Japanese or Chinese Polearm ?

drac2k · 2nd June 2025, 07:39 PM

I am not quite sure what I have;at first appearance it seems that this could be a Japanese or Chinese polearm, however after the binding, the haft looks out of place;the lower part could have been "barrack cut," to bring it home from a foreign port, but I believe the whole lower half is entirely foreign.

drac2k · Yesterday, 12:45 PM

Any guesses?

kronckew · Yesterday, 05:14 PM

It looks Japanese, a Kama Yari spear. They come with these side spikes, facing forward or to the rear... The construction of the haft mounting looks traditional. As noted, It could have been cut down by someone for shipping convenience. Common for spears. Many have the joint converted so they shaft can be re-joined for display, tho it's not a strong as the original.

My Yari point is a Fukuro Yari point, pocketed for easier re-hafting in case it gets broken, rather than the long tang most have that requires it to fit a socket drilled into the haft, then reinforced with metal bands, and/or other bindings. It also has been shortened.

drac2k · Today, 04:18 AM

Thanks Kronckew.It sure looks like a Kama Yari;just a little cruder than what I am used to seeing in Japanese weapons.

2nd June 2025, 07:39 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,260	Japanese or Chinese Polearm ? I am not quite sure what I have;at first appearance it seems that this could be a Japanese or Chinese polearm, however after the binding, the haft looks out of place;the lower part could have been "barrack cut," to bring it home from a foreign port, but I believe the whole lower half is entirely foreign. Attached Images

Yesterday, 05:14 PM	#3
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,227	Yari It looks Japanese, a Kama Yari spear. They come with these side spikes, facing forward or to the rear... The construction of the haft mounting looks traditional. As noted, It could have been cut down by someone for shipping convenience. Common for spears. Many have the joint converted so they shaft can be re-joined for display, tho it's not a strong as the original. My Yari point is a Fukuro Yari point, pocketed for easier re-hafting in case it gets broken, rather than the long tang most have that requires it to fit a socket drilled into the haft, then reinforced with metal bands, and/or other bindings. It also has been shortened. Attached Images

Yesterday, 12:45 PM	#2
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,260	Any guesses?

Today, 04:18 AM	#4
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,260	Thanks Kronckew.It sure looks like a Kama Yari;just a little cruder than what I am used to seeing in Japanese weapons.