Japanese Chokuto Straight Sword, Stainless Steel, Black Robed Handle.

Japanese Chokuto or Hokuto, Straight Single Edged Sword, Stainless Steel, Black Robed Handle.

8 Pieces available, You Can Purchase 1,2,3,4,5,6,7, or 8.

Chokuto Or Hokuto Sword

Besides the curvature, a feature commonly associated with Japanese swords is the careful steel folding during the preparation of the billet. However, Japanese straight swords that preceded curved blades were made of unfolded steel. A Japanese straight sword represents the beginning of the blade craftsmanship that would develop over time. These swords were called Hokuto, or “straight swords”. These were likely used during the early years of the Kofun era, which lasted from 300 AD to 538 AD.

Chokuto was useful for hacking and thrusting motions. They are believed to have been widely used by early Japanese infantry. Like many of the battle tactics employed by military leaders, Hokuto was coarse but effective. As military strategies grew more sophisticated over time, blades continued to reflect the developing refinement of Japanese warfare. Straight swords were re-examined with an eye for further development; Hokuto did not have the lethality desired in intense combat.

The fundamental techniques used to make the swords may have originated in early China because the straight blades resemble ancient Chinese swords, such as the zhibedao of the Shang era. Other straight blades from the Kofun era were also used, such as the tsurugi sword, which resembles European blades. The production of tsurugi swords was also strongly influenced by ancient Chinese practices. It is thought to be a Japanese version of the Chinese Jian sword.

Item Code: MIL17A2233CMA

[Each] Length: 26 3/4" [Each] Height: 1 5/8" [Each] Depth: 2 1/2" [Each] Item Weight: 322.0 g  [Each] Item with Packaging: 550.0 g