A kunai (苦無 kunai) is a Japanese tool possibly derived from the masonry trowel.[1] Two variations are the short kunai (小苦無 shō-kunai) and the big kunai (大苦無 dai-kunai). It is a good example of a very basic tool which, in the hands of a martial arts expert, could be used as a multi-functional weapon.[2]
It is commonly associated with the ninja, who used it to gouge holes in walls.[1]
Many ninja developed weapons that were merely adapted farming tools, not unlike those used by Shaolin monks in China.
Since kunai were cheaply produced farming tools of a decent size and
weight, and could be easily sharpened, they were readily available to be
converted into simple weapons.
As a weapon it is larger and heavier than a shuriken, and with the grip could also be used in hand to hand combat more readily than a shuriken. In addition, it could be used for climbing, as either a kind of grappling hook, or a piton.[2]
As with the ninjutsu, the exaggeration persistent in ninja myths played a large role in creating the current popular culture image of kunai.
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