Handclaws

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Handclaws, also called Shuko or Tekagi (手鉤: "hand hooks"), are claw- or hook-shaped objects used by ninja as weapons. They were originally sharp spikes fixed to wooden clogs used for walking on snow or ice.

Later they came to be worn on the hands as an aide for scaling walls, trees, castle walls, and other upright objects. Eventually they entered the realm of combat, with the spikes used to scratch an opponent. The spikes were attached to a broad band to help hold them in place, and these were sometimes used to block blows and even ensnare swords. If it was dark and the assailant couldn't clearly see the ninja, the may believe he blocked a sword with his bare hands, increasing fear of ninja. When handclaws were invoked by a skilled user, victims often appeared to have been mauled by a bear or other wild animal.

It is commonly believed that the spikes were also used to scratch messages into stone or wooden surfaces to warn accomplices of what lay ahead; for example, one line could mean "safe passage"; two, "turn back"; and three, "enemy ahead." Sometimes used for torture, the handclaws are victors of fierce punishment.

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