Kurigata a "Chestnut" that connects your katana with your obi
Everything You Need To Know About Kurigata
Kurigata is a small projection or knob placed near the saya of a katana. From tying the katana to the belt to balancing the sword, a Kurigata can serve multiple purposes. Before buying a Katana, learning more about Kurigata can be significantly useful.
What Is Kurigata?
Kurigata, in its simplest form, is the knob placed in the scabbard of a Japanese sword. Kurigata can mean the knob or the bridge of the Sageo that resembles a chestnut shape. Usually, it is placed in the saya of the katana.
A Kurigata allows the wielder to tie the katana with the belt. Similarly, it is also used for various other purposes that include tying decorative elements and tassels. Kurigata is common in both modern and ancient Japanese swords.
What’s The Usage Of Kurigata?
A kurigata in a katana can serve several purposes. The primary purpose of a Kurigata is to tie the katana to the belt. So, when a samurai ties their sword to their belt, a Kurigata prevents it from falling backward. Especially during long travels or horse riding, tying the katana securely with the belt is essential. A Kurigata aims to keep the katana secured with the Obi belt.
Additionally, a Kurigata also helps with Sayabiki, which is when the samurai draws their sword out swiftly in a cutting motion. The user can have better support to operate the katana with a Kurigata. Kurigata mostly holds the sageo. But it also provides a place for thumb support, allows better balance, provides secured tying with Obi, and so on.
When there is a Kurigata, the user can pop-free the sword simply by squeezing the saya. It is an interesting way to draw the katana out for many martial art practices and related events. The Kurigata placements can be different across swords. For instance, some are closer to the tsuba while some are much farther away. Nevertheless, it allows the user to adjust space with the Obi.
What Are The Common Materials Of Kurigata?
Kurigata is made from different materials depending on the Katana. Kurigata were originally made from the same wood as the sword's scabbard. This is because the protrusion on the simplest Japanese sword scabbards is designed to keep the appearance sophisticated and simple. Kurigata can also be made of buffalo horn in more aristocratic designs.
A Kurigata is not as common in modern Japanese swords or Katanas as it once was. However, the artisans continue to create them from various materials. This includes materials such as wood, steel, silver, and alloyed metals. These materials are then embellished with carvings, inlays, and painting work, among other things. As a result, the materials of Kurigata will be heavily reliant on the Katana and its scabbard.
In our custom katana section, Kurigata are matched with the saya design.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of using Kurigata
Ans: A Kurigata ties the katana to the belt or Obi. It keeps the sword secure when the user is running or horse riding. A Kurigata also prevents the sword from falling backward from the Obi belt as it can act as a barrier to keep the sword fixed with the belt securely.
- What is the cost of a kurigata?
Ans: The price of a kurigata will differ depending on the materials used. Generally, it will cost between $50 and $100 to get a kurigata made in Japan.
Conclusion
For sword enthusiasts and Katana collectors, a Kurigata is of great importance. From balancing to securely tying a sword with the belt, Kurigata has various uses in the Katana. So, make sure to carefully go through the Kurigata when you get your Katana. We appreciate you stopping by! Don't forget to check our katana anatomy for more info.
