Hattori Hanzo was a prominent Japanese samurai who lived during the Sengoku period in the 16th century. He was known as a master of swordsmanship, tactics, and as a loyal servant of the Tokugawa clan. Hanzo was known for his loyalty and bravery, and was one of the key officers of the Tokugawa clan. His military skills and strategic knowledge played an important role in the process of unifying Japan under the leadership of the Tokugawas. Hanzo is often depicted as a heroic figure in Japanese history, literature, and culture. His name appears in many folk tales and legends. In a fictional setting, Hattori Hanzo has also been included in various films, television shows, games, and other media, where he is often portrayed as a fearless warrior and martial artist. Hattori Hanzo is also a fictional character in the cult film "Kill Bill" directed by Quentin Tarantino. In "Kill Bill: Volume 1" and "Kill Bill: Volume 2," Hattori Hanzo plays an important role as a reclusive Japanese sword master who lives in solitude, making swords and trying to avoid his past as a master of murderous instruments. Hanzo is sought out by the main character Beatrix Kiddo, known as "The Bride", who seeks revenge against the people who betrayed her and tried to kill her. Hattori Hanzo provides her with a sword (katana) and also helps her prepare for her journey of revenge. The character of Hattori Hanzo is portrayed in the film by the famous Japanese actor Sonny Chiba.
News, Page 2
Cosmo Jarvis and Hiroyuki Sanada star in the new hit series "Shōgun," which brings to life and brings to life Japan's violent feudal past in all its terrifying glory. There is a scene in the debut episode "Shōgun" that sets the standard for the brutality that follows. After starvation, mutiny, and the captain's suicide aboard a ravaged Dutch merchant ship, pilot John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) and his surviving crew arrive on the coast of Japan at Anjira, where armed guards throw them into a pit to await their fate. While Blackthorne escapes execution, a member of his entourage is less fortunate – he is bound and placed in a cauldron of water where he is slowly boiled to death. No, this isn't Westeros, despite what rave reviews comparing it to Game of Thrones might suggest. This is Japan in the 1600s - a time of great turmoil after two centuries of civil wars. Here, Blackthorne—inspired by Admiral William Adams, the first Englishman to reach Japan—must adapt to a brutal, alien reality as the weak government of the five regents threatens to disintegrate into warring factions after the death of Taikō (the former imperial regent).His survival depends on an alliance with by Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) and Portuguese Catholic missionaries. Originally a world-renowned bestseller (James Clavell's 1975 hit reached 15 million copies by 1990), "Shōgun" has already proven its potential on pay TV. In 1980, the original nine-hour miniseries on NBC—with Richard Chamberlain, John Rhys-Davies, Japanese icon Toshirô Mifune and Orson Welles as narrator—won three Emmys and three Golden Globes after becoming the second most-watched show on American television. Its popularity even contributed to the rise of sushi restaurants in the US during this period. Set in 2024, a new series from Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks brings even more vivid historical context—ultimately delivering a rich depiction of feudal Japan. In the 1600s, world power dynamics were very different from today's world: Protestant England was forced to defend the throne of Elizabeth I against an invasion in 1588 when the Spanish army wanted to restore Catholicism and end English support for Dutch independence from Spain. The second player was a country in dynastic union with Portugal; the two powerful Iberian states had previously divided the oceanic regions outside of Europe between their vast empires with the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494. Portugal, a pioneer of global exploration, encountered Japan in 1543 – trading for Western goods such as firearms while spreading the Catholic faith through Jesuit missionaries. This context serves as the backdrop for Blackthorn's treacherous voyage in "Shōgun". Thomas D. Conlan, professor of East Asian studies and history at Princeton University and author of "The Samurai and the Martial Culture of Japan, 471–1877: The Sources," explains that the Portuguese (and the Spanish) had two main goals in Japan. The first was to convert Japan to Christianity, and the second was to eventually conquer Japan through the conversion of high-ranking lords to Christianity. However, they had to proceed with caution because the military strength of the Portuguese could not compete with that of the Japanese. This caution was evident as early as 1552, when one of the first Western visitors to Japan noted that the Japanese were very polite to each other but scornful of foreigners. Japan was in the midst of a long and chaotic upheaval at the time – so it seemed that tensions within the Shōgun might erupt. Known as the Sengoku Jidai or "Warring States Period" (roughly 1467-1615), it was an era defined by near-constant civil wars as feudal lords fought for complete control of the land. The goals of three successive warlords—including Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the recently deceased Taikō of Shōgun's narrative, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, his eventual successor—would be achieved by unifying the country in the early 17th century, but not without considerable violence and force from the bushi (samurai) class warriors). A sword-wielding samurai followed a strict moral code that related to the ideals of a cultured warrior. As Danny Chaplin, author of Sengoku Jidai. Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu: Three Unifiers of Japan explains that their beliefs came from several religious traditions: "From Buddhism, the samurai learned that death was only an illusion, so they were not afraid to die. From Shinto, the samurai learned to honor his ancestors, which he it imparted a deep sense of loyalty and continuity. From Confucianism he learned the basics of how to behave toward others in a strictly hierarchical society."
Samurai culture has been deeply embedded in Japanese history and tradition and has influenced many aspects of Japanese society. It developed in Japan during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and lasted until the end of the Edo period (1603-1867).
During this time, the samurai became an important force in Japanese society. They were warriors who fought for their daimyo - Japan's feudal lords. In the Kamakura period, the samurai became the most important forces in Japan and began to play an important role in Japanese politics and culture.
Samurai were armed with swords and proficient in martial arts such as kendo, iaido and spear fighting. These skills were essential in combat situations and also became part of the samurai culture and way of life.
Samurai culture was also heavily influenced by Confucian ideas, which became an important philosophy in Japan at the time. Confucian ideals of justice, loyalty and moral principle became the basis of samurai ethics. These ethics were manifested in various aspects of samurai life, such as bushido, the samurai way of life, which emphasises these values.
Another important part of samurai culture was their armour and weaponry. Swords were considered a symbol of samurai status and many swords were made with great precision and care. In addition, samurai often dressed in jinbaori, which are dyed cloaks adorned with family markings and symbols.
In the Edo period, samurai culture became increasingly formalised and was greatly influenced by the Tokugawa Shogunate, which established peace in Japan and restricted samurai activity.
Seppuku, also known as harakiri, is a ritual suicide performed by samurai and many other people in Japan. Seppuku was considered an honorable method of suicide that allowed individuals to maintain their dignity and honor. It was typically performed by having the person prepare a special ritual space where they would appear before their master or superior and bid farewell to him or her. The person then drew a short sword (tanto, or wakizashi) and used it to slash his or her abdomen, causing death. The body was then usually taken away and buried in a garden or other sacred place.
Seppuku was considered a very serious and respected act, used primarily as a way of defending oneself from loss of face and dignity, in case an individual failed in some important task or failed in an honorable commitment. In some cases, seppuku was ordered as a punishment for a breach of discipline or some other transgression. Although seppuku was banned in Japan in 1873, its tradition still persists as part of Japanese history and culture.
Daisho is the Japanese term for the two swords that a samurai wore as part of his outfit. The first sword is the katana, a long sword with a single-edged blade used as a primary weapon. The second sword is the wakizashi, a shorter sword with a single-edged blade used as a secondary weapon. The katana and wakizashi set was considered the basic equipment of a samurai and was a symbol of his social status.
The term "daišo" is composed of two words: "dai" meaning "large" and "sho" meaning "small". The term therefore refers to a large and a small sword, i.e. the katana and the wakizashi.
Daisho was worn behind a high belt, called a kaku-obi, on the left side of the body. This method of carrying was characteristic of the samurai and was one of the many elements of their traditional dress.
Kaku-obi is a traditional Japanese belt used to wear kimono and other traditional Japanese clothing. It is a thick, wide and strong belt that usually ties in a knot at the back. A kaku-obi is usually about 4 metres long and about 10 cm wide.
This type of belt is used for various types of traditional Japanese clothing such as kimonos, yukata, happi coats and other types of clothing. Kaku-obi is made from a variety of materials including cotton, silk and synthetic fibres.
Kaku-obi is traditionally tied in an intricate knot on the back called an "otaiko", which can be very ornate and intricate. This method of tying the belt is mainly used for traditional women's kimonos. For men's kimonos, a simpler method of tying is used, called 'kai no kuchi'.
EDC (Everyday Carry) knives are designed to be compact, practical and easily portable for everyday carry and use. The term "Everyday Carry" refers to items that people commonly carry with them every day. Here are a few key features associated with EDC knives:
Size: EDC knives are typically smaller than tactical knives, which is primarily due to their focus on everyday convenience and portability. Most EDC knives have blades ranging from 2 to 4 inches in length.
A good EDC knife should have a sharp and durable blade suitable for common tasks such as opening packages, cutting string, or working with food.
Pocket clip: EDC knives are often equipped with a pocket clip that makes it easy to carry the knife in a pants pocket or on a belt. This makes for quick access and convenient carrying.
Ergonomics.
Locking: Most EDC knives have some type of locking mechanism that keeps the blade in a secure position during use. Popular types of locking mechanisms include frame lock, liner lock, or back lock.
Materials: Materials used in the manufacture of EDC knives include stainless steel for the blade, various types of plastic or rubber for the handle, and lightweight alloys for other parts of the knife.
EDC knives are a popular choice for people who need a reliable and practical tool for everyday tasks. They are suitable for a wide range of situations, from common household chores to outdoor activities. However, it's important to keep in mind local laws that may limit the size and type of knife you can carry.
Frame lock (also called frame-lock or monolock) is a type of locking mechanism used in folding knives. It is characterized by the fact that the handle of the knife serves as the (frame) of the locking mechanism that firmly holds the blade in the open position. Frame lock is one of the popular and reliable locking mechanisms and is popular among knife users for its simplicity and reliability. Here are the key elements of frame lock: Handle as a locking mechanism: With a frame lock knife, the part of the handle that is close to the blade is cut or milled to serve as a locking mechanism. This part of the handle acts as a "fuse" to lock the blade. Blade Locking: When the blade is opened, the safety is moved towards the blade where it engages with its catch or spine and holds it firmly in the open position. In this way, the frame lock ensures the stability of the blade during use. Lock release: To close the knife, it is usually necessary to press a special part of the frame lock, which releases the lock and allows the blade to be folded safely. Reliability: Frame lock is considered a reliable locking mechanism that provides a firm and secure grip on the blade during use. With the right design and high-quality material of the handle, it is able to withstand strong pressures and shocks. Simplicity of design: Frame lock features a simple design, which means it has fewer moving parts than some other locking mechanisms. This can mean less wear and tear and easier maintenance. The frame lock is a popular locking mechanism with many knife manufacturers and is often used in everyday carry (EDC) knives. It is a reliable and solid way of keeping the blade in the open position, which is appreciated by users who require a reliable knife for various purposes.
G10 is a highly durable and lightweight laminate used mainly in the field of knives, hand tools, as well as in other applications where a strong and durable material is needed. This material is made of extruded glass fibers impregnated with epoxy resin. The name "G10" comes from the designation of the material used and is an abbreviation for "Grade 10", which indicates a certain quality and durability. The main properties of G10 material include: High strength: G10 has excellent strength and durability compared to other plastic materials. Its strength ensures a long service life of products made from this material. Resistance to moisture and chemicals: Due to its composition, G10 is resistant to water, oils and many chemicals. This makes it a suitable material for applications in wet or aggressive environments. Insulating properties: G10 is an insulating material, which means it is not electrically conductive. This property is useful in electronics and other areas where insulation is important. Good machinability: G10 can be easily machined, milled, ground and shaped into desired shapes. This allows the manufacturer to create complex and precise parts. Lightness: Despite its strength, G10 is a relatively light material, which is important when making knives and other hand tools where ease of handling is important. These properties make G10 a popular material for the production of various industrial and outdoor products, especially where strength, durability and reliability are needed.
The battle axe is a historical weapon that has played a key role in many military conflicts around the world. These axes evolved as an effective tool for close-quarters (man-to-man) combat and took different forms and designs depending on the culture and historical period. Battle axes usually had a blade at one end and a heavier pommel at the other end, allowing for effective strikes with both slashing and stabbing motions. They could also have different lengths and shapes of handles. Battle axes were popular with many ancient and medieval cultures, including the Vikings, Normans, Germanic tribes, Mongols, and many others. They were used by both infantry and cavalry, and their use was common in both open field combat and sieges. Over time, the design of battle axes has changed according to needs and technological advances, but the principles of effectiveness and efficiency have remained similar. Today, battle axes are still popular props in movies, plays and historical re-enactments, retaining their fascinating character and historical significance. The so-called bearded axes in medieval Scandinavian countries were a common equipment and tool for Viking warriors and tribes. These axes were used not only for work, such as building ships, houses, or carts, but also as weapons for close combat. There was a difference in construction between battle axes and farm axes. Battle axes were light and fast, suitable for both throwing and quick attacks, while farm axes were larger and used for chopping wood. In our offer you will find fully functional Viking battle axes, which can be completed by adding your name, initials or other symbols to the ax head.