Korean Swords Options

[RiverPlate4Life]

After looking at the Chinese swords in the Chinese forum, I thought it would be nice to take a ganders at traditional Korean swords.

Amazing how similar they are with Japanese swords. I'm guessing the designs for Korean swords were introduced from Korea to Japan when Paekche influence on Japanese culture was at its peak with Korean craftsmen going over there to teach blacksmiths in Osaka and then their knowledge spreading from there on in Japan.

Maybe someone with more knowledge on the Paekche influence can get into it in more detail. that would be cool.

http://www.hapkido-sugi.com/KoreanSwordsAuthentic.html

Taeguk-Do
(IMG:http://www.hapkido-sugi.com/images/graphics/swords.jpg)

Hwarang-Do
(IMG:http://www.hapkido-sugi.com/images/graphics/swords2.jpg)

Paekche-Do
(IMG:http://www.hapkido-sugi.com/images/graphics/swords3.jpg)

Paekche-Do
(IMG:http://www.hapkido-sugi.com/images/graphics/swords4.jpg)

Jirang-Guhm
(IMG:http://www.hapkido-sugi.com/images/graphics/swords5.jpg)

Paekche-Do
(IMG:http://www.hapkido-sugi.com/images/graphics/swords6.jpg)

Soo-Ryun-Do
(IMG:http://www.hapkido-sugi.com/images/graphics/swords7.jpg)

Hwarin-Guhm
(IMG:http://www.hapkido-sugi.com/images/graphics/swords8.jpg)

Various Paekche-Do's
(IMG:http://www.hapkido-sugi.com/images/graphics/swords9.jpg)

This post has been edited by RiverPlate4Life: May 27 2004, 02:07 AM

[Bchung]

wow many of them look like those samurai swords of japan.

I think japan borrowed alot from korea.......

[MiSta MujiGe]

i thought korean swords weren't curved.

[ComradeJing]

most of those swords I don't think are Korean.

Heres some information I garned from a website, (first hit from a simple google search)

Some Korean museums display pre-World War II Japanese swords, often with plaques erroneously saying they are of Korean origin. A few simple techniques help distinguish Korean and Japanese swords, both in the museum and in the sword shop. Near the blunt edge of a Japanese blade, one usually finds a longitudinal channel, or blood grove. Korean swords do not have this. The tips of Japanese swords have angular lines where different cutting edges have been shaped. Korean swords tend to be smooth from the blunt edge to sharp edge, with no straight lines running the length of the blade. The Japanese wrap the handles of their swords with thin strips of cloth, but Koreans usually construct theirs of wood.

Additionally, sheaths to Japanese-style swords--at least the ones found in Korea--usually are of smooth black wood (or some imitation). Korean sheaths are much more extravagant, often crafted from gold or mother of pearl. Occasionally Buddhist symbols (reversed swastikas) are used. Metal bands and lashing rings are also attached.

[tool666]

Nice...

[desirelove]

Nice swords. I wish I could have a chance to hold one. How heavy would it be?

This post has been edited by desirelove: Jun 19 2004, 10:24 AM

[chynagongju]

The Chinese often exported their swords to Japan and Korea in the past and transferred skills to them such as obtaining patterns from differential heat-treatment. They're beautiful swords though.

[WhoAmI]

Awesome swords! i thought traditional Korean swords were not curved too. maybe i heard wrong. i read somewhere that some types of korean swords in the past were made heavy. not sure, anyways cool pics.

[Ken_N238]

cool pic i'll make a wallpaper with it

[fiji]

Nice swords, I've always thought only Japanese have curved swords, then I found out Korean also have curved swords, then I Thai's swords, and theirs were also curved. I think central Asian countries (those that once existed) also have curved swords.