Composition of Katana

Part of the Katana Koshirae

The kimono is the formal koshirae, which is much more complex than the shirasaya, and consists of a dozen or so parts, including kashira, menuki, tsukamaki, fuchi, tsuba, seppa, kogai, kaeritsuno, ...

Mune-The back of a Japanese sword

Mune is the surface of the back of the Japanese sword, which is used to ward off attacks and to withstand external blows, and is thickly molded and is the ridge on the side of the blade opposite th...

Mei Katana : Signature on the hilt of the sword

Mei "refers to the text carved on the stem of the sword, which generally includes the swordsman and the year of making the sword. Mei is considered an important basis in the identification of Japan...

Sageo:The rope on Saya

Sageo is a rope on Saya, which gradually evolved into an ornament as the practicality of Japanese swords disappeared. Katana and Wakizashi are both inserted into the waist, and only Tachi's Sageo (...

Mekugi: Props used to fix the handle and nakago

Mekugi is a prop similar to a pin that firmly secures the handle of the knife to the nakago, preventing it from falling out during the action. The holes in the handle and nakago are called "OYATSUB...

Samegawa: Ray skin of katana handle

Ray skin alias“Samegawa” is the stingray leather  on the handle of the katana, and in the early days of China, large quantities of stingray skins  were imported from the South Seas, and were called...

Katana menuki: Metal ornaments on both sides of the handle

Menuki are an important part of the hilt of Japanese swords. It is tied to the hilt, not only for decoration but also to prevent slipping, making it a small item that combines practicality and aest...

Katana fuchi kashira: Metal on both ends of the handle

Before the Edo period, the themes of kashira and fuchi did not necessarily have to be the same, but since the Edo period it has been emphasized that kashira and fuchi must have the same theme to be...

Seppa katana : Located between Tsuba and Habaki of the Japanese sword

Seppa is positioned between the habaki and tsuba, and the tsuba and fuchi. It serves as a shock absorber to prevent the tsuba from deflecting or the tsuba from coming into direct contact with the b...

"Tsuka-ito": The rope on the handle of the katana

The rope wrapped around the outside of the katana tsuka sharkskin is called tsuka ito (or tsuka-maki), and is usually made not of silk, but of leather as well,There are more than a dozen ways to wi...

Katana Habaki : Essential accessories

Habaki is a Japanese sword tosogu a special ring, installed in the nakago top, sanding area at the base of the place, habaki is very inconspicuous, however, its role can not be ignored, for katana,...

Saya: Complete Guide to Japanese Katana Scabbard for Nihonto Collectors

Every authentic Japanese sword relies on a well‑made saya, or scabbard, for safe storage and aesthetic completion. This article walks through core components, common materials, iconic lacquer decor...

Tsuba: The Complete Guide to Japanese Katana Handguard

The tsuba serves as the defining handguard element for traditional Japanese swords. This guide walks through core anatomy, major shape classifications, structural distinctions between tachi‑tsuba a...

What is Horimono - Carving on Katana Blade

Horimono refers to artistic engravings carved into katana blades. This guide explains traditional craftsmanship, well‑known symbolic motifs and the cultural significance these detailed works bring ...

What Is Hi on a Katana: Understanding Japanese Sword Blood Groove

What exactly is hi on a katana? Often referred to as blood groove, this carved blade feature carries deep historical meaning. This guide breaks down its real function and introduces main hi types f...