While on the subject of Yari.....Ha Giri

[Lindus]

In a previous post I asked about Ha Giri on Yari, the opinion at that time was that this was a flaw that deleted the weapons value completely.

I would propose that as the Yari is a stabbing weapon as opposed to katana/Tachi/Wakizashi,Ha giri is not a critical flaw....

 

Would be most interested in the opinions of the membership as after some research there seems to be a difference of opinion on this subject.

 

Nothing too serious folks one chap recently told me he could "park a bycycle" in the Ha Giri he had.

 

Roy

[sanjuro]

Hi Ray.

 

True... a yari is primarily a stabbing weapon. However if you take a look at some of the techniques traditionally taught at the martial ryu, there were slashing strokes employed by spearmen. The omi yari in particular was employed in this way against dual or multiple opponents, and was quite effective. Hagire therefore are a critical flaw in any blade. If one were to say that a ken sword for example (a primarily stabbing weapon) had hagire but that it was not a critical flaw, then this would be incorrect. So too with the yari. Hagire is hagire and in any Japanese blade it is a critical flaw. Sorry...... no dispensation for blade type.

 

Just MHO.

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Roy,

If I were looking to stab someone you might be able to sell me your yari with a ha-giri, but I'm not. I collect art and I have no use for a blade of any type with that flaw.

Grey

[Bugyotsuji]

Well, in the spirit of your question, Roy, I must say that you make an interesting point. The rather 'brutal' answers are also instructive.

 

As I had the Yari down the other day I also had a good look to see if there were any Ha-gire as I must confess that when I bought them it was not something I was particularly bothered about.

They look good on the wall, all their bits are there, the two longer blades have registrations, one of these has passed Shinsa, and at least two of the Yari have Mei. Oh, one Yari is an Uchine, and two are Fukuro-yari.

 

Now, as to the perfection of the blades themselves, this seems to be an interesting but not essential route to follow. My Japanese sword teacher did not look too interested in even checking, despite the famous Mei and Shinsa paperwork...

[Lindus]

Thanks gentlemen, interesting and final I think.

I raised the question as when Mishina san was working in the UK I took 20 swords and one Yari for his opinion, he went through them and selected just four he would have been prepared to polish,one a Yari with Ha Giri, I assumed that as he had agreed to work on it that this fatal flaw on a blade was of little consequence on a robust koto Yari.

 

Thanks again, let me know when you decide to rub someone out Grey,perhaps a deal for the future

 

Roy

[loui]

Interesting question Lindus, always thought provoking. I don't mind hagire if on the right blade, at one time I didn't like anything with hagire but I think that was mainly a western mentality influence (one we often see on this board), since then I have changed my ways and look at things differently (perhaps my Japanese influences). To say a blade with hagire is not an art sword in my opinion is completely misleading and well it's just an opinion. To say it is worthless to some collectors is true, valued by others also true, in either case it should be left up to the collector to decide.

 

I've seen some very nice blades with hagire, nicer than some without. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

 

Louis