Original Item: Only One Available. Purchased at a recent military show, this is a fantastic condition rare Japanese Kabutowari (兜割 - "helmet breaker" or "skull breaker"), also known as hachiwari ("helmet bowl breaker). This is a type of knife-shaped weapon, resembling a jitte Japanese police truncheon in many respects. This weapon was carried as a side-arm by the samurai class of feudal Japan. Contrary to the name however, it is unlikely that these were in fact able to split helmets, skulls, etc.. Japanese kanji often allow multiple interpretations, and "wari" can mean split, rip, crack or smash.

Kabutowari were usually around 35cm (13.8 inches) long; some larger versions are around 45cm (17.7inches) long. There were two types of kabutowari: a dirk-type and a truncheon-type. The former was forged with a sharp dirk-like point, which could be used to parry an opponent's sword, to hook the cords of armor or a helmet, or like a can opener to separate armor plates. The sharp point could pierce unprotected or weak areas of an opponent's armor like the armpit area. The blade of this type of kabutowari was a curved tapered square iron or steel bar with a hook on its back edge. In combat, one could parry and catch a blade with that hook, as with a jitte. Some kabutowari of this type were mounted in the style of a tantō with a koshirae.

This is a great example of the "Dirk" type of Kabutowari, with a forged blade in traditional tanto style fittings (Koshirae), and is the first example of these that we have ever had! It dates from the Edo period (江戸時代, Edo jidai) or Tokugawa period (徳川時代, Tokugawa jidai) of Japanese history. This is the period between 1603 and 1867, when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional daimyo. We estimate it was from the late 18th century portion. As it is unsigned, this blade is considered 無名 (mumei), or "anonymous", though from what we can tell, most kabutowari were not signed.

Offered in very good condition, the blade of this example is in very good position, with a great finish. There is a bit of oxidation in areas, but nothing major, and the point and hook are both still shaped perfectly. Blade length is approximately 14 3/8" and overall length 20 1/8". The tang is straight, with a cut bottom.

It is fitted with a fantastic perforated iron TSUBA (cross guard), which is a KAKUGATA shape. It looks to be quite old, possibly older than the blade. It has a HITSU-ANA accessory slot cut into one side. It is surrounded by three seppa, two of copper and one of what looks to be leather, which has shrunk, so the cross guard is a bit loose.

The TSUKA (handle) has a nice brass FUCHI (grip collar), which has a beautiful embossed and gilt 伊勢海老 (Ise Ebi) “Spiny Lobster” on it. It is wrapped with a very nice stingray Sa-Me Stingray Skin grip, which is unwrapped. There are two "Spiny Lobster" menuki, and the KASHIRA (end cap) also has the same design, which match the FUCHI. A fantastic set of matched fittings on the TSUKA! The handle is held on by a single bamboo securing peg, which is most likely a recent replacement.

The SAYA (scabbard) is in very good condition, with a lovely black enamel lacquer finish, which shows a subdued texture. It shows just a bit of paint splitting on the seam, and a few dents and chips. It fits the blade perfectly.

An excellent Edo period forged steel Kabutowari "helmet splitter", set into some lovely high grade Koshirae fittings. The first we have had, this would make a great addition to any Japanese edged weapon collection. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 14 3/8"
Blade Style: "Hira Zukuri" tanto
Overall length: 20 1/8“
Scabbard Length: 15 1/4"

It has been over one thousand years ago that the art of making swords appeared in Japan. The swordsmiths of the time may not have known it but they were creating a legendary sword. The Samurai sword has seen combat in many battlefields. From the early days of the Samurai warrior to the fierce battles in the South Pacific during WWII.

Each hand-made Samurai sword is unique because it is forged from steel stock. A tremendous amount of work is dedicated to creating these pieces. They were an instrument of war as much as a beautiful artifact to adorn a room.

The Samurai sword has grown to be one of the most highly desired military antiques.