Category Archives: Katana Parts
Saya
Saya is the term that simply refers to Japanese sword or knife scabbard. Generally the scabbard is made of lightweight material like wood and coated with lacquer on its exterior. When taking out the sword from the scabbard take it [Read More...]
Nov
Seppa
Seppa are washers that are used and located in front and behind the tsuba. This part is use to tighten the fittings of the sword. Katana Seppa is more than just a decorative accessory. This can be ornate or plain [Read More...]
Nov
Kashira
The simplest description for Kashira, would have to be a butt cap or pommel found on the end of the tsuka. Fuchi Kashira can be part of a Katana. These part are functional and vital for the handle of [Read More...]
Nov
Tsuba
One of the most important parts of the Katana has got to be the Tsuba. This Katana part protects the hand of the sword owner from sliding into the blade. There are actually different kinds of tsuba that potential owners [Read More...]
Nov
Koiguchi
Katana Koiguchi is the mouth of the saya or its traditionally made buffalo horn. Kuchi in Japanese language means mouth. Aikuchi means the mounting style where the Fuchi meets the Koiguchi. This part and the Kojiri are made from [Read More...]
Nov
Shitodome
The Kurigata or Kurikata is a part of the Saya that has a hole. This is where the Sageo passes through so that the swordsman can wear his sword. The Shitodome is the decorative metal mounted that fits inside the [Read More...]
Nov
Kojiri
Kojiri can be found on the end of the Saya that protects this Katana part. Katana Kojiri is traditionally made of buffalo horn. Sometimes this can be made of metal. Katana Kojiri is the horn part use when assembling a [Read More...]
Nov
Fuchi
Fuchi is the hilt resembling a cap type collar that lies between the tsuka and tsuba. This covers the opening in the tsuka of a Japanese sword. Even the tang of a sword goes into the tsuka through the [Read More...]
Dec
Menuki
Menuki refers to the ornamentation found on the tsuka. This is the part under the tsuka-ito. Originally this part was used to hide the Mekugi. This ornamental part is found on Katana and Wakizashi handle wrap. This fits the palm [Read More...]
Dec
Tsuka
The tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword. This is divided into the Menuki or Samegawa. Menuki are ornaments on the tsuka while Samegawa is the ray skin that covers the handle. Traditional wrappings are referred to as Tsuka-ito. [Read More...]
Dec
Mekugi
Katana has three Mekugi or simply known as pegs. These are usually made of bamboo pins. Extra pegs can be a good way to strengthen the sword handle. Secure the tsuka to the Nakago. Swords use in martial arts it [Read More...]
Dec
Ito
Ito is commonly referred to as Tsuka-Ito which simply means handle wrapping or handle cord. Its main purpose is both aesthetic and functional. Katana Ito reinforces the tsuka and prevents techanical failure when using the sword. Hishigame is an [Read More...]
Dec
Sageo
Before learning the process of tying Sageo Ito or the braided cord that extends from the Kurikata knob onto the saya it would be better to get to know what Katana Sageo is. Saya Sageo is either made of silk, [Read More...]
Dec
Kurikata
Kurikata is the knob attached to the scabbard of a Japanese sword. The Sageo or cord that secures the Saya of the sword goes through a hole found on this Katana Kurikata. Kurikata placement varies however, it is never done [Read More...]
Dec
Habaki
There are two things Katana Habaki is known for: it is the anchor for the Tsuka or sword handle, seppa and tsuba. Habaki is mounted over the sword tang and stops the notches from hurting the owners. This Katana part [Read More...]
Dec
Samegawa
The most sought after Katana Samegawa is made of high grade ray skin. Even if this measures 26 inches on average each skin is unique and surprisingly affordable. Samegawa is also known as Same-Kawa. This wraps the tsuka or handle/hilt. [Read More...]
Nov