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 Sai

The saï was a simple farm instrument which the peasants turned to their advantage once they were forbidden to carry weapons. Usually, the saïs are used in pairs. A third saï was hidden in the obi (belt) and was used to replace one saï that was thrown at the charging enemy. If the throw was successful, the fight could be over all at once. If not, the distraction could be just enough to get close to stab with the saï or to counter an attack and win the battle.

Originally, the saï was made out of 2 separate parts: the stem and the curved prongs. These 2 parts were then pounded together in a process similar to that used by swordsmiths. Around late 19th century a different method was used. A finished saï would serve to create a saï shaped cavity in the ground. Molten iron was poured into this shape, producing a perfect twin of the first saï when the iron had hardened. Rough edges were removed and afterwards the saï was polished.

The stem of the saï should cover the complete forearm to guarantee full protection when countering an attack. The butt of the handle can have various shapes and can be used in the same way as a bullet.

Another version of the saï, called jutte or jitte was a weapon used by the Japanese police. It is smaller than the saï and has only one prong.