Bisento is a type of Japanese polearm that was used during the Sengoku period in the 16th century. It resembles a naginata but is much larger and heavier. Bisento literally means “double blade spear” in Japanese. It consists of a long wooden shaft with a curved blade attached to the top. The blade is similar to a Japanese sword blade but much longer. So is Bisento actually considered a sword or just a polearm? Let’s take a closer look.
Definition of a Sword
A sword is defined as a long-bladed weapon used for cutting or thrusting. Swords typically consist of a long blade with a hilt or handle. The length of the blade distinguishes a sword from a dagger or knife. Sword blades are usually double-edged with a tapering point designed for thrusting.
Throughout history, swords were made in many different sizes and styles depending on their intended use. Broadly speaking, any long bladed weapon designed to cut and thrust in combat can be considered a type of sword. This includes everything from the gladius of ancient Rome to the katana of feudal Japan.
Bisento Design and Use
The bisento consists of a pole-arm shaft usually measuring between 5 to 7 feet long. Affixed to the top is a long curved blade around 2 to 3 feet in length. The steel blade is single edged and resembles a Japanese sword blade. Bisento often incorporate engraved imagery and inscriptions much like traditional Japanese swords.
The bisento was used primarily by infantry troops as an anti-cavalry weapon. Its extra long range helped fend off mounted samurai. The heavy pole and curved blade enabled strong downward and lateral slashes from horseback or on foot. Bisento required two hands to wield effectively due to their weight. Various fighting techniques and forms were developed to capitalize on the reach and cutting ability of the bisento’s blade.
Comparison to Naginata
The bisento is similar to the naginata, another Japanese polearm used during feudal times. The main difference is the size of the blade and overall length. Naginata tend to have a lighter, narrower blade ranging from 1 to 2 feet long mounted on a polearm shaft. Bisento have a much broader, heavier sword-like blade and longer pole measuring up to 7 feet.
While naginata were suited for quicker handling, the bisento offered greater reach and cutting power. The extra weight and leverage allowed bisento to deliver more forceful and devastating blows. As weapons of war, naginata and bisento were both used to defend castles and fortifications from enemy attack.
Comparison to Nodachi
The nodachi was a very large type of traditional Japanese sword often carried into battle by samurai. Unlike conventional katana which measured around 60 cm long, nodachi had blade lengths upwards of 90 cm. The long, curved nodachi enabled powerful sweeping attacks from horseback.
While nodachi blades are much longer than normal katana, they are still significantly shorter than bisento blades. However, both weapons incorporate traditional Japanese sword forging methods. This includes using high carbon steel that is differentially tempered to create a hard, sharp cutting edge through clay application.
The main difference is bisento has an extra long polearm shaft that extends its reach and impact. So in usage and mechanics, the nodachi is classified as a sword while the bisento is considered a polearm due to its design.
Reasons Why Bisento is not a Sword
Here are some key reasons why bisento are not actually classified as swords:
Polearm Design
The bisento consists of a long polearm-style shaft with a blade attached to the end. This differentiates it from a classic sword design where the blade itself runs the length of the weapon. The extra long grip and leverage provided by the shaft moves it into the realm of a polearm.
Two-Handed Use
Due to their sheer size and weight, bisento always required two hands to operate effectively. Normal one-handed swords can be utilized with one or two hands. The exclusive two-handed use of the bisento is characteristic of a polearm.
Anti-Cavalry Purpose
Polearms like the bisento and naginata were specially designed to unseat cavalry and defend fortifications. Their extended reach and heavy blades were ideal for countering mounted samurai attacks. Comparatively, swords served more as close-quarters infantry weapons.
Length of Blade
The extra long curved blade of the bisento exceeds normal sword proportions. At around 36-72 inches, the blades are designed for extended reach and wide sweeping strikes. This long blade reflects its polearm heritage more than a sword design.
Reasons Why Bisento Could be Considered a Sword
Here are some reasons why the bisento could be argued as a type of sword:
Blade Design
The blade attached to the bisento pole closely resembles traditional Japanese swords like katana. It has a single-edged, curved shape with a long grip to accommodate two hands. The blade geometry and beveled edge optimize it for cutting and slashing.
Forging Techniques
Bisento blades are forged using similar techniques as Japanese swords. High carbon steel is repeatedly heated, hammered, and quenched to shape the blade. Differential tempering helps create a hard edge suited for cutting. This sword-like construction yields a tough, durable blade.
Signature Inscriptions
It was common practice to inscribe the blade of the bisento with details about its maker and owner. Sword-like engravings and themes were often incorporated. This customization mirrors the individual nature of Japanese swords.
Ceremonial Usage
In peacetime, bisento were carried and displayed by high-ranking officers and guards. Their ceremonial role was reminiscent of traditional swords as symbolic weapons. Bisento were seen as representations of authority and power.
Conclusion
The bisento is primarily considered a Japanese polearm rather than a true sword. While it has some sword-like qualities in its blade and use, the overall design and function of bisento align more with polearms. The extra long shaft and specialized anti-cavalry purpose distinguish it from conventional swords. Additionally, the exclusive two-handed use required by its heavier blade categorizes bisento as polearms. While its name may be misleading, references to bisento in historical texts and combat manuals consistently group it with naginata and other polearms. So in summary, the bisento is not technically classified as a sword due to its longer shaft and blade proportions. However, it could be viewed as a hybrid polearm-sword due to its construction and versatility on the battlefield.
| Sword | Bisento |
|---|---|
| Shorter blade length (24-40 inches) | Longer blade length (36-72 inches) |
| Designed as one-handed weapon | Designed exclusively as two-handed weapon |
| Used primarily as infantry weapon | Used primarily as anti-cavalry weapon |
| Closer-range combat | Longer-range combat |
| Blade runs length of weapon | Blade attached to end of pole |