Did swords have a full tang in the 1600s? If so, where can documentation be found?

Question

If there were swords that were made with a full tang, what kind? Does documentation proving their existence exist?

Answer 1

Depends on the smith since there wasn't a really regulation or trade standards written down at the time. However for the most part due to the active use of the blades they would likely be full tang. As far as proof goes I would visit the museums that houses these blades. 1600s isn't that long ago and I'm quite sure we have plenty of blades surviving from that time period.

Answer 2

What kind of swords are you asking about? As far as documentation there are many good books out on various types of swords. Japanese swords especially have been in many books with great pictures. The pictures in many of these books show the swords disassembled. It is clear in those picture what the tang style is. All you have to do is find some of these books. but know that these books, at least the good ones, are expensive to buy. I have several on Japanese swords that cost $40 or more.



Japanese Katana in the 1600's did have a full tang. They would break in battle if they did not. today companies selling junk swords often mention that their swords have a full tang. That is because the cheap wall hanger swords that are very common often have a short tang. I have seen many of these that had a very short tang and the blade was only glued in.





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Answer 3

But of course. They would break without it.

Answer 4

Fortunately you don't need documentation as thousands of swords still exist that were forged prior to the 1600s. In fact, you can do a google search for antique "nihonto" (Japanese swords), and see images of old swords with full "nakago" (i.e., tang).

Answer 5

The Japanese swords did. I know, I own a 1600's Wakasashi and it's got a full tang.

The sword smiths school of Hizen Tadayoshi started with "MUSASHI DAIJO" TADAYOSHI(1572 - 15 Aug 1632) and has a long lineage. Check it out:

http://www.hizento.net/index.php

Here are some pics of their swords all with a full tang:

http://www.hizento.net/index.php?page=sale