How does a fuller strengthen a blade?

As the fullers make the groove, they typically displace material to the side, creating ridges around the grooves. These ridges may be hammered flat, widening the blade, or they are often shaped with other swages, increasing the strength of the blade by creating thicker areas in its cross section.

Why is it called a blood groove?

Basically, the idea is that the so-called ‘blood groove’ is there to aid withdrawing the blade from a person (or animal). In this scenario, it is said that the person’s muscles contract around the blade, which causes a vacuum, making the blade difficult to remove.

What’s the purpose of a fuller?

Fullers may vary in number, width, length, position, depth and form of indentation. The primary purpose of a fuller is to lighten the blade; lighter blades are easier and faster to wield. Variations in the attributes of fullers may also affect the weight balance and related properties of the blade.

Why do swords have divots?

What is a Bo-Hi on a katana?

A bo-hi (also known as a ‘bohi’,’hi’, ‘fuller’ or ‘blood groove’) is simply a groove literally carved into the blade of a Japanese sword that helps to reduce the weight slightly without major sacrifices to its durability.

Did samurai swords have Bo-Hi?

In Japanese swordsmithing, swordsmiths created and used a variety of different fuller(Bo-hi) types. In this article, we will explore the different types of hi. Bo-hi: A continuous straight groove of notable width and runs lengthwise of the blade, known as katana-bi on tantō.

What are the divots in a knife called?

A santoku is defined by its shape—a blunted front and flat cutting edge—but it usually has another distinctive feature as well: a row of shallow dimples on the side of the blade. These depressions, called kullenschliff or a Granton edge, reduce friction and help prevent food from sticking to the blade.

What is the use of Santoku knife?

Santoku knives or to give them their full name Santoku bocho knives, which translates as ‘three uses’, are ideal for mincing, dicing and slicing, as they feature a straight edge with a narrow sheep’s foot blade. These knives have evolved from the traditional Japanese vegetable knife which has a rectangular blade.

What is BOHI?

The hi or bo’hi is the groove in the blade located just under the spine. This groove has been misunderstood by many as does the fuller in the European sword. The “hi” like the fuller’s purpose is to lighten the blade while compromising it’s strength as little as possible. …