Did “Sakabatō (Reversed Blade)” Actually Exist?

●Shirai Museum where the real Sakabatō is displayed
https://www.center.shiroi.chiba.jp/ky...

逆刃刀 Sakabato is a special katana used by Himura Kenshin, the protagonist of Runouni Kenshin (Samurai X).

As the name “Sakaba” meaning “reversed blade” represents, the sharp side is on the inner curvature facing the person holding the katana, which is the opposite of a regular one. This is a weapon used by Kenshin so that he doesn’t kill anyone in battle,

But did such a weapon actually exist?

In 2013, an authentic reverse-blade katana, believed to have been made in the Edo period, was discovered in Shirai City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan.

However it was a bit different from what we imagined.

The blade of the sword that was found is indeed reversed, but it is a short small sword (blade length 22cm), and was rather poorly made and would probably break if you really tried to cut anything. In other words, it is not functional at all, and it is still a mystery who made this sword and for what purpose.

Even today, this sword is displayed at Shirai City Museum, so anyone can go and see it.

By the way, there are many examples of professional swordsmiths making full length reverse-blade katana nowadays.

I have actually seen some in full length and a fair amount of thickness at a sword shop. They are insanely expensive, but I would like to buy one and display it at home someday.

*The content is based on personal studies and experience
There is no intention of denying other theories and cultural aspects

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