Tessho (?)

[takuan]

I'm trying to identify a weapon I saw in a samurai/ninja film. It was a black, iron band worn on the hand with spikes in the palm. A ninja used it to help him grip a tree he was climbing and fought with it (blocking sword chops and hitting people with the spiky part).

Am I right in assuming this is a tessho? If so, was it used to assist in tree-climbing as well, or is this just made-up movie schtick? I want to sort out fact from fiction.

BTW, what do you call those multi-pointed spike things you leave on the path for your pursuers to step on?
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Keep yourself to yourself, and so preserve your dignity.
-- Fujiwara no Morosuke

[shin no sen]

Hi Takuan, Climbing claws are called 'shuko' although I have heard 'tekage' (sp). The foot claws are called 'ashiko'. I don't know the Japanese name for 'caltrops' used mainly to prohibit horse pursuit. John
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知恵は時間及びエネルギーである

[JLBadgley]

I believe there are different types of caltrops, for either horse or foot. Depends mainly on the size.

-Josh

[Kuseru Satsujin]

Well, I suppose that depends on which weapon you're talking about:
Tessho


Shuko


As for caltrops, there are several different types; Arare, Dokubari, Hishi, Idagama, Kobishi, Makibishi, Takebishi, and Tetsubishi.
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[takuan]

Actually, now that I'm looking at the images (thanks!), the guy was wearing shuko. I assume these were dual purpose, both for climbing and fighting, yes?

EDIT: Nevermind, got my answer on pg. 122 of Serge Mol's Classical Weaponry of Japan which Kuseru Satsujin so helpfully recommended.

_________________
Keep yourself to yourself, and so preserve your dignity.
-- Fujiwara no Morosuke