Sword Handles (Tsuka)

[Ronin-K]

Another interesting thing I noticed in the comics is the design on varying swords. Usagi's swords have a distinctive style to the handles, as do Gen's, Inazuma's, Katsuichi's, Koji's, and many other prominent characters. But strangely, lesser characters such as bandit cronies, very minor samurai, and other nonentitites all have similarly wrapped handles on their blades.

I think it most likely has something to do with the quality of the blades, as Usagi's are commented on as unnaturally beautiful and of high quality, while a sword used by a bandit would likely be cheap and unremarkable. Anybody else got an idea on this? I also added a poll because I felt wacky and fun.

Also, I know Jei's spear isn't a sword, but it's just for fun.

[estee]

I've always liked Usagi's, the green handle wrapping and ornamentation gives it them the most character.

The swords the other characters carry seem rather plain.

[Todd Shogun]

I always liked the way Stan drew the Neko Ninja's shinobikatana swords... too awesome. I also really liked Shingen's kama. Surprisingly, I was never a big fan of Usagi's swords. I think it might have had to do with when he changed the handle wrapping to green. Only because green just looks odd on a sword handle to me...not sure why...

[Thomas Froehling]

..., I was never a big fan of Usagi's swords. I think it might have had to do with when he changed the handle wrapping to green. Only because green just looks odd on a sword handle to me...not sure why...

Well, I think green is the right color for a rabbit's sword handles; even if it was chosen just to avoid carrot-orange...

[Krogu]

I like Tomoe's Swords, and the thing Ishida is using - what is it?!

[Ronin-K]

GAH! I forgot to add Tomoe's, forgive me. And the tool Ishida uses is called a jutte.

[ethanextravaganza]

I said the komori wing blades. They are so unique and I love the idea

[Thomas Froehling]

I like Tomoe's Swords, and the thing Ishida is using - what is it?!

It's called a jittè, a parrying weapon sometimes used to catch (and occasionally break) the opponent's blade

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jitte_(weapon)

[Ronin-K]

Hehe, Usagi's swords are in the lead...

Todd, I know Usagi's swords look a bit odd because they are bright green, considering most actually sword wrappings tended to be dark colored, but in a world where animals replace people, they look superbly cool among other swords and define Usagi's seperate attitude as compared to most rude, pompous warriors. Fancier sword, less pompousness.

EGAD! No one's yet voted on Jei's spear. Shame, I thought it as very cool when I first saw it, like a scary demonic spear infected with evvvillll.