Sodegarami's Description and appearance
This weapon is made of sturdy wood and is equipped with a head made of iron. The attachment is done with the help of springs, which were 50-75 cm long. They are attached to the shaft from both sides with the help of screws or bolts.
At the top there was an iron head of various shapes, resembling either a halberd or a mace. Nails and small blades or spikes were attached to the iron shafts. The tips of the heads were designed to easily catch on clothing.
They could be used to inflict serious injuries on a criminal or a fugitive, but that was not the primary purpose of the Sodegarami. It was mainly used to restrain a criminal, immobilize him, break resistance and overpower him.
The tips below the head were used to prevent the person being restrained from grasping the weapon. The Sodegarami was used by city guards, police agencies and pirate hunters.
It resembled the sasumata and the tsukubō. The sodegarami was in use from the 13th century to the 18th century. Its importance faded with the advent of firearms in Japan. It resembles European manhunts in its function and purpose.
