How Good is a Hidden Katana (Shikomizue)?

During Japan's Meiji period the wearing of swords was banned, so of course people did it in secret, carrying blades hidden inside inconspicuous walking sticks or canes. The concealment comes at a price, making it a worse design in an open duel compared to a traditional katana. But does it make up for its drawbacks through its unexpected effectiveness for self-defense in a surprise attack on the street?

Let's take a closer look at its pros & cons and how it works, as well as what distinguishes a Shikomizue from a Shirasaya mount.

The sword I'm showing in this video:
https://www.kultofathena.com/product/...
(affiliate link)

Technique demonstration by Seki Sensei
   • I Handed Zatōichi's Katana Cane to a ...  

Picture sources:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/au...
https://new.uniquejapan.com/a-meiji-p...
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...


** Music credits **

“Gray Trip” by HorrorPen
https://opengameart.org/content/gray-...
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license (CC BY 3.0)

Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
https://theslantedroom.github.io/stev...
Used with artist's permission


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