Why Ninjas are associated with Kunai Knife?

Posted by SwordsSwords on Oct 7th 2018

Kunai knife is a primitive Japanese horticultural tool or trowel. You will probably find the two variations of these ninja tools including the big and short Ninja Kunai. These ninja weapons are transformed into a multi-functional tool.

Kunai-Japanese Daggers

A standard kunai knife is constructed from wrought iron which makes it cheaper than steel. The dimensions of Ninja kunai ranges from 20 cm to 60 cm while an average dagger is somewhat 40 cm long. Ordinary folks used this as a gardening tool while the workers at the time used this knife mainly for masonry. The knife closely resembles a crowbar. It features a soft iron blade and remains unsharpened as the edges are used to smash plaster and wood. The weapon was used to dig holes and pry. Typically, the tip is sharpened. One popular ninja kunai, Yondaime Tri-Point Anime Knife features a handle with a ring on the pommel so that rope can be easily connected to it. The knife is developed this way and therefore it’s easy for the user to grip it during fights and battle. Also, there are times when Ninja kunai was attached to the body and concealed. This weapon is different from Shuriken whose main function is for throwing while these knives are used for thrusting and stabbing.

Kunai as Tool

Kunai knife is a primitive kind of trowel. These knives originate from the Tensho era in Japan. The use of kunai evolved with the need for better weaponry. Ninjas put their demand to weaponsmiths and metal workers to transform the weapon into battle ready tool constructed from steel. These were stained and hung up in Ninja homes to mask its real purpose. You will see the exaggerated viewpoint about the fictional weapons used in Manga and Anime series. There are times when it’s difficult to distinguish the difference between Ninja kunai and Shikoro. Shikoro is a wide blade saw that features a dagger type handle. Regardless of high risk when using the kunai weapon, it is said to mete out a satiating kill. Also, it is used as a defense tool. It prevents damage and allow the user to push through chokes and escape when caught.

Optimal Ninja Weapon

Most weapons used by ninja were adapted from farming tools. Though they are quite different from the ones used by Shaolin monks in China. These simple weapons were inexpensive and can be easily sharpened. Also, they were heavier compared to Shuriken. The tri-point anime knife, a great kunai that offers sufficient grip to let the user use the weapon in hand to hand combat. The knife can also be used for mounting as a grappling hook or piton. Ninjas do not have an evident difference between tools and weapons since they can use any kind of weapon and shows their fighting skills. Speaking of kunai, one end of the weapon features a blade while the other side has a circle with a round hole. Kunai were also used for breaking down fences and making holes through the castle wall. If the wall is not thick enough, ninjas can break the wall using this only tool. While fighting with Samurai, they could immediately use this to stab their warriors in the stomach. At times, ninjas used poison on the edges of the blades to kill their opponents. These emergency tools were used when there were no other options. If you are familiar with any other historical aspect of these interesting knives, feel free to write us in the comment section below.