2 definitions by Andorin Kato
An incredibly large sword forged during the Edo period of Japanese history. Although it was originally meant to take down a horse and its rider in one swing, the weapon was so massive that it required at least two people to hold, much less wield. In the Japanese manga Rurouni Kenshin, fighting enthusiast Sagura Sanosuke, under the name 'Zanza', carried and fought with a zanbato, belying his incredible strength. Sanosuke's zanbato had no edge, due to its age; so although it was formally called a blade, it could only be used to smash and crush.
by Andorin Kato June 1, 2006
A variation of the standard Japanese katana in which the edge is crafted on the inside of the blade curve, whereas the flat side is placed on the outside of the curve. This blade, known as a "reverse-blade sword," is used in the same manner as a katana, but the user is not required to kill when wielding the sakabato. Strikes are made with the flat side of the blade, or with the hilt. Sakabato began as fictional weapons, originating in the manga Rurouni Kenshin, in which the main character, Himura Kenshin, wields a sakabato to uphold his vow never to kill, yet still protect his friends with his sword.
Now, Himura Kenshin is rurouni, a wanderer, and carries a reverse-edged sakabato blade, vowing to never kill another soul.
by Andorin Kato July 9, 2006