Japanese Sword References

JMAJOR PARTS OF THE JAPANESE SWORD BLADE

The above diagram shows all the major Japanese sword blade parts, so you may better understand the descriptions of the products listed on our site.

The Buke-zukuri style of sword mounting is the most common type seen today, on antique Japanese swords; it is also called the Uchigatana or Katana style. A set of swords consisting of a long sword (daito) and a short sword (shoto), which are mounted in identical Koshirae, are referred to as a Daisho. Samurai or a higher rank could, wear Daisho or daito. Where as the short sword (shoto or wakizashi), could be worn by merchants, tradesmen and craftsmen. This accounts for the increased value of Daito (Katana or Tachi) versus the Shoto and for the greater numbers of Shoto (Wakizashi) found today. Swords in Buke-zukuri mountings are worn edge up with the saya thrust through the obi (waist band).

There are a variety of shapes of Japanese sword tangs (nakago). Thaitsuki Japanese Swords use the Funagata tang style because it is strengthens the sword's blade and makes the tang full.

Richard Stein's Japanese Sword Index for everything you've ever wanted to know about Japanese Swords.

Manual of How To Take Care of Japanese Swords.