Korean Eunjangdo

[Norman McCormick]

Hi,
A recent acquisition is this later Joseon Period Eunjangdo. The overall length is 6 1/2 inches (16.5 cms). The knife itself is 5 1/4 inches long (13.5 cms) with a blade of 2 3/4 inches (7 cms). Overall it is silver with a weight just over 3 1/2 ounces (100 grams). These are known as higher class ladies 'jewellery' accessories for self defence. These appear to be very uncommon with little on the net so I got in touch with Mr Lee of Swords of Korea who confirmed the above assertions. You will notice that the chopsticks are bent. According to Mr Lee originally the chopsticks would have been straight and that possibly the owner bent them to form a more secure grip for the knife in the sheath. Because it is a friction fit it would obviously slacken off with use. From handling the knife I would definitely say this is without doubt a very reasonable conclusion. On mine the chopsticks fit snugly, smoothly and neatly into the sheath and when inserted the knife also fits snugly and the whole can be inverted and shaken without the knife falling out. I did find some photos of other Eunjangdo which would seem to confirm this. The photo on the right of the next post and the one on the bottom left both show indications of bent chopsticks. The chopsticks are both bent evenly as is mine which to me shows a deliberate act and not random 'wear and tear'. If anyone has more info on these unusual survivors please let me know.
Regards,
Norman.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi,
Photos of other Eunjangdo with bent chopsticks, bottom left and the one on the right.
Regards,
Norman.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi,
There doesn't seem to be much interest in these rather scarce knives. I'm not really surprised as there is not many about and not much to go on regarding information on the internet or otherwise. I have added a few links to sold Eunjangdo from respected dealers for information and comparison.
Regards,
Norman.

https://www.runjeetsingh.com/inventory/294/silver_knife

https://www.mandarinmansion.com/item...e-or-eunjangdo

https://www.mandarinmansion.com/item...rean-eunjangdo

[Sajen]

I have an interest in these little knives but can add only knowledge from others, see here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ight=Eunjangdo

Regards,
Detlef

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Detlef,
Thanks for your input on this. I think all that can be said about these knives is included in both this thread and your thread. There seems to be a paucity of information re Korean arms and armour in all of its forms so I guess any info is a plus.
My Regards,
Norman.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Hi Detlef,
Thanks for your input on this. I think all that can be said about these knives is included in both this thread and your thread. There seems to be a paucity of information re Korean arms and armour in all of its forms so I guess any info is a plus.
My Regards,
Norman.

Hi Norman,

Yes, I agree completely with you. These small knives are very nice. And there is not much documented about Korean blades.

Regards,
Detlef

[DhaDha]

I really like these too. Here's a pic of one I've had for while.
I found an informative post on Korean silver a few years ago when I was researching it. Probably worth a share as information on these is so scarce.

https://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewt...32af4112dc339d

[Norman McCormick]

Originally Posted by DhaDha

I really like these too. Here's a pic of one I've had for while.
I found an informative post on Korean silver a few years ago when I was researching it. Probably worth a share as information on these is so scarce.

https://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewt...32af4112dc339d

Hi,
Thanks for posting your Eunjangdo. It's very nice and obviously a more upmarket version than mine with the gold highlights. Information on these is really scarce so the link you've provided is a really great addition.
On another note, connected but different, I came across some of my grandmothers bits and pieces recently and in amongst them was a large hatpin. I wondered if these long and very pointy hatpins were ever used in a similar fashion to Eunjangdo re self defence. I found the following links quite informative.
My Regards,
Norman.

https://blogs.brighton.ac.uk/alisond...dered-weapons/

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/histo...man-180951219/

https://www.atlasobscura.com/article...n-hats-fashion

[Norman McCormick]

Hi,
Some more information re these elusive knives.
Regards,
Norman.

https://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Cult...ticleId=187661

[rusanstar]

Hello. I’m leaving a comment on this post after receiving your message.

I can confirm that this is "Ornamental Silver blade" in korean 은장도

은(Silver) 장(Ornamental) 도(sword, dagger, kinfe)

First of all, the primary purpose of this item is not for self-defense. Its main purpose is, quite literally, to be worn for style or ornamental purposes. This, I can say with absolute certainty.

If someone insists that its primary function is for self-defense, feel free to disregard that opinion — it is simply not accurate.

Now, regarding the chopsticks: they were not intentionally bent to make it easier to draw the blade. That is absolutely not the case.

The chopsticks are made of silver, and the bending is due to improper storage and lack of maintenance over time. That’s the correct explanation. Every instance of bent chopsticks shown in the linked examples is a result of poor care, nothing more.

I even shared some of the comments on this post with the son of a Korean National Intangible Cultural Heritage master craftsman — who himself is also a certified successor and future inheritor of that title. After reading them, he sighed and asked me to help correct the misinformation being spread here.

If I have time, I’ll share more information later.