The Shuriken is a traditional Japanese concealed weapon. It was one of the Long-Range weapons of the Ninja.
Stats
- 4 inches
- 2 ounces
- Tempered Steel
Description
Shuriken were fashioned from everyday items: nails, needles, coins, washers, and other flat plates of metal. The most popular kind is the Hira-shuriken, often called Ninja Stars. These were flat disks with four blades, often with a hole in the center. The hole aided the aerodynamic and weighting effects of the shuriken, and could allow multiple shuriken to be strung on a string for transport.
Uses
Contrary to their depiction in popular media, the shuriken was more of a distraction tool than a lethal weapon. They were often thrown at the enemy's eyes, or else thrown to cause a glancing cut, leading the opponent to believe they had been attacked by an invisible swordsman. Some may have been coated with poison, or else allowed to rust so as to cause an infection.
In the Show
The shuiken was tested against dummy where it was capable of breaking bones but was deemed to only injure an opponent rather than kill.
Trivia
- A red shuriken surrounding a Corinthian Helmet (the helemt of the Ninja's opponent, the Spartan) appears on the Deadliest Warrior title card, in between the two words.
- The Ninja used other throwing weapons like knives, spikes, caltrops and shortswords.