Korean Eunjangdo

Norman McCormick · 14th July 2024, 08:41 PM

Hi,
A recent acquisition is this later Joseon Period Eunjangdo. The overall length is 6 1/2 inches (16.5 cms). The knife itself is 5 1/4 inches long (13.5 cms) with a blade of 2 3/4 inches (7 cms). Overall it is silver with a weight just over 3 1/2 ounces (100 grams). These are known as higher class ladies 'jewellery' accessories for self defence. These appear to be very uncommon with little on the net so I got in touch with Mr Lee of Swords of Korea who confirmed the above assertions. You will notice that the chopsticks are bent. According to Mr Lee originally the chopsticks would have been straight and that possibly the owner bent them to form a more secure grip for the knife in the sheath. Because it is a friction fit it would obviously slacken off with use. From handling the knife I would definitely say this is without doubt a very reasonable conclusion. On mine the chopsticks fit snugly, smoothly and neatly into the sheath and when inserted the knife also fits snugly and the whole can be inverted and shaken without the knife falling out. I did find some photos of other Eunjangdo which would seem to confirm this. The photo on the right of the next post and the one on the bottom left both show indications of bent chopsticks. The chopsticks are both bent evenly as is mine which to me shows a deliberate act and not random 'wear and tear'. If anyone has more info on these unusual survivors please let me know.
Regards,
Norman.

14th July 2024, 08:41 PM	#1
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,597	Korean Eunjangdo Hi, A recent acquisition is this later Joseon Period Eunjangdo. The overall length is 6 1/2 inches (16.5 cms). The knife itself is 5 1/4 inches long (13.5 cms) with a blade of 2 3/4 inches (7 cms). Overall it is silver with a weight just over 3 1/2 ounces (100 grams). These are known as higher class ladies 'jewellery' accessories for self defence. These appear to be very uncommon with little on the net so I got in touch with Mr Lee of Swords of Korea who confirmed the above assertions. You will notice that the chopsticks are bent. According to Mr Lee originally the chopsticks would have been straight and that possibly the owner bent them to form a more secure grip for the knife in the sheath. Because it is a friction fit it would obviously slacken off with use. From handling the knife I would definitely say this is without doubt a very reasonable conclusion. On mine the chopsticks fit snugly, smoothly and neatly into the sheath and when inserted the knife also fits snugly and the whole can be inverted and shaken without the knife falling out. I did find some photos of other Eunjangdo which would seem to confirm this. The photo on the right of the next post and the one on the bottom left both show indications of bent chopsticks. The chopsticks are both bent evenly as is mine which to me shows a deliberate act and not random 'wear and tear'. If anyone has more info on these unusual survivors please let me know. Regards, Norman. Attached Images Last edited by Norman McCormick; 15th July 2024 at 02:36 PM.