Kyoketsu-shoge

Common card · No. 337925

The kyoketsu-shoge (Japanese: 距跋渉毛; lit. "long-distance wandering hair") is a double-edged blade, with another curved blade attached near the hilt at a 45–60 degree angle. This is attached to approximately 10 to 18 feet (3–5 m) of rope, chain, or hair which then ends in a large metal ring. Likely used by ninja of the Iga province, it is thought to be a forerunner to the later more widely known kusarigama (sickle and chain). Ninja were often recruited from the class of rural peasantry who resided on remote farmland, and the tool's resemblance to farming equipment and high versatility gave it many benefits in stealth combat. The kyoketsu-shoge has a wide range of uses. The blade could be used for slashing as well as thrusting stabs. The chain or cord, sometimes made from human hair or horsehair for strength and resiliency, could be used for climbing, ensnaring an enemy, binding an enemy and many such other uses. The long range of the weapon combined a cutting tool along with the capability...

Read on Wikipedia · Image Jlpservicesinc, CC BY-SA 4.0