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What is a Kissaki?

What Is A Kissaki?

In a nutshell

  • Sharp tip of the katana.
  • Delimited by Yokote, Ko-Shinogi, Fukura, Munesaki.
  • Hand-polished by a Togishi.
  • Several styles, Ko, Chu, O-Kissaki.
  • Requires regular maintenance to prevent dulling.

Or read on for detailed information 📚!

The Kissaki (切っ先), literally “the tip”, is the sharp end of a katana sword. Unlike a simple, conventional point, the Kissaki has a specific shape and polished finish, giving it great precision when cutting. It is formed from a rigorous forging process, where the Togishi (sword polisher) adds the final touches to define its geometry.

The Kissaki is defined by several precise elements of the blade: the Yokote (the line separating the tip from the rest of the blade), the Ko-Shinogi (the crete line at the tip), the Fukura (the rounding of the tip) and the Munesaki (the end of the Mune).

Types of Kissaki

There are several types of Kissaki, each with its characteristics. The Ko-Kissaki, for example, is shorter and more discreet, while the O-Kissaki is longer and more imposing. Over the centuries, several different Kissaki styles have been developed:

Ko-Kissaki (小切先)

Ko-Kissaki, or “small tip”, is a short type of Kissaki, often associated with swords from the Heian and Kamakura periods. This style, with its compact, precise tip, enables great maneuverability in close combat. It is often found on Tachi, swords used mainly on horseback, where speed and precision of strike were essential.

Chu-Kissaki (中切先)

The Chu-Kissaki, or “medium tip”, is the most common type of Kissaki. It offers a perfect balance between maneuverability and power. This style, which has spanned several centuries, is prized for its versatility, enabling the katana to excel in a wide variety of techniques, from waist strikes to tip blows.

O-Kissaki (大切先)

O-Kissaki, or “big tip”, is a longer variation, giving the katana a more imposing and aggressive appearance. This style is often associated with the Nanbokucho and Shinto periods when swords were expected to pierce armor more effectively. The increased length of the O-Kissaki provides superior striking power, ideal for the brutal fighting of the period.

Although Ko, Chu, and O-Kissaki are the most common, other types of Kissaki exist, less widespread but just as fascinating.

Kamasu-Kissaki

The Kamasu-Kissaki, often compared to the shape of a barracuda because of its sharp tip, is similar to straight blades forged before the 10th century, such as Chokutō. Its shape gives it the ability to penetrate armor with formidable efficiency.

Ikubi-Kissaki

The Ikubi-Kissaki is very short and rare, with a shape distinguished by a width more marked than its length. It is typical of blades from the Kamakura period, a time when functionality took precedence over aesthetics.

Ikari O Kissaki

This tip is long and curved.

Moroha-Zukuri

The Moroha-Zukuri is another fascinating double-edged variation, inspired by Chinese Jian swords. Although rare, this type of Kissaki is particularly sought-after by collectors. Its unique, double-edged design makes it as formidable as it is elegant.

Katana Sword Kissaki Types

Kissaki polishing

One of the most important aspects of the Kissaki is its polishing, a process that requires great skill. It is common for the tip to take as long to polish as the rest of the blade. Fine polishing, particularly mirror polishing, enhances the beauty of the sword, but excessive polishing can compromise the strength of the tip, while too light polish will not reveal the full beauty of the sword and its cutting potential.

The challenge of polishing a Kissaki lies in the transition between the curved part of the blade, called the Yokote, and the tip. This distinct line marks the separation between the main cutting edge and the Kissaki and requires extreme precision during the polishing phase to respect the angle.

Experienced swordsmiths must balance blade thickness, curvature, and symmetry to obtain a functional, razor-sharp Kissaki. The Boshi, the hardening line visible on the tip, adds an extra layer of complexity. It must be well-aligned and proportioned for the sword to remain balanced and efficient.

Kissaki maintenance

Because of its position and cutting role, the Kissaki is one of the blade parts most exposed to wear and damage. Regular use, especially in martial arts such as Kenjutsu or Iaido, can lead to dulling of the tip. Maintaining a sharp Kissaki is essential, not only for performance but also to preserve the structural integrity of the katana. When maintaining a katana, particular attention must be paid to the Kissaki. Traditional Japanese polishing, carried out by craftsmen called Togishi, restores the tip using meticulous techniques. This process includes the use of fine-grained stones to avoid any imbalance in the kissaki’s shape. It is possible to perform this polishing at home with water stones, but the process requires great precision and is not recommended.

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