Learn Japanese Katana Sword Terms (Part 2)

The previous article "Learn Japanese Katana Sword Terms (Part 1)" covered the sword glossary on the Katana’s blade section. In this subsequent article, we will focus on the Katana’s hilt section. The hilt extends from (and include) the cross-guard to the pommel.

The Katana's cross-guard is called Tsuba. It is commonly made of copper, steel, silver or other durable metal with the purpose to prevent the wielder’s hands from sliding to the sharp blade when striking a thrust stab. It also protects the wielder's hands from an enemy’s sword. A Tsuba frequently has intricate and meticulous designs. In ancient days of the Samurai, they often craft their family crest onto the Tsuba but these days the Tsuba is just another favourite collector’s item. There are still few Tsuba used as family heirlooms passed down from one generation to the next.

The handle of the sword is called Tsuka which sounds almost like Tsuba. Normally made of wood and wrapped in ray skin, the Tsuka is where the wielder’s hands grip the sword.

At the end of the hilt is the pommel or Kashira.

The scabbard or sheath is called Saya, usually made of wood to protect the blade. If you’re a Blood+ anime fan, you definitely know that Saya is the heroine in the story and she wields a special sword with a groove that requires her blood to kill demons. An interesting character name for a sword-fighting anime. Makes it easier to remember too.

The cord used to secure the sword to the obi (belt) is called Sageo.

The knob on the scabbard through which the Sageo (cord) is passed through is called the Kurikata.

The ornament at the closed-end of the scabbard is called the Kojiri. It is actually the butt-cap of the scabbard. Ko- denotes small while jiri- means tip.

The opened-end of the scabbard where the sword is sheathed and unsheathed from is called the Koiguchi.

And this completes our short marathon on the Japanese Katana terminology. Take note that the terms mentioned above are just the basics meant for the general audience. There are a whole lot more terms that weren't discussed such as the Nakago-jiri (tang tip), Nakago (sword tangs), blade shapes name, etc. We end this article with some brief facts about the Katana. The Japanese Katana was developed in the Muromachi period (1392-1573) as the ultimate weapon with razor-sharp blade and ability to be drawn swiftly. This was made possible by wearing the Katana with the sharp blade edge facing up, allowing the samurai to draw and cut the enemy in a single strike. One cut, one kill.

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For a more visual-friendly description with labels for easy reference, you can visit this page : awesome-movie-sword-replica.blogspot.com/2008/09/japanese-katana-terminology-for-movie.html And if you’re an avid sword collector or planning to be one, you can check out my blog for info and guides on movie sword replicas : awesome-movie-sword-replica.blogspot.com

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