Talk:Habaki

In all the iaido/katana/samurai books I've seen this piece of metal was named "habaki". I have never seen the word "tanka" used before. Sources please ?


 * this is the way I have heard Japanese people talk about this part. I am quite positive about the expression "tanka o kiru", but it is very possible that both terms could exist. Rama 21:23, 25 October 2005 (UTC)

I'd have to second that. Every single source I have ever seen outside of Wikipedia has used the term "habaki" to describe the piece in question. It seems to me that "tanka" is perhaps an adoption of the Chinese word "tunkou" (for an analogous sword part) or something along those lines, or perhaps the term "tanka o kiru" is referring to something else entirely. Seeing as how "tanka" would also be referring to a form of traditional Japanese poetry in this case, I think this article should be redefined "Habaki" and the Japanese sword articles on Wiki updated accordingly. Kensai Max 03:16, 13 June 2006 (UT)

As a sword collector (and user) of many years standing, specialising in the Japanese sphere, I have to say I have never seen an Habaki refered to as a Tanka; I don't recall the word ever being applied to a Japanese blade. I move the article be adjusted accordingly. (THE DOCTOR 16:11, 25 June 2006 (UTC))

I am also a Kendo and Iaido practitioner of many years, and have to say that the only use of the word "Tanka" which I am familiar is as Japanese poetry. 206.223.103.254 14:07, 2 August 2006 (UTC)

Why not change the name of the article, then? --207.81.237.134 04:10, 8 August 2006 (UTC)