imitation sword
A replica of the real sword (진검, jingeom), made of metal with the edge dulled. Kumdo dojang (검도장, geomdojang) use it to practise with less risk and to get the feel of a real sword.
How to say it
- Korean
- 가검gageom
- Spanish
- Espada de metal para práctica
- English
- imitation sword
- Japanese
- 模擬刀もぎとうmogitō
가검 (gageom), written 假劍 in Chinese characters, is an imitation sword. It is defined as a replica of the real sword, the 진검 (jingeom). In practice it is a sword-shaped object made of metal with the edge dulled, so that it does not meet the legal standard for a sword.
Use in kumdo
- A Korean maker says the 가검 it sells are used in kumdo halls (검도장, geomdojang) by adults and students. They reduce the risk before using the 진검 and help the practitioner learn how a real sword feels.
- A sword maker says that for form practice (검형, geomhyeong) a sharpened 진검 is dangerous. A 진가검 (jin-gageom) or a 가검, without an edge, is used instead.
Characteristics
- A maker says it cannot cut or thrust, and that its strength is not comparable to a 진검, so it cannot be used like one.
- The blade is usually aluminium. One maker lists five blade materials: plastic, stainless steel, two kinds of aluminium and duralumin. Higher-grade ones are aluminium.
- A basic practice sword weighs about 600–650 g, according to that maker. Apart from the blade, all other parts are the same as on the 진검.
- An aluminium blade is soft: it can cut paper but not bamboo or straw.
- The 진가검 is a steel variant with an unsharpened edge and a tip that is not pointed.
Other uses
A Korean patent notes that the 가검 is often lighter than the 진검 and is also used as a stand-in in films, plays and historical dramas.
Legal status
The makers say no sword-possession permit is needed. Another source warns that Korean law defines a sword by blade length (15 cm or more) and material, not by whether it has an edge. Check the rules currently in force.
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