Naginata (なぎなた, 薙刀) | |
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![]() A naginata blade forged by Osafune Katsumitsu. Muromachi period, 1503, Tokyo National Museum | |
Type | Polearm |
Place of origin | Japan |
Service history | |
Used by | Samurai, Onna-musha, Naginatajutsu practitioners |
Production history | |
Produced | Heian period or Kamakura period until present. |
Specifications | |
Mass | 650 grams (23 oz) and more |
Length | 205–260 centimetres (81–102 in) |
Blade length | 85–100 centimetres (33–39 in) |
Blade type | Curved, single-edged |
Hilt type | wood, horn, lacquer |
Scabbard/sheath | Lacquered wood |
The naginata (なぎなた, 薙刀) is a polearm and one of several varieties of traditionally made Japanese blades (nihontō).[1][2] Naginata were originally used by the samurai class of feudal Japan, as well as by ashigaru (foot soldiers) and sōhei (warrior monks).[3] The naginata is the iconic weapon of the onna-musha, a type of female warrior belonging to the Japanese nobility. A common misconception is that the Naginata is a type of sword, rather than a polearm.