Several interpretations of this weapon's name and its intended use exist, as 'Kabuto' could also mean 'skull' and 'wari' to 'split'. It is not designed to cut or stab, but rather to crush. The hook near the Tsuka was very likely used to parry the opponent's sword, hook the cords of the armor, or perhaps even pry armor plates open. The current view is that these were parrying weapons capable of catching and breaking an opponent’s blade. As well, they were used to foul the lacing and penetrate between the plates of the opponent's armor, from which they evidently acquired the name, Kabutowari.
