Naginata
| Naginata (なぎなた, 薙刀) | |
|---|---|
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, lit. 'mowing sword') is a polearm and one of several varieties of traditionally made Japanese blades (nihontō). Naginata were originally used by the samurai class of feudal Japan, as well as by ashigaru (foot soldiers) and sōhei (warrior monks). 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.