Hakikake vs Kaen

[klee]

I was never really get a clear grasp between the 2 over the years but is there a clear distinction netween halikake and kaen ?

 

Not that it s terribly important but this boshi was originally noted as hakikake by the dealer but I feel like it s closer to kaen 

 

 

[Scogg]

I had this same question a few years ago. It still crosses my mind often.
https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/45639-in-the-boshi-hakikake-vs-kaen/

As I understand it, a boshi is considered kaen when hakikake predominates, rather than simply being present as a secondary characteristic.

This link helped me understand:
https://markussesko.com/2015/06/10/kantei-3-hamon-boshi-3/
"hakikake-bōshi (掃掛け帽子) – Bōshi whose main characteristic feature are hakikake. However, a bōshi with an even larger amount of hakikake is usually referred to as kaen (火炎)."

All the best,
-Sam

 

[klee]

Thank you @Scogg !

 

That is a very helpful read

[atm]

@klee, I would say your boshi is kaen. I think part of the confusion comes from inconsistent use of terms. As it was taught to me, you might see both hakikake and kaen in the same boshi, with hakikake being anywhere along the boshi and kaen being hakikake focused in the tip of the boshi in a flame-like pattern.

[Scogg]

Would it be fair to say that all kaen is a form of hakikake, but not all hakikake is considered kaen?

 

In other words, is kaen essentially a particular expression of hakikake?

 

That’s how I’ve interpreted it, but I’d like to know if that’s the right idea. 

-Sam

 

 

[atm]

That's how I understand it @Scogg.

[Ed]

Yes, all kaen boshi are hakikake, but not all hakikake boshi are kaen. Kaen implies a deviation from normal to an extreme proportion of hakikake. When in doubt hakikake is never wrong. I can see why the dealer in question called this one hakikake as would I, if for no other reason than to err on the side of safety.  In my opinion there in not enough hakikake to make this one kaen. Yet, there is enough that undoubtedly some would consider it kaen. There will always be varying opinions.

[Lewis B]

How would this be described?

 

[Scogg]

Wonderful explanation @Ed, thank you! 
 

@Lewis B, I enjoy the exercise, but please understand this is just my interpretation:

 

I would say that’s enough hakikake and expressed in a way to be called kaen.
The way the nie and hakikake are wavy and then feathering away toward the yakote. Looks very flame like to me.  
 

Looks nice,

-Sam 

 

[Ed]

12 hours ago, Lewis B said:

How would this be described?

 

 

I think that one would be easier to call Kaen. I honestly try not to get caught up in semantics, and just stick to hakikake to prevent argument.

[atm]

For reference, the Jūyō setsumei for this sword describes the kissaki as midare-komi, hakikake, kaen on the omote, and round turnback on the ura.