It prevents the ito from slipping and defecting the handle. Samekawa, the backing of Tuska, is another wrapping, and it is placed under tsukaito. Things that are needed for tsukamaki include a paper, piece of cloth (ito), glue, and of course, the tsuba. The whole process of fitting the Tuska on the sword is known as tsukamaki and requires a great deal of skill and patience. It has been tightly wrapped on the sword with the help of a cloth piece called tsukaito. It covers the bottom of the handle to keep the sword protected. Kashira, also called as Pommel, is a knob or butt present at the end of the sword handle. Also you can learn more about the sword lengths of other types as wakizashi sword length and katana length. Below is a complete description and overview of Katana parts. Samurai Katana sword is not just a single piece of the sword instead, it comprises many different parts such as Tsuka, Saya and Tsuba, etc. Katanas are manufactured by only expert swordsmiths to preserve the ancient essence of these swords. It is one of the most prestigious swords of Japanese culture. Reach out to us with any questions you may have about katana parts, sword terminology, or Japanese weapons history.Katana or Samurai sword is a Japanese sword carried by Samurai of feudal Japan. At Swords of Northshire, we’re experts on Samurai sword design and forging. With this knowledge of katana parts, you’re much better equipped to start shopping for a high quality sword. The important thing about the saya is that it’s made to protect the blade part of the katana. Many prefer lacquered wood, others like horns or bone. While not technically part of the katana sword’s anatomy, the saya is a scabbard. The tsuba is the guard of the sword and the habaki is the metal collar right underneath it that keeps the katana firmly sheathed. On the other end of the blade lie the tsuba and the habaki. It covers the mekugi.Īt the top of the tsuka, is a cap that ends the hilt called a kashira. Menuki: A final, decorative charm that is wrapped into the ito. Ito: This is a silk wrap that covers the samé for better grip of the hilt. Samé: This is the material that covers the hilt of the sword. Mekugi: These are wooden pegs that adhere the tang of the blade to the hilt. The tsuka is the handle of part of the katana and involves several intricately detailed components. Some sword makers can be identified by the unique hamon line they create in their swords. This line separates the higher temperature and lower temperature metal tempering. The hamon line is a very important part of the blade that naturally forms through the differential tempering process the metal undergoes. Shinogi: The ridgeline of the blade (not the same as the hamon line). Kissaki: This is the slightly rounded tip of the blade Ha: The harder section of the metal at the front of the blade Ji: The softest section of metal in the back of the blade The most important parts of a katana blade include They have a slight curve and a single sharpened edge. If you’re curious about this aspect of Japanese culture, read on here for a breakdown from the experts at Swords of Northshire.Ī traditional katana is crafted to equal about two shaku or 60cm. Besides the type of steel and the actual forging method, it is critical for any master smith and student of the sword to understand the parts of a katana and the sword’s anatomy.

Because these weapons had such important significance, their construction and forging required the utmost care. A katana was one of two swords that Samurai wore in feudal Japan and was a very important part of their training, lifestyle, and beliefs.

Parts of a katana