Kozuka

[Yaso]

What's the story with these little blades? From what I've read, they were mainly on the wakizashi, but I've seen a few production swords that had them housed on the sayas of katanas. What were the uses of these little blades? Also, are there any particular arts that focus on their use beyond that of a basic tool?

[bobO]

I think they were just little utility knives,also one was for fixing your top knot.There might be some throwing art involved or I just watched to many samurai movies.Now I'm not sure of this ,but I think some were signed,and after a guy killed you,he would stick one in your ankle.This way if any one had a problem with you whacking said guy they would know how to look you up.Could be wrong about all of this,but I'm sure someone will tell me if I am.

[Dotanuki]

I believe they stuck it in the ear, not the ankle and you forgot picking your teeth.=)

[Mako]

Kozuka is the name given to the decorative 'handle' in which a kogatana or kogai was fitted,they're also used to house other implements like forks,spoons and dining knives but not on a katana though.:)

Do a search for kozuka and just look at some of the prices that originals demand and that's without any blade etc fitted.:-O

[bobO]

So I totally blew that one.Maybe that should say swordmaster wannabe under my name!Should of had my coffee first.Sorry for the bad info.Mako ,just did a quick search,all I can say is WOW,I won't be getting any of those any time soon.But lordy there beautiful.

[Taygrd]

Found this awhile back and thought it was neat. Great website for metalwork. I have been wanting to try to build one but have not had the time or motivation.
http://www.thecarvingpath.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=950&hl=kozuka

[Mako]

So I totally blew that one.Maybe that should say swordmaster wannabe under my name!Should of had my coffee first.Sorry for the bad info.Mako ,just did a quick search,all I can say is WOW,I won't be getting any of those any time soon.But lordy there beautiful.
Nah...it's not bad info' bobO,;)...maybe they *were* left as a 'calling card',I couldn't and wouldn't argue the point because I really don't know but I suspect that if they were,the relatively cheap and easily replaced signed kogatana would have been left without the expensive kozuka as not many Samurai were as wealthy as you.:))
Here's one of just many sites selling kozuka and I've seen them a lot more expensive too.:-O
http://www.ricecracker.com/japanese_swords_kozuka/kozuka.htm

[Jason Moore]

I had read the same as Bobo that they were stuck in a fallen adversaries ankle for proof of the kill. (I have read it more than once in several different books. I beleive it was not the Kozuka, but the Kogai though.

[Dotanuki]

=)) I dunno, I might be confused with some of the Manga I've been reading?:-?
Mind ain't quite what it used to be!:-/

[bobO]

I think the reason it was put in the ankle is ,that as the body decayed the tendons would hold it solid.And yes it was the kogai not the kozuka.But in the ear sounds good to.Minds not what it use to be for me also.But I thought it was so the guys family or friends would know who to go to for paybacks.They did these things very properly,like I'm so and so from where ever and I'm going to kill you alot,so sorry!

[tanukimario]

Here's another question. What's the difference from a kozuka and a kogatana?

[Mako]

These are kogatana.

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/9403/kogatana1480w11ro2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Kozuka is just the handle the kogatana is fitted in.

http://www.japanese-kozuka.com/ (http://www.japanese-kozuka.com/)

These are kogai.

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/6638/kogei204061ci4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Firehand10k]

Is there another name for the kogatana and kazuka together when assembled or which are they called then? Very nice pics never really thought much about those little knives on there before. Its interesting to learn that they are something historical.

[bobO]

You know firehand I'm tempted to take that question over to that bastion of knowledge SFI cause I don't know?And I bet theres got to be a name for it.What do ya think should I go for it. PS. There scary people. O-KAY,This is where one of our more knowledgeable members is supposed to step in and save me from my self! Cause I'll do IT,I Will!! OH yeah,the kogai are cool,see that spoon like deal on the end of the handle? That's for digging the wax outta your ears.Also very popular with HollyWood samurai.

[Firehand10k]

Why do you think I asked here instead of heading over there myself?

Edit: I went and did it. Can't wait to see what they have to say.

[bobO]

You DA Man:dwarf:,I guess the army's alright after all;),except at football.=)) GO NAVY:sadorc:

[Brian Brazier]

I belive the Kogai were ordimental hairpins

[Yaso]

Does anyone have an idea on where to get a hold of one for a decent price? I'm not exactly in the market for authentic antiques. Google turned up next to nothing. I'm not crafty enough to make one either.

[bobO]

I think Fred Lohman has some for sale.

[Brian Brazier]

http://www.japanese-swords.com/pages/kogai.htm http://www.japanese-swords.com/pages/kodzuka.htm

[Mako]

Right...it took a couple of days but this is the reply I got from one of the guys on the Nihonto Message Board who hasn't been wrong yet.;)


A kogatana is occasionally called “kozuka no ho ” when it is mounted in its kozuka. That literally means “the ho of a kozuka”, and ho means the point of a blade in this usage.
_________________
Koichi Moriyama
Tokyo
Japan

[bobO]

Thank you ,Mako.I knew there had to be a name for this configuation.Just got back from SFI,they made me so mad,I'm shaking,what a bunch of jerks,not all but enough to get under my skin.Who do some of these people think they are!As chop-chop said over at SBG,A wanker with a 10,000$ sword is still a wanker!Must be nice to live in a ivory tower.

[Firehand10k]

I gave up there after one guess from someone. Should have just waited. I knew Mako would either have or know where to get us the answer. THanks.

[bobO]

Well ,I put a bee in there bonnet this morning.Don't think I'll be going back there any time soon.I'll just stay in my own back yard.They ask to high a price for there knowledge.

[Firehand10k]

Where is it? I wanna see.>:)

[bobO]

In the thread about broken Tsuka,Just hit new post.Carefull you could get stung!!It's like kicking a nest of fireants!

[Taygrd]

Found this while reading: The kogai is a kind of bodkin which might be used to dress hair, and which has a small protrusion at the end said to be for cleaning ears. The middle Edo period book Bankin Sangyo Bukuro ("A Bagful of Metal Industries") records thatthe kogai was once used as a indentifaction mark, to be left in the body of the fallen enemy in order to claim the victory at a later time. -Swords of the Samurai Victor Harris and Nobuo Ogasawara

[Kurubushi Kamu]

Hi All..just a quick note . I noticed no one yet has mentioned waribashi. This was a tool that resembled a Kogai but split down the middle,worn in the same way on the saya, and used like chopsticks to handle incense at the shrine..KK

[bobO]

We had to leave something for the new guys. See how that worked out. Dotanuki, just read ,where the Kogai was sometimes used to pick up a severed head for inspection, by piercing the ear!