Samurai Sword Guide: Understanding the Parts and History

If you want to understand the sword, you can start by memorizing the various parts of the sword and the corresponding terminology to understand its composition. Next, let's get more detailed information about the sword!

The katana meaning extends beyond its physical form, symbolizing the harmony between beauty and functionality in Japanese artistry. The word katana refers to a traditional Japanese sword characterized by a curved single-edged blade, a circular or squared guard, and a long grip suitable for two-handed use. Historically, katanas were the primary weapon of samurai warriors, especially during the Edo period (1603–1868), and were designed for close combat. The curvature of the blade enhances cutting efficiency, making it ideal for swift, precise strikes. Understanding the Sword's design and historical context provides insight into its significance in Japanese culture and martial arts.Among the wide variety of traditional blades, single-edged swords like the Knife stand out for their balance of elegance and deadly precision, epitomizing the craftsmanship of Japanese swordsmiths.

Table of Contents：

1. Blade

2. Between The Blade and The Handle

3. Tsuka

4. Saya

 

1. Blade

 

Nagasa

Nagasa refers to the straight-line distance from the Munemachi to the tip of the Sword blade, which is the length of the Swords blade.

 

Mono-uchi

Main cutting portion of blade (first six inches from kissaki). The area closest to the Kissaki of the three areas of the blade.

 

Yokote

Yokote refers to a clear line of demarcation between the kissaki and the rest of the blade, but not all swords have Yokote.

 

Kissaki

Kissaki is the tip of a samurai sword, starting with the Yokote that separates the rest of the  blade from the tip, and the area of the kissaki varies in size.

 

Hasaki

Hasaki is the extreme point of the edge.

 

Shinogi & Shinogi-ji

Shinogi and Shinogi-ji are the most easily remembered pair, with Shinogi being the ridge where the edge of the sword blade transitions into the flat part of the blade. The flat part is known as Shinogi-ji.

 

Ji

Also called Hiraji. The area between shinogi and hamon.

 

Hamon

Hamon is a visible effect created on the blade by the quenching process, Hamon is the profile of the quenched area of the cutting edge.

 

Ha

Ha is the range in which the edger slope is hardened by quenching.

 

Mune

Mune is the back of the Sword blade, known as the tip that is harder than the spine part of a cool Japanese sword. The difference lies in the use of clay on the blade during the cooling process or quenching.

 

Bo-Hi

Hi/Bo-Hi are grooves etched into the Japanese blade that help reduce weight slightly and keep the cool samurai swords balanced without sacrificing its durability.

 

2. Between The Blade and The Handle

 

Seppa

Seppa is a pair of identical "spacers" or "washers" that are used to securely fill the gap between the tsuba and handle assembly. At the same time, acts like a shock absorber to absorb shock and pressure and protect the other parts in the sowrd assembly.

 

Tsuba

Tsuba is the guard at the end of the blade's grip, which helps balance the weapon and protect the hand.

 

Fuchi

A cap type collar or ferrule which covers the opening in the tsuka of a Japanese sword. The tang of the Swords goes into the tsuka through the opening in the fuchi. Increased the strength of the handle.

 

Habaki

Habaki is a piece of metal that wraps around the base of the blade. The habaki helps lock the tsuba in place, locking the blade in the saya and preventing the sword from slipping out easily.

 

3. Tsuka

 

Menuki

Menuki are metal ornaments woven under the ito, usually with one side forward and the other side backward.

 

Mekugi

Mekugi are the nails used to hold the handle of the sword to the blade of the blade.

 

Ito

Ito refers to the wrap used on Japanese swords hilts. Most are diamond-shaped.

 

Kashira

Kashira is the cap at the end of tsuka. For securing and gluing the ito wrap as well as securing the entire handle assembly.

 

Kashiragane

Kashiragane refers to the hole in which the tsuka is bound.

 

Makidome

The ito usually forms a knot on one side of the tsuka, then crosses or crosses the kashira to form the final knot. This process is called maki-dome.

 

 

Same(Rayskin)

The rayskin helps to bind the handle, and the uneven surface also helps ito to increase the friction force to grip the handle. 

 

Yasurime

Yasurime refers to the patterns carved by the craftsman on the stem of the blade to increase friction and make the handle less likely to fall off.

 

Munemachi

Munemachi is a 3-5mm groove in the back of the Japanese blade spine that can be inserted into the habaki.

 

Hamachi

Hamachi is notch in the cutting edge (ha), dividing the blade proper from the tang.

 

Full Tang Sword

When a sword is full tang, it means that the metal extends along the entire length of the handle and is strong and continuous. The full tang sowrds adds strength and also provides leverage. 

 

4.  Saya

 

Saya

Saya is a Japanese samurai sword scabbard, scabbard. Usually made of lacquered wood. A fitted saya can not only keep the blade upside down and not fall off, but also can easily pull out the sword blade.

 

Koiguchi

Koiguchi is the mouth of the swords saya, traditionally made of buffalo horn.

 

Kurigata

The kurigata is the protrusion about 1/3 down the saya opening that secures the sageo cord to the scabbard.

 

Shitodome

Shitodome is a decorative metal that is installed inside the Kurigata.

 

Sageo 

Sageo is the rope used to fasten the scabbard of the katana sword to the belt.

 

Kojiri

Kojiri is the sheath at the end of the scabbard, which is mostly made of metal.

The Sword, a quintessential traditional Japanese sword, is renowned for its curved, slender, single-edged blade and distinctive circular or squared guard. This design not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also makes it a formidable weapon in martial arts disciplines. The surface of the blade is meticulously polished to a mirror finish, highlighting the intricate grain patterns that are a hallmark of superior craftsmanship. The sharp edge of the katana is achieved through precise heat treatment and honing, ensuring it performs exceptionally in both practice and combat scenarios. The length of the blade typically ranges from 60 to 80 centimeters, striking a balance between reach and maneuverability. Each swords is a work of art, embodying the dedication and skill of the artisans who create these quality swords. At COOLKATANA, we honor this legacy by offering hand-forged katanas that exemplify the elegance and functionality of the real sword.