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What is a Full Tang Katana?
A full tang Katana is a weapon where its tang expands to almost the entire length of the Tsuka or handle.
Because of this, the Tsuka and the blade become the same single piece of metal. Japanese swords or Nihonto are great pieces of art and are often full tang blades.
The good thing about a full tang is that it gives the sword adequate rigidity and toughness to it.
Technically, a full tang Katana is the best category of Nihonto. It is most evident when you plan to build your collection of Samurai swords. If you end up getting a non-full tang blade, consider it a toy or only a decorative piece.
A full tang sword comes with a couple of aspects that you can take advantage of. It is a unique type of blade for training due to it being lightweight. The blade also has a sharp edge that is perfect for cutting practice and shows.
Do take note that full tang Katana swords are handmade pieces. They can be produced using a variety of steel types based on its carbon concentration.
One of the most vital parts of sword production is forging since it makes the Katana relatively light and reliable. Often, the metal is repeatedly fire-heated and hammered simultaneously while also being folded.
Putting together all the different parts is a challenging process, and it originates deep from Japanese culture.
When it comes to strength, the full tang Katana stands out when it comes to advantage. Generally, this type of Katana allows for enhanced leverage and force.
A lot of people consider full as the strongest or best method of tang construction. It is because the tang comes out wider, thus, can resist bending easily. It is one aspect that makes it more useful and efficient against harder objects or more substantial tasks.
What are the parts of the Katana?
The Katana has 13 parts.
- Kashira
First is the Kashira. It is the butt, knob, or pommel which is located at the end of the sword handle.
- Tsuka
The second part is the Tsuka, which is the sword’s handle that is wrapped tightly with a piece of clothing called Tsukaito. The process of wrapping is called Tsumkamaki.
It may sound simple, but it actually takes a great deal of patience and practice to master how to wrap the Tsuka properly. These are the required tools: paper, glue, cloth (Ito), and the Tsuka.
- Samekawa
The third is the Samekawa, which is another form of hilt wrapping, sitting under the Tsukaito. Stringray skin and shark skin are the most common skins used in the early times. Now, synthetic materials can be used as a replacement.
- Menuki
The fourth one is Menuki, which are small decorative sculptures. These sculptures show animals or mythological creatures. The Menuki is placed on top of the Samekawa but is under the Tsukaito.
- Mekugi
The fifth part is the Mekugi, which are small pegs created from bamboo. They affix the sword’s Tang in place underneath the handle.
It may not look like it, but the Mekugi are actually important. They are durable and flexible so that the sword could remain intact when taking impact.
- Tang
The sixth part is the Tang, which is the section of the blade that extends into the sword’s handle. Often, the Tang is called Nakago.
With the help of the Mekugi, the Tang is placed and held tightly and flexibly. For a proper and functional sword, a full Tang is highly recommended.
7. Fuchi
The next is the Fuchi, which is basically the metal sleeve that keeps the Tsuka locked together.
8. Seppa
Another part of the Katana is the Seppa, which serves as spacers found on both sides of the handguards and allows for the tightness of the handle of the sword to be adjusted.
9. Tsuba
The ninth part is the Tsuba, which is the Japanese name of the Katana’s handguard. Depending on the owner, the Tsuba can have engraved or carved patterns.
In addition to making the sword attractive, the Tsuba also protects the wielder’s hand from unwanted accidents, like slipping from the handle to the sword’s blade.
10. Habaki
Another part is the Habaki, which is the metal collar located at the base of the blade’s sword. Its purpose is to increase stability and keep all parts balanced and tight.
11. Scabbard
The next one is the Saya or also called Scabbard. This part is used to protect the blade while dormant, or when not being in use. It helps avoid unnecessary injuries from handling the Katana.
12. Sageo
The twelfth part is a cord called Sageo. This part makes sure that the Saya along the warrior’s side is accessible.
13. Ken
Lastly, Ken is the name for the blade of the Katana. It takes skills to forge and perfect a Japanese blade. There are a lot of stages and processes a Swordsmith has to go through to complete a full, working Katana. A lot of Swordsmiths in the earlier times dedicated their life to the art form of the sword.
In today’s time, of course, the process of creating a functional Katana has improved and technologically-abled. But according to some who have insights and experienced the traditional Katana, the blades produced during the Edo period will always be priceless.
The process, the intimacy and the passion between the Swordsmith and its sword, will never be replaceable. This is what makes the katana so special.
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