Product Description
“Onna Bugeisha Naginata 1095 Series”
The naginata is a halberd-like weapon that was used extensively in feudal Japan. Described by some as simply “a sword on the end of a long pole”, the naginata was actually a sophisticated weapon which required considerable skill and stamina to use effectively in battle. It consisted of a curved blade, 1 to 2 feet in length, mounted onto a wooden shaft that was usually 5 to 9 feet long. The actual dimensions of a naginata were primarily dependent on personal preferences and battle conditions.
The naginata was also used extensively by women warriors (onna bugeisha). It is a common misconception that women of that era were submissive and subdued. In reality, they were highly trained warriors who were well versed in the use of the naginata as well as many hand to hand fighting techniques. One of the most famous women warriors was Hangaku Gozen aka Itagaki. Famous for her naginata skills, Itagaki was in charge of a garrison of 3,000 warriors at the Torizakayama castle. The Hojo shogunate dispatched over 10,000 warriors to crush them. Itagaki led her troops out of the castle directly into the Hojo warriors, killing a significant number of them before finally being overpowered. Off of the battlefield, the naginata was also used by women as a means of protecting themselves and their children while the men were away in battle or working in the fields. Because of the size and reach of the weapon, a woman could keep an attacker at a safe distance.
JGM Doc Tore –
You really have to research those who used Naginatas in the past before you would really appreciate this weapon. Lady Samurais (Bugeisha) and Warrior Monks (Sohei) are normally no match to Male Bushidos if they both use katanas. These gives Bugeishas an equalizer or even a slight advantage. They are also cheaper than nihontos for poor Soheis that are not mounted on expensive horses unlike Samurai Warriors. I have a cheaper machine-made Naginata but I still bought this genuine hand-forged Naginata so that not only me but other people who visit my home would know the difference between the two. And I put them on separate Shogun Vertical Sword stands also from Geisha’s Blades. The first thing you would readily notice is the difference in weight. The genuine Naginata, especially if 1095 or 1060 series, are very good in cutting without being damaged. I dare not use my fake Naginata which I’m sure will sustain edge breakages if I use it for cutting.