Ninja Caltrops

September 21, 2008

“Caltrops” are a common weapon used by Ninja warriors.

A caltrop (calthrop, jack rock, star nail or crow’s foot) is a weapon made up of two (or more) sharp nails or spines arranged in such a manner that one of them always points upward from a stable base (for example, a tetrahedron).

According to many, they may be thought of as the landmines of antiquity useful to shape the battlefield and force the enemy into certain paths and approaches, or to provide a passive defense as part of a defensive works system. At the time, Caltrops served to slow down the advance of horses, war elephants, and human troops. It was said to be particularly effective against the soft feet of camels. In more modern times, caltrops are used against wheeled vehicles with pneumatic tires.

The derivation of the modern name “caltrop” is uncertain, but the Latin Tribulus is clearly derivative of the plant sharing similar hazards to sandaled or bare feet the Tribulus terrestris (Zygophyllaceae), whose spiked seed case can also injure feet and puncture tires. It can also be compared to the Star thistle, Centaurea calcitrapa, whose Latin name calcitrapa means “foot trap”.

You can learn more on wikipedia or just buy some and add them to your arsenal.

-> Buy Ninja Caltrops <-

Written by Tristan Knight · Filed Under Weapons | Leave a Comment