Sakabatō Masamune

Year of Creation

Forged sometime between 1288 and 1328 (exact date unknown)

Creator/Origin

Gorō Nyūdō Masamune

Current Location

New Victoria, in the possession of Uncle

Current Owner

Kikuchi Takao

Description:

A variation of the standard Japanese katana in which the edge is crafted on the inside of the blade curve, whereas the flat side is placed on the outside of the curve. This blade, known as a "reverse-blade sword," is used in the same manner as a katana, but the user is not required to kill when wielding the sakabato. Strikes are made with the flat side of the blade, or with the hilt, to cause concentrated blunt damage. This makes it easier to subdue someone without seriously injuring or killing them, but these attacks can still be lethal if striking vital points. The inclusion of an edge on the back of the blade curve allows a trained user to perform cuts with it, but the nature of fighting against the curve means using the sakabato in this way requires nearly perfect edge alignment.
Some smiths have recreated this style of blade over the years, making it rare but not exactly a unique blade. Even still, this particular sakabato is the first of these blades and was forged by the legendary smith Masamune. It is said to be on par with the 12 Saiju Ō Wazamono when in the hands of a master swordsman.

Item type

Weapon, Melee