Yokote: Understanding Katana Tip Geometry
The Yokote represents a defining geometric feature of traditional Japanese katana, a distinct angular transition line that separates the main blade from the Kissaki tip section. This sharp demarcation creates clearly defined regions with different geometries, hardening patterns, and structural properties. Far from decorative, the Yokote serves critical functions: distributing impact forces, defining tip geometry, and creating the reinforced point necessary for armor penetration and thrusting techniques. Understanding Yokote reveals sophisticated blade engineering that distinguishes authentic katana from simpler sword designs.
What is the Yokote?
Yokote (横手) literally means "side hand" or "cross direction," describing the angular line that runs horizontally across the blade, perpendicular to the cutting edge. This transition creates a distinct boundary where:
- The main blade's geometry (Shinogi-zukuri or other construction) terminates
- The Kissaki tip section begins with its own separate geometry
- The Shinogi ridge line meets and terminates
- The Hamon pattern changes direction in the Boshi
The Yokote appears as a crisp, well-defined line visible from both sides of the blade. Proper polishing reveals this transition sharply, with the line appearing as a distinct "step" where blade angles change. The Yokote's clarity and precision indicate quality craftsmanship and proper blade geometry maintenance.
Yokote Geometry and Construction
The Yokote creates geometric complexity that serves multiple functions:
Angular Transition
At the Yokote line, the blade's geometry shifts dramatically. The Shinogi ridge terminates, and the flat Shinogi-Ji transitions to the Kissaki's point geometry. This isn't a gradual curve but a distinct angular change—like two planes meeting at a defined edge. The sharpness of this transition varies by period and smith, with some featuring very pronounced steps while others show subtler changes.
Kissaki Definition
The Yokote defines where the Kissaki begins, creating a clearly bounded tip section with its own proportions and characteristics. The distance from Yokote to tip determines whether the Kissaki is classified as Ko-Kissaki (small), Chu-Kissaki (medium), or O-Kissaki (large). This measurement, combined with the Fukura curvature of the tip, creates the Kissaki's overall shape and cutting/thrusting characteristics.
Blade Sectioning
By creating a distinct tip section, the Yokote allows different geometric treatments. The main blade optimizes for cutting along its length, while the Kissaki section optimizes for penetration and tip strength. This sectioning represents sophisticated engineering—different blade regions serving different combat functions.
Types and Variations
While most traditional katana feature clear Yokote lines, variations exist:
Standard Yokote
Clear, well-defined transition
The typical Yokote creates a sharp, easily visible transition from blade to Kissaki. The line runs cleanly across both sides at matching heights, with the Shinogi terminating precisely at this boundary. This standard construction appears on approximately 90% of traditional katana and represents the canonical geometry most schools favored.
Shallow Yokote
Subtle, less pronounced transition
Some blades, particularly elegant late Edo period works or certain aesthetic styles, feature subtler Yokote with less dramatic angular changes. While still present and functional, these shallow transitions create more graceful, flowing appearances. The reduced angularity trades some structural reinforcement for refined aesthetics.
Absent Yokote (Unokubi-zukuri)
Continuous geometry without transition
Certain blade styles deliberately eliminate the Yokote, creating continuous geometry from tang to tip. The most famous is unokubi-zukuri (cormorant's neck construction), where the blade curves smoothly to the point without angular transition. This produces elegant, streamlined profiles but sacrifices some structural advantages. Unokubi-zukuri appears most commonly on tanto and some wakizashi, rarely on full-length katana.
Shobu-zukuri
Iris-leaf construction without Yokote
Shobu-zukuri maintains the Shinogi ridge but eliminates the Yokote, allowing the ridge to continue smoothly to the tip. This creates a martial, aggressive appearance favored for some Nanbokucho period O-dachi and certain modern reproductions. The continuous geometry emphasizes length and cutting power over distinct tip definition.
Structural and Combat Functions
The Yokote serves important mechanical purposes:
Impact Force Distribution
When the Kissaki strikes a target—particularly during thrusting attacks against armor—the Yokote helps distribute impact forces. The angular transition creates a reinforced boundary that channels forces from the narrow tip into the broader blade body. This prevents stress concentration that could crack or break the tip during powerful thrusts.
The geometric "step" at the Yokote essentially creates a structural support, similar to how ribbing reinforces flat surfaces. Blades without Yokote concentrate impact forces differently, requiring alternative geometric solutions to maintain tip integrity.
Tip Reinforcement
By creating a bounded tip section with distinct geometry, the Yokote allows the Kissaki to be made relatively thicker and stronger than if the blade geometry continued unchanged. This reinforcement was historically crucial for armor penetration—samurai armor featured small gaps at joints where a reinforced Kissaki could thrust through, but this required a tip that wouldn't bend or break on initial impact.
The Yokote defines where this reinforced section begins, creating a clearly stronger point region. Testing on tanto and wakizashi has demonstrated that Yokote-equipped blades resist tip damage better than continuous-geometry designs when subjected to thrusting impacts against hard targets.
Differential Hardening Benefits
The Yokote creates a natural boundary for differential hardening patterns. The Hamon typically changes character as it crosses the Yokote into the Boshi pattern within the Kissaki. This allows smiths to harden the tip section differently—often more thoroughly—than the main blade, creating maximum tip durability for thrusting while maintaining the blade body's flexibility.
The angular geometry at the Yokote also affects how clay application patterns work during heat treatment, influencing how the hardening line appears and functions in the critical tip region.
Polishing Definition
The Yokote provides a clear landmark for polishers (togishi), defining where main blade polishing ends and Kissaki polishing begins. These areas receive different treatments—the Kissaki often receives higher polish to emphasize its geometry and display the Boshi clearly. The Yokote line itself requires careful attention during polishing to maintain its sharpness and definition without creating excessive "steps" or rounding the transition.
Historical Evolution
Heian Period (794-1185)
Early tachi featured relatively subtle Yokote lines, with the tip transition less dramatically defined than later periods. The emphasis on mounted combat and cutting strokes meant less focus on thrusting tip strength.
Kamakura Period (1185-1333)
The Yokote became more pronounced and clearly defined as blade construction refined. Master smiths created precise, sharp transitions that became signature features. The period's emphasis on technical excellence elevated the Yokote from functional necessity to aesthetic element showcasing craftsmanship.
Nanbokucho Period (1336-1392)
Long O-dachi blades of this era featured large Kissaki with prominent Yokote lines. The extended tip sections required clear geometric boundaries to maintain structural integrity despite their size. Some blades experimented with shobu-zukuri construction, eliminating Yokote for dramatic appearance.
Muromachi Period (1336-1573)
Yokote construction became standardized, with clear conventions for proper execution. Schools developed signature approaches to Yokote sharpness and positioning. The transition to katana from tachi mounting brought renewed focus on tip geometry for drawing cuts and quick thrusts.
Edo Period (1603-1868)
Peaceful conditions allowed aesthetic refinement of the Yokote. Blades featured beautifully executed transitions, with the Yokote line itself becoming an element of artistic appreciation. Some elegant works featured very crisp, precise Yokote that demonstrated supreme polishing skill.
Relationship to Other Blade Features
The Yokote interacts with multiple blade elements:
Shinogi Ridge: The Shinogi terminates at the Yokote, creating a three-way junction where the ridge, Yokote line, and Kissaki geometry meet. How this junction executes indicates construction quality—poor work shows irregular or misaligned meeting points.
Kissaki Size: The Yokote position determines Kissaki proportions. Moving the Yokote closer to the tip creates smaller Ko-Kissaki; positioning it further back produces larger O-Kissaki. This placement profoundly affects the blade's appearance and tip characteristics.
Boshi Pattern: The Hamon crosses the Yokote to become the Boshi within the Kissaki. How the hardening line navigates this transition affects the Boshi's starting configuration and overall pattern. Some spectacular blades show the Hamon dramatically changing character at the Yokote.
Fukura (Tip Curve): The Kissaki's edge curvature (Fukura) begins at the Yokote. The relationship between Yokote position and Fukura shape determines whether the tip appears aggressive and pointed (Fukura-tsuku) or gently rounded (Fukura-kareru).
Sori (Blade Curve): The main blade's curvature typically changes in the Kissaki section beyond the Yokote. Many blades feature reduced or reversed curvature in the tip, affecting thrusting geometry—the Yokote marks where this geometric transition begins.
Evaluating Yokote Quality
When examining katana, assess the Yokote using these criteria:
Clarity: The transition should be clearly visible and well-defined, not vague or indistinct Straightness: The Yokote line should run straight across the blade perpendicular to the edge Symmetry: Both sides should match in position and definition Sharpness: The angular transition should be crisp, indicating proper geometry and polishing Junction Quality: Where Shinogi, Yokote, and Kissaki meet should appear clean and intentional Proportion: The Yokote position should create appropriate Kissaki size for the blade's style and period
Poor Yokote execution—wavy lines, asymmetry, or vague transitions—indicates lower quality construction or improper polishing. Exceptional Yokote demonstrates master-level craftsmanship in both forging and finishing.
Blades Without Yokote
Understanding why some styles eliminate the Yokote reveals its function:
Unokubi-zukuri sacrifices the structural reinforcement and defined tip section for elegant, flowing lines. This works for smaller blades (tanto) where tip stress is lower, but rarely appears on full katana where the structural benefits are more critical.
Shobu-zukuri maintains the Shinogi ridge's structural support while eliminating the Yokote's angular transition. This preserves much of the strength while creating a martial, aggressive profile. The style works better for very long blades where the extended geometry provides inherent rigidity.
These exceptions prove the rule—most katana retain the Yokote because its structural and functional benefits outweigh the aesthetic appeal of continuous geometry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Yokote mean in English? Yokote (横手) literally translates to "side hand" or "cross direction," describing the horizontal line that runs perpendicular across the blade, separating the main body from the Kissaki tip section.
Do all katana have Yokote? Most traditional katana (approximately 90%) feature clear Yokote lines. However, certain blade styles like unokubi-zukuri and shobu-zukuri deliberately eliminate this transition, creating continuous geometry from tang to tip for specific aesthetic or functional purposes.
Why is the Yokote important for armor penetration? The Yokote creates a reinforced tip section with distinct geometry optimized for thrusting. The angular transition distributes impact forces when the Kissaki strikes hard targets like armor, preventing tip damage. This structural reinforcement was crucial for historical combat where tips needed to penetrate armor gaps without breaking.
How does Yokote affect the Boshi pattern? The Hamon tempering line crosses the Yokote to become the Boshi within the Kissaki. The Yokote marks where this transition occurs, and the angular geometry influences how the hardening pattern appears. The Boshi essentially begins at the Yokote line.
Can you feel the Yokote? Yes, carefully running a finger across the blade (away from the edge) reveals the distinct angular transition at the Yokote. The geometric "step" is both visible and tactile, particularly on blades with pronounced transitions.
What's the difference between Yokote and Kissaki? The Yokote is the transition line itself—the boundary where blade geometry changes. The Kissaki is the entire tip section beyond the Yokote line, from that transition to the very point. The Yokote defines where the Kissaki begins.
Does Yokote position affect blade value? Proper Yokote execution indicates quality craftsmanship and correct blade geometry. Well-executed Yokote with appropriate Kissaki proportions enhances value. Poorly defined, asymmetric, or improperly positioned Yokote reduces value significantly, as it suggests compromised construction or poor polishing.