How Good is a Hidden Katana (Shikomizue)?
7,515During Japan's Meiji period the wearing of swords was banned, so of course people did it in secret, carrying blades hidden inside inconspicuous walking sticks or canes. The concealment comes at a price, making it a worse design in an open duel compared to a traditional katana. But does it make up for its drawbacks through its unexpected effectiveness for self-defense in a surprise attack on the street?
Let's take a closer look at its pros & cons and how it works, as well as what distinguishes a Shikomizue from a Shirasaya mount.
The sword I'm showing in this video:
https://www.kultofathena.com/product/hanwei-bamboo-stick-katana/?koa=259
(affiliate link)
Technique demonstration by Seki Sensei
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScTnCzfV-lk
Picture sources:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shikomizue_1.JPG
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/36641
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/27615
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Campinas-20110324-00166.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Antique_Japanese_(samurai)_katana.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wakizashi_2.JPG
https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/canterbury-auction-galleries/catalogue-id-srcan10017/lot-1ce0513f-baea-43cb-a48a-a4ad011f65ca
https://new.uniquejapan.com/a-meiji-period-shikomizue-elite-samurai-cane-sword/
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Degenstok,_waarvan_houten_schede_en_houten_handvat_in_de_vorm_van_mannenkop_een_wandelstok_vormen,_objectnr_20992-A-B(1).JPG
*** Music credits ***
“Gray Trip” by HorrorPen
https://opengameart.org/content/gray-trip
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license (CC BY 3.0)
Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
https://theslantedroom.github.io/steve.yee/
Used with artist's permission
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