihon-bi<\/em> (\u4e8c\u672c\u6a0b).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordsmiths and swordmaking schools: <\/strong><em>Futasuji-hi<\/em> emerged towards the end of the Kamakura period, though earlier swords with this type of groove were probably added on a later date (<em>ato-bi<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Famous swordsmiths known for incorporating futasuji-hi include Rai Kuninaga, Sadamune, Nobukuni, Kaneuji, Kanemitsu, and Izumi no Kami Kanesada to name a few. Swordmaking schools, like the Sengo, Sue-Aoe, Yasutsugu, Hojoji, also applied the groove on their works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <em>Take-kurabe<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"146\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Take-kurabe.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-106008 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Take-kurabe.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Take-kurabe-740x120.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\/146;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A tanto blade featuring a take-kurabe groove &#8211; Credits: Markus Sesko<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The term <em>take-kurabe<\/em> (\u4e08\u6bd4\u3079) translates as <em>comparison of height<\/em>. It is a variant of <em>futasuji-hi<\/em>, in which one thin groove ends noticeably before the other. It was found on some <em>wakizashi<\/em> or <em>tanto<\/em>, particularly on <em>hira-zukuri<\/em> blades without ridge lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. <em>Shobu-hi<\/em> (Iris Leaf-Shaped Groove)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"142\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Shobu-hi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-106007 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Shobu-hi.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Shobu-hi-740x117.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\/142;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A Japanese blade with a shobu-hi &#8211; Credits: Markus Sesko<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another variant of the <em>futasuji-hi<\/em>, the <em>shobu-hi<\/em> (\u83d6\u84b2\u6a0b) resembles an iris, as the two small grooves merge at the tip. It can be found on <em>tanto<\/em> blades of Yamato and Soshu provinces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordsmiths and swordmaking schools: <\/strong>The shobu-hi was incorporated into blades by swordsmiths such as Rai Kunimitsu, Takagi Sadamune, Awataguchi Norikuni, Hiromitsu, as well as by the Shikkake and Miike schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. <em>Kuichigai-hi<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"447\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kuichigai-hi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-106003 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kuichigai-hi.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kuichigai-hi-740x368.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\/447;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Blades featuring different kuichigai-hi variants &#8211; Credits: Markus Sesko<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>kuichigai-hi<\/em> (\u55b0\u9055\u3044\u6a0b) refers to two thin grooves, in which the top groove ends at the middle of the blade, while the bottom groove continues, surrounding the shorter groove. Sometimes, the top groove is interrupted at the middle, while the bottom groove widens into a large groove. In some cases, the thin grooves are crossing somewhere along the blade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordsmiths and swordmaking schools: <\/strong>Famous swordsmiths who incorporated <em>kuichigai-hi<\/em> on their works include Nobukini, Heianjo Nagayoshi, Dewa Daijo Kunimichi, Taikei Naotane, and Gassan Sadakazu, to name a few. Schools such as Hosho, Sue-Tegai, Kanabo, Uda, Koga, and Yasutsugu also used this type of groove.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8.<em> Koshi-hi<\/em><\/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\/02\/Koshi-hi.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-106002 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Koshi-hi.png 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Koshi-hi-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>Featuring a wakizashi blade with koshi-hi gomabashi combination, with the front blade (above) having the short wide groove and the back (below) having the shorter parallel grooves &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Also pronounced as <em>koshi-bi<\/em> (\u8170\u6a0b), a <em>koshi-hi<\/em> is a short groove with a rounded top, carved on the lower section of the blade, near the tang. More often, it is only carved on the front of the blade. This feature was commonly seen on <em>tanto<\/em>, and occasionally on certain Koto-era <em>tachi<\/em> and katana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, the <em>koshi-hi<\/em> is combined with the <em>gomabashi<\/em> (\u8b77\u6469\u7bb8), which is a shorter variant of parallel grooves (<em>futasuji-hi<\/em>). <em>Gomabashi <\/em>was mostly seen on <em>ko-wakizashi<\/em> or <em>tanto<\/em> and rarely on <em>tachi<\/em> and katana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordsmiths and swordmaking schools: <\/strong>Famous swordsmiths who applied a <em>koshi-hi<\/em> on their works include Nobukuni, Heianjo Nagayoshi, Shintogo Kunimitsu, Yasutsugu, Sagami no Kami Masatsune, Kanenori, Suishinshi Masahide, and Taikei Naotane, to name a few. Swordmaking schools such as the Awataguchi, Rai, and Horikawa used both the <em>koshi-hi<\/em> and the <em>gomabashi<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. <em>Naginata-hi<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A <em>naginata-hi <\/em>(\u8599\u5200\u6a0b) refers to a short wide groove (<em>bo-hi<\/em>), mostly accompanied by a thinner groove (<em>soe-bi<\/em>), that ends early in a diagonal manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>naginata-hi <\/em>is named after the <a href=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/naginata-sword\/\">Japanese polearm <em>naginata<\/em><\/a>, which almost exclusively-made with this type of groove. However, the earliest known Japanese sword with such grooves is the Kogarasu Maru (\u5c0f\u70cf\u4e38), which is double-edged at the tip. The <em>naginata-hi<\/em> was sometimes found on some <em>tanto<\/em>, <em>wakizashi<\/em>, and katana blades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordsmiths and swordmaking schools: <\/strong>Famous swordsmiths who applied the naginata-hi to their blades include Nobukuni, Heianjo Nagayoshi, Hojoji Kunimitsu, Kurihara Nobuhide, Suishinshi Masahide, Taikei Naotane, and Gassan Sadakazu. Schools such as the Kanabo, Sue-Seki, Uda, and Horikawa incorporated the groove into their works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"206\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Naginata-hi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-106006 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Naginata-hi.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Naginata-hi-740x169.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\/206;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A Chinese saber featuring a naginata-hi &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Surprisingly, the <em>naginata-hi<\/em> can also be<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/item\/chinese-saber-naginata-hi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> found on some Chinese swords<\/a>, so some speculate that the groove may have been originally Chinese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. <em>Kusabi-hi<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"188\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kusabi-hi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-106004 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kusabi-hi.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kusabi-hi-740x155.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\/188;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A Japanese spearhead featuring kusabi-hi &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The term <em>kusabi-hi <\/em>(\u6954\u6a0b) translates as <em>wedge groove<\/em>. It is one of unusual type of grooves found on some spearheads, particularly on<a href=\"https:\/\/atarn.mandarinmansion.com\/glossary\/yari-qiang\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> some forms of <em>yari<\/em><\/a> used by some samurai and soldiers. The <em>kusabi-hi<\/em> can be found on some large spearheads with parallel sides and triangular cross-section. In some cases, these irregularly-cut grooves are highlighted with red lacquer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types-of-tome-groove-end\">Types of <em>Tome<\/em> (Groove End)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to hi (<em>grooves<\/em>), the term <em>tome<\/em> (\u7559\u3081) means <em>stop<\/em>, referring to the bottom of the groove near the <a href=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/nakago\/\">tang<\/a>. In sword appraisal, it is examined how a groove ends, as some run into the tang, while others end above it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <em>Kaki-toshi<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"450\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kaki-toshi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-106000 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kaki-toshi.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kaki-toshi-740x370.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\/450;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The term <em>kaki-toshi<\/em> (\u66f8\u304d\u901a\u3057) means <em>no end<\/em>, referring to a groove-end that is cut all the way through the full length of the tang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <em>Kaki-nagashi<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"450\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kaki-nagashi.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105999 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kaki-nagashi.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kaki-nagashi-740x370.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\/450;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The term <em>kaki-nagashi<\/em> (\u66f8\u304d\u6d41\u3057) means <em>halfway end<\/em>, referring to a groove-end that extends and tapers halfway down the tang. Generally, a <em>kaki-nagashi<\/em> does not have a crisp and clear end, but it tapers out gradually into the body of the tang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <em>Kaku-dome<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"450\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kaku-dome.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-106001 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kaku-dome.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kaku-dome-740x370.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\/450;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The term <em>kaku-dome<\/em> (\u89d2\u7559\u3081) means <em>square end<\/em>. Most of the time, this groove-end finishes around an inch from the notches (<em>machi<\/em>) or just above the tang in an angular manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, in case the groove ends within the tang with a distinct <em>kaku-dome<\/em> the same way it would have stopped before the notches, it may still be considered as a <em>kaku-dome<\/em>. It differs from the usual <em>kaki-nagashi<\/em>, which gradually and smoothly extends into the body of the tang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordsmiths and swordmaking schools:<\/strong> The <em>kaku-dome<\/em> can be seen in the blades of famous swordsmiths like Tomonari, Nagamitsu, Kagemitsu, Shimada Yoshisuke, Dewa Daijo Kunimichi, Yokoyama Sukesada, Taikei Naotane, and Gassan Sadakazu. Also, some schools, such as Oei-Bizen, Tegai, Takada, and Hojoji, incorporated the <em>kaku-dome<\/em> into their works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <em>Maru-dome<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"450\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Maru-dome.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-106005 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Maru-dome.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Maru-dome-740x370.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\/450;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The term <em>maru-dome<\/em> (\u4e38\u7559\u3081) means <em>rounded end<\/em>, referring to the end of the groove finished with a round and even surface. It often stops above the tang on the polished portion of the blade and can be seen on various types of <em>hi<\/em>, including <em>bo-hi with soe-bi<\/em>, <em>naginata-hi<\/em>, and such.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordsmiths and swordmaking schools:<\/strong> Bizen swords of the mid-Kamakura and Muromachi periods often feature a <em>maru-dome<\/em>. It is important to note that the <em>maru-dome<\/em> executed by swordsmiths Kanemitsu and Kagemitsu was typically positioned higher than that of other smiths. Additionally, famous swordsmiths such as Nobukuni, Heianjo Nagayoshi, and Echizen Yasutsugu incorporated it into their works, as did schools like Sue-Tegai, Kanabo, and Horikawa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types-of-hisaki-groove-tip\">Types of <em>Hisaki<\/em> (Groove Tip)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"555\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Types-of-Hisaki.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-106011 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Types-of-Hisaki.jpg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Types-of-Hisaki-740x456.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\/555;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Blades with rising hisaki (leftmost two); blades with descending hisaki (rightmost two) &#8211; Credits: Markus Sesko<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The tip of the <em>hi<\/em> (groove) is called the <em>hisaki<\/em> (\u6a0b\u5148), located near the <a href=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/examining-kissaki\/\">point area of the blade<\/a>. In sword appraisal, it is examined how the groove ends towards the tip of the blade, as certain swordsmiths and schools favored specific types of <em>hisaki<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <em>Hisaki-agaru<\/em> (Rising <em>Hisaki<\/em>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"302\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Hisaki-agaru-Rising-Hisaki.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105997 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Hisaki-agaru-Rising-Hisaki.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Hisaki-agaru-Rising-Hisaki-740x248.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\/302;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A blade featuring a wide groove with a rising hisaki &#8211; Credits: Metropolitan Museum<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>hisaki-agaru<\/em> (\u6a0b\u5148\u4e0a\u304c\u308b) refers to a groove that is more or less close to the <em>ko-shinogi<\/em> and extends beyond the <em>yokote<\/em>. Technically, the <em>ko-shinogi<\/em> is the diagonal line that separates the point area of the blade from the back. In contrast, the <em>yokote<\/em> is the perpendicular line to the cutting edge, distinguishing the point from the body of the blade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordsmiths and swordmaking schools: <\/strong>The <em>hisaki agaru<\/em> is popular on Koto blades and rarely on Shinto blades. Famous swordsmiths associated with incorporating the rising <em>hisaki<\/em> on their blades include Nobukuni, Kagemitsu, Kunimune, Suishinshi Masahide, Taikei Naotane, and occasionally Echizen Yasutsugu, Tadayoshi, and Horikawa Kunihiro. Schools associated with <em>hisaki agaru<\/em> include the Rai, Ko-Bizen, Ichimonji, and Ko-Osafune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <em>Hisaki-sagaru<\/em> (Descending <em>Hisaki<\/em>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"279\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Hisaki-sagaru-Descending-Hisaki.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105998 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Hisaki-sagaru-Descending-Hisaki.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Hisaki-sagaru-Descending-Hisaki-740x229.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\/279;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A blade featuring twin, parallel grooves with a descending hisaki &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>hisaki-sagaru<\/em> (\u6a0b\u5148\u4e0b\u304c\u308b) refers to a groove that stops below the <em>yokote<\/em>, which is the line perpendicular to the cutting edge that separates the point area from the body of the blade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordsmiths and swordmaking schools: <\/strong>The <em>hisaki-sagaru<\/em> was mostly seen on Nanbokucho-period swords and Satsuma-province swords. Famous swordsmiths who incorporated the descending <em>hisaki<\/em> into their blades include Go Yoshihiro, Dewa Daijo Kunimichi, Tadayoshi, and Sa Yukihide. Schools such as Tegai, Shikkake, Chogi, Sue-Aoe, and Hojoji also incorporated the <em>hisaki-sagaru<\/em> into their works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"types-of-chiri-groove-wall\">Types of <em>Chiri<\/em> (Groove Wall)<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"696\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Types-of-Chiri.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-106010 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 696px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 696\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Featuring a blade with ryo-chiri (left); featuring a blade with kata-chiri (right) &#8211; Credits: Markus Sesko<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The term <em>chiri<\/em> (written as \u30c1\u30ea or \u6563) literally means wall of the groove. In sword appraisal, particular attention is given to the <em>chiri<\/em>, especially when the blade is in <em>shinogi-zukuri<\/em> style, characterized by a distinct ridge line (<em><a href=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/anatomy-and-characteristics-of-shinogi\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/anatomy-and-characteristics-of-shinogi\/\">shinogi<\/a><\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When a wide groove is carved on a <em>shinogi-zukuri<\/em> blade, a very narrow flat surface (<em>shinogi-ji<\/em>), known as the <em>chiri<\/em>, may remain on one or both sides of the groove.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <em>Ryo-chiri<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"393\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-shinogi-zukuri-katana-blade-featuring-a-groove-with-two-walls.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105993 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 393px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 393\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A shinogi-zukuri katana blade featuring a groove with two walls\u2014along the ridge line and towards the back &#8211; Credits: Aoijapan<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The term <em>ryo-chiri<\/em> (\u4e21\u30c1\u30ea) means <em>two walls<\/em>, referring to the remaining flat surface (<em>shinogi-ji<\/em>) on both sides of the groove. This occurs when a wide groove is carved at the center of the <em>shinogi-ji<\/em>, leaving a <em>chiri<\/em> along the ridge line (<em>shinogi<\/em>) and towards the back (<em>mune<\/em>) of the blade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"250\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-closer-look-at-a-ryo-chiri.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105990 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-closer-look-at-a-ryo-chiri.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-closer-look-at-a-ryo-chiri-740x206.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\/250;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A closer look at a ryo-chiri. The groove has two walls\u2014towards the back and along the ridge line &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordsmiths and swordmaking schools: <\/strong>The <em>ryo-chiri<\/em> was often seen in schools outside<a href=\"https:\/\/www.touken-world.jp\/tips\/gokaden-en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> the Gokaden (The Five Traditions)<\/a>. It was commonly found in the blades crafted by swordsmiths from the provinces of Kaga, Echizen, Hoki, and Iwami. While it became rare after the Koto era, the <em>ryo-chiri<\/em> occasionally appeared in the works of swordsmiths such as Ogasawara Nagamune, Higo Daijo Sadakuni, and Echizen Daijo Tadakuni.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <em>Kata-chiri<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"409\" height=\"600\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-shinogi-zukuri-katana-blade-featuring-a-groove-with-a-single-wall.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105992 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 409px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 409\/600;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A shinogi-zukuri katana blade featuring a groove with a single wall, positioned towards the back &#8211; Credits: Aoijapan<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The term <em>kata-chiri<\/em> (\u7247\u30c1\u30ea) means <em>one wall<\/em>, referring to the remaining flat surface (<em>shinogi-ji<\/em>) on one side of the groove. It happens when the wide groove is carved directly along the ridge line (<em>shinogi<\/em>) and leaves only a <em>chiri<\/em> towards the back (<em><a href=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/blog\/mune-parts-and-types\/\">mune<\/a><\/em>) of the blade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"299\" data-src=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-closer-look-on-a-kata-chiri.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105991 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-closer-look-on-a-kata-chiri.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-closer-look-on-a-kata-chiri-740x246.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\/299;\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A closer look on a kata-chiri. The groove is directly carved along the ridge line, leaving only a wall towards the back &#8211; Credits: Mandarin Mansion Antiques<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related swordsmiths and swordmaking schools: <\/strong>The <em>kata-chiri<\/em> was popular with all Koto-era schools, though it was used less often during the Shinto era. It was seen in the blades of swordsmiths Yokoyama Sukesada, Ichinohira Yasuyo, Suishinshi Masahide, Taikei Naotane, and Gassan Sadakazu.<\/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><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chinese saber with &#8220;naginata-hi&#8221;<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. (n.d.). Mandarin Mansion. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/item\/chinese-saber-naginata-hi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.mandarinmansion.com\/item\/chinese-saber-naginata-hi<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kapp, L., Kapp, H., &amp; Yoshihara, Y. (2002). <\/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=2ahUKEwi0pKmn_t6LAxWDbPUHHSd2Gb0Q6AF6BAgLEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Modern Japanese Swords and Swordsmiths: From 1868 to the Present<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Kodansha International.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kapp, L., Kapp, H., &amp; Yoshihara, Y. (2012). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=CGZPvLkmP3IC&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=The+Craft+of+the+Japanese+Sword&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj4oM-s_t6LAxWSk68BHUxCGRMQ6AF6BAgKEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Craft of the Japanese Sword<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Kodansha USA.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kusabi-hi (\u6954\u6a0b)<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. (2022, March 13). Mandarin Mansion. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atarn.mandarinmansion.com\/glossary\/kusabi-hi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.atarn.mandarinmansion.com\/glossary\/kusabi-hi<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nagayama, K. (2017). <\/span><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=2ahUKEwiZyMmx_t6LAxUrZ_UHHfDUF9IQ6AF6BAgHEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 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;\">Roach, C. M. (2014). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=OG_oBAAAQBAJ&amp;printsec=frontcover&amp;dq=Japanese+Swords:+Cultural+Icons+of+a+Nation;+The+History,+Metallurgy+and+Iconography+of+the+Samurai+Sword&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjbzsK2_t6LAxVzna8BHbwHORkQ6AF6BAgMEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Japanese Swords: Cultural Icons of a Nation; The History, Metallurgy and Iconography of the Samurai Sword<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Tuttle Publishing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2014). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com.ph\/books?id=5w6QBwAAQBAJ&amp;pg=PA155&amp;dq=Encyclopedia+of+Japanese+Swords&amp;hl=en&amp;newbks=1&amp;newbks_redir=1&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiLhLm-_t6LAxWSja8BHcN2Bi4Q6AF6BAgLEAM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encyclopedia of Japanese Swords<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Lulu.com.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sesko, M. (2015, February 25). <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">KANTEI 1 \u2013 SUGATA #3<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Markus Sesko. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2015\/02\/25\/kantei-1-sugata-3\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/markussesko.com\/2015\/02\/25\/kantei-1-sugata-3\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tsuchiko, T. (2002). <\/span><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.). Kodansha International.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yari (\u69cd)<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. (2022, March 14). Mandarin Mansion. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/atarn.mandarinmansion.com\/glossary\/yari-qiang\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/atarn.mandarinmansion.com\/glossary\/yari-qiang<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yari with kusabi-hi<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. (n.d.). Mandarin Mansion. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/atarn.mandarinmansion.com\/item\/yari-kusabi-hi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/atarn.mandarinmansion.com\/item\/yari-kusabi-hi<\/span><\/a><\/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=2ahUKEwjwjcnU_t6LAxXWiK8BHSPrOTIQ6AF6BAgLEAM\" 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>Hi (grooves) found on Japanese blades are not only highly functional but also serve as indicators of the blade\u2019s swordsmith, swordmaking school, or production time, making it crucial in sword appraisal. These grooves vary greatly in shape, ranging from wide to very narrow, having shaped ends, or being carved into the tang without a finished&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":106009,"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\/105951","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=105951"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/105951\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":113442,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/105951\/revisions\/113442"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/106009"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=105951"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=105951"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swordis.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=105951"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}