A basic Takouba with an odd point

FenrisWolf · 27th February 2007, 10:05 PM

This arrived yesterday; I picked it up because it was inexpensive and the blade was a little different from the average. I believe it to be of local production, a simple, flat-sided blade with a wide, shallow fuller running the full length on both sides. No maker's marks of any kind. I believe the blade must have been reshaped at some point in its life.

The fuller is heavily pitted but otherwise free of marks, while both edges display long, deep scratch marks from shaping. What's odd is that the blade shoulders down sharply for the last five inches, ending in the typical narrow, rounded point of the breed.

So, has anyone seen a similar profile on one of these, or have any suggestions as to why the smith would have chosen to shape the blade this way? It's the correct length, width, etc., for the scabbard, so I don't believe it was a case of re-pointing after a break.

Lew · 27th February 2007, 10:22 PM

So, has anyone seen a similar profile on one of these, or have any suggestions as to why the smith would have chosen to shape the blade this way? It's the correct length, width, etc., for the scabbard, so I don't believe it was a case of re-pointing after a break.

[/QUOTE]

Fenris Wolf

The taper at the point is original to the sword. I have one with a similar point.

Lew

katana · 27th February 2007, 10:34 PM

I haven't seen this blade shape used on a Takouba. The blade looks to be reasonably thick (usually thin and springy) is that the case ? The pyramidal pommel looks very neat and tight. Is the sword well balanced....I am wondering whether the 'weight-loss' at the tip end was done to ensure this. Mind you I would have thought the stabbing ability would be improved with the narrower profile

Certainly doesn't look 'touristy'....a nice addition, I feel.

27th February 2007, 10:05 PM	#1
FenrisWolf Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 181	A basic Takouba with an odd point This arrived yesterday; I picked it up because it was inexpensive and the blade was a little different from the average. I believe it to be of local production, a simple, flat-sided blade with a wide, shallow fuller running the full length on both sides. No maker's marks of any kind. I believe the blade must have been reshaped at some point in its life. The fuller is heavily pitted but otherwise free of marks, while both edges display long, deep scratch marks from shaping. What's odd is that the blade shoulders down sharply for the last five inches, ending in the typical narrow, rounded point of the breed. So, has anyone seen a similar profile on one of these, or have any suggestions as to why the smith would have chosen to shape the blade this way? It's the correct length, width, etc., for the scabbard, so I don't believe it was a case of re-pointing after a break.

27th February 2007, 10:22 PM	#2
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	So, has anyone seen a similar profile on one of these, or have any suggestions as to why the smith would have chosen to shape the blade this way? It's the correct length, width, etc., for the scabbard, so I don't believe it was a case of re-pointing after a break. [/QUOTE] Fenris Wolf The taper at the point is original to the sword. I have one with a similar point. Lew Attached Images

27th February 2007, 10:34 PM	#3
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	I haven't seen this blade shape used on a Takouba. The blade looks to be reasonably thick (usually thin and springy) is that the case ? The pyramidal pommel looks very neat and tight. Is the sword well balanced....I am wondering whether the 'weight-loss' at the tip end was done to ensure this. Mind you I would have thought the stabbing ability would be improved with the narrower profile Certainly doesn't look 'touristy'....a nice addition, I feel.