Sori - the curve that captures the charm and beauty of Japanese sword
Sori is the curvature on the blade of the samurai sword. Swordsmen sometimes call it the Zori. Also, they often associate it with the Mune, the back part of the blade.
To measure the Sori, first, imagine a straight line between Munemachi and Kissaki. Then, find the deepest point of the curvature. From there, trace a second imaginary line where it intersects with the first one is the point of measurement.
For this, an ideal thickness is usually somewhere between 0.5 to 1 inch. Meanwhile, the maximum one is approximately 1.25 to 1.5 inches.
It is a common misconception that the more curvature a blade has, thebetter it cuts, however this simply is not true - for a sword with too much curvature will actually cause the tip to twist when it contacts a target - resulting in more bad cuts that usual.
Essentially, how much curvature a sword should have (within what actually works) is a matter of personal preference.
Common Types of the Sori
Sori differs from sword to sword. For most swords, the difference is noticeable and some have very subtle. Thus, it is sometimes hard to classify. Nevertheless, it is a crucial factor in sword appraisal or Kantei.
Koshi Sori
The term Koshi translates as "waist". It refers to the deepest point of the curve near the waist of the sword. Particularly, it is just forward of the Machi. To define, Machi is the area where the blade meets the Tang. Simply put, Koshi Sori is between the blade and the Munemachi. However, it is nearer to the Tang than to the Kissaki.
Saki Sori
This form takes its name from Saki which means "upper". As such, the Sori is forward of the halfway point towards the tip or Kissaki.
This form was common during the Muromachi Period. As such, it was evident in most Naginata blades.
Mu Sori
Different from all other Sori, this one is straight. For this, the term Mu means "no" or "none". The Japanese use this to refer to Tanto blades without curvature.
Meanwhile, in the archaic period, Chokuto was what swordsmiths called straight swords. Hence, users sometimes name this type the Chukan Sori. Chukan means "middle". With this, the deepest point of the curve is between the Sori and Uchisori.
Torii Sori
It's also called "Naka sori". This type derives its name from the Torii, the gate to a Shinto shrine. The reason for such use is its resemblance to the curved crosspiece.
Concerning its location, its deepest point coincides with the middle point of the blade. It is almost perfectly halfway. As such, one can easily pinpoint its difference from the Koshi Sori.
The sori, which was born as swordsmiths thought through over and over how to make swords that can cut better, is perhaps the feature that best characterizes the Japanese sword. If you have a Japanese sword by your side, it may be interesting to look upon and appreciate the most beautiful curve of all weaponry while being mindful of the historial background.
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