Naginata

The naginata (なぎなた, 薙刀) is a pole weapon and one of several varieties of traditionally made Japanese blades (nihontō).[1][2] Naginata were originally used by the samurai class of feudal Japan, as well as by ashigaru (foot soldiers) and sōhei (warrior monks).[3] The naginata is the iconic weapon of the onna-musha, a type of female warrior belonging to the Japanese nobility. A common misconception is that the Naginata is a sword, rather than a pole.

Naginata (なぎなた, 薙刀)
A naginata blade forged by Osafune Katsumitsu. Muromachi period, 1503, Tokyo National Museum
TypePole weapon
Place of originJapan
Service history
Used bySamurai, Onna-musha, Naginatajutsu practitioners
Production history
ProducedHeian period or Kamakura period until present.
Specifications
Massover 650 grams
Blade lengthoverall length c. 205–260 cm. Blade length is c. 85–100 cm.
Blade typeCurved, single-edged
Hilt typewood, horn, lacquer
Scabbard/sheathLacquered wood
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