Kunai

A kunai (苦無, kunai^? ) is a Japanese tool from the Sengoku period. Originally used as an agricultural implement, a kunai in the right hands could become a multi-function weapon, and due to its widespread use as such it is strongly associated in popular culture with ninjutsu and its followers.

Design

There are two main variations, the short kunai ( 少 苦 无 , shō-kunai^?) and the large kunai ( 大 苦 无 , dai-kunai^?), which can differ in size from 20 to 60 cm. The blade is triangular in shape, and at the end of the handle there is a ring designed to tie a rope. The side edges are not sharpened, as using the tool as a shovel or chisel would damage the bevel.

The kunai was typical of a wide range of crafts in feudal Japan, especially gardening, carpentry, carving of various materials and even masonry, and was used for punching, carving, cutting, digging and any other activity. which required an iron blade, in the same way as the modern hori hori. It was cheap and easy to produce, making it easy to use in any field.

Use

The sharp point of the kunai made it a perfect weapon for stabbing, and the ring on its handle helped to tie it to a pole as a spear or to a rope to use as a dart. Contrary to popular belief, the kunai was not intended to be a thrown weapon, but it could be used in this way with some effectiveness thanks to its symmetrical design and balanced center of gravity. There were also variants of kunai with blades of various sizes, with more than one blade or even with a serrated edge, similar to another tool called shikoro.

In addition to its other war uses, the kunai was used by warriors as a climbing piton, grappling or anchor to climb walls and other obstacles, as well as a punch to open holes in walls or force doors. It used to be said that the only impediment to using the kunai was the imagination of the wielder.

The kunai was used much more frequently than the shuriken in a ninja's arsenal, as it was comparatively more affordable, discreet, versatile and easy to use. Its character as a popular tool allowed it to pass without raising suspicion in case the wearer was searched or discovered in the middle of a mission.

In popular culture

The kunai is often described in manga, anime, and video games as a common weapon of ninjas.

• In the movie The Expendable, actor Jason Statham, like Lee Christmas is a knive specialist, and it should be mentioned that among his preferred weapons in the film are the kunais, which can be seen using him with good precision.
• In the video game franchise Mortal KombatThe harpoon that throws Scorpion into his opponents is the kunai.
• In the video game Team Fortress 2 There is a unlockable kunai for the character Spy, who uses it as a weapon of body to body.
• In the video game Warframe kunais are an unlockable weapon for every playable character, used as a secondary weapon throws.
• In the video game League of Legends The Akali character uses a kunai as a main weapon.
• In the anime and sleeve Naruto the main weapon of the ninjas is the kunai.
• In the video game Ghost of Tsushima It appears as a throwing weapon.