Stringray skin and shark skin are the most common skins used in the early times. Samegawa: The third is the Samekawa, which is another form of hilt wrapping, sitting under the Tsukaito.Fuchi: The next is the Fuchi, which is basically the metal sleeve that keeps the Tsuka locked together.Ito: The Ito is the handle wrap and holds it together.Only the very best sword SAGE can work out the OH-so-difficult knot used to tie the cord. Sageo: The sageo is the cord found on samurai swords.I like to think of a Koi carp opening it’s mouth for food. Koiguchi: The koiguchi makes up the mouth of scabbard.There are no clever ways to remember this, you’re going to have to rely on brain power alone. Traditionally, it would be made from buffalo horn.
Kurigata: The cord is tied around this knob.It helps avoid unnecessary injuries from handling the Katana. This part is used to protect the blade while dormant, or when not being in use. Saya: The next one is the Saya or also called Scabbard.If you were a samurai, you might commit SEPPuku by thrusting the sword into yourself, all the way up to the Seppa. This can be themed, decorated, or plain, depending on the style of the sword. Tsuba: This one’s easy: it's the hand guard.To help you remember, think about how many parts there are to the sword. It would be a lot easier if there were a MENU to help remember them all. They will most often be related to the theme of the sword. You can get dragons, sunsets, or really whatever strikes your fancy. Menuki: This part of the sword is ornamental and can depict almost anything.You might think of it as a money jar ‘KASHira’. Kashira: The Kashira is the very end bit of the sword, basically the butt cap.A wider approach is needed to recognize the skill and genius of the Japanese Samurai and craftsman. It would be unfair to ignore all the different types of swords, just to popularize one over the others. While all of these are types of bladed weapons used by the noble Japanese warriors, each and every one has its unique characteristics and uses. They are not very effective in close range or constricted space.Ī shorter version of the tachi, but with similar mounts and intended use, mostly found in the 13th century or earlier.Ī straight single edged sword that was produced prior to the 10th century, and without differential hardening or folding.Ī development from the tachi in the 15th century. They were typically used as weapons for foot soldiers and were effective against cavalry and open field encounters. They are larger and longer than a typical katana. Nodachi approximately translates to “field sword” or “great sword”. Ōdachi ("big big sword")/Nodachi ("big field sword"): Very large tachi, some in excess of 100 cm, and usually a blade of the late 14th century. It was primarily made for Samurais on horseback where they needed more length and curvature to effectively charge foot soldiers. The sword is the predecessor to the Katana the Tachi is a Japanese sword that is more curved and longer than a katana. The Tanto has become more ornate over the years and towards the end of the Samurai era, they were mostly used as decorative pieces, and still are mostly used in decorations to this date. The main purpose of a Tanto is to be used as a stabbing instrument but having a pretty sharp edge, it can be used to slice and cut. It acts like a Wakizashi and is worn at all times. The Tanto, although not technically qualifying in the category of swords, is the traditional Japanese dagger. When worn together the pair of swords was called daishō, which translates to “large and small”. This sword acted like a side weapon and was worn by the Samurai at all times. The average Wakizashi is about 50 cm long and was usually worn together with the katana by the Samurai of feudal Japan. The Wakizashi is similar to the katana but shorter in length. A traditional katana will measure 3 to 4 feet in total length, with the hilt taking up one-fourth of the total and a characteristic curvature of more or less than 1 inch. The Katana has a set of dimensions that separate it from other samurai swords. It has a curved, slender, single-edged blade with a circular or squared guard. The most iconic and well-known of all the Samurai swords the katana is distinguished by its long blade and handle that is made to accommodate two hands and strike from a large distance. There are five main streams of the samurai sword, namely Katana, Wakizashi, Tanto, Nodachi, Tachi, Chokuto, Kodachi, Odachi, Uchigatana swords. These Samurai warriors were equipped with a range of weapons such as spears and guns, and bows and arrows, but their main weapon and symbol was the sword. They made up the ruling class of the military and later rose to be the highest class in the Japanese hierarchy. An ancient elite class of men, the chosen few, only the best of the best had the honor to be called Samurai in medieval Japan.