Formation of the Japanese sword, which is not actually a sword, but is more like a saber (as it is sharpened on one side only and is curved, when the sword blade is symmetrical and double-edged) - but also not a saber (early samurai blades were straight and sword-like) , occurred throughout the Nara (710 - 794) and Heian (794 - 1195) periods. The Japanese sword itself is not originally Japanese, as it was formed under the influence of such great cultures as Chinese, Korean and many others. During the Nara and Heian periods, the samurai sword was formed exactly as we see it today (at least the larger of its varieties): a curved blade made of layered steel, sharpened on one side, and a more or less long, as well as the same curved handle. Design features Samurai sword (in particular Katana) determined the development path of samurai sword ownership and formed classes of infantry and mounted troops.
Being the personification of the life of samurai of bygone times, their customs and traditions, japanese sword, like many centuries ago, has evolved throughout time. This is not just a military weapon - this perfect sword Can be called a real work of art! The sword was one of the ancient regalia of the emperor, was a ritual object and was even considered magical. With the advent of new modern weapons, the place of the sword remains unchanged. This is a kind of symbol of Japan, its history, which is preserved and honored.
As you know, a samurai carried two swords with him: the main and an additional (or spare).
Katana (curved Japanese sword) is the most common type military weapons, at the same time he was also civilian weapons samurai. The length of the Katana blade ranged from 61 to 76 cm, the length of the handle was about 30 cm, the thickness on the side of the blade reached the thickness of a hair or thinner. The handle of the Katana is mostly made of wood, covered with stingray or shark skin (so that it does not slip in the hands), or with fabric wrapped in silk braid. The Katana guard is mostly round or petal-shaped, with a complex openwork shape, often decorated with carvings or embossing, more expensive specimens with inserts made of precious metals (gold or silver), ivory. Katana sheaths were made of magnolia wood, varnished (black or colored) and decorated with bronze overlays. Often, small knives could be located at the mouth of the sheath, for which special sockets were provided. The handles of these knives were decorated in the same style as the sword. Valuable blades were always marked with the master's signature, and some were marked with a number. Exclusive blades were decorated with engraving made with a chisel. Most often, the patterns depicted dragons entwining or gnawing a spear, coats of arms, mottos, and less often - figures of deities.
The most beautiful piece of art for a Japanese was the blade of his sword. Since ancient times, these weapons have been betrayed great value. The katana was passed down from father to son as a relic. No wonder they say that good weapon has a soul. Therefore, the profession of a blacksmith enjoyed unprecedented respect; even noble people practiced this craft, bringing to perfection the process of forging and hardening blades. Making swords is a long and labor-intensive process that could take many months. That is why the cost of some blades reached fabulous proportions.
A katana is a weapon that can remove an enemy's head with one blow. To make the cutting blow easier, while making it stronger, the center of gravity was shifted closer to the tip. Testing the finished Katana could be both poetic and dramatic. The first method was for the sword to cut a leaf floating down the river. The second method is on a living person, often the first beggar you meet.
The culture of using the Katana is quite complex. Turning the scabbard as if intending to draw the sword was considered a challenge. Displaying a naked sword was considered a great insult, with the exception of if it was done with the aim of providing friends with the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of a unique specimen. In these cases, the sword was demonstrated from the side of the butt, turning the blade towards oneself. The blade was supposed to be pulled out gradually, admiring it piece by piece; The full blade was shown only at a great distance and at the request of the guest. Afterwards, the blade should be thoroughly wiped with a special towel and just as carefully placed in the sheath. Smaller swords were removed by the host and guest only in case of a long visit.
It was considered a mortal insult (it could be regarded as an offer to do “hara-kiri”) if, while talking, you put the sword on the floor and push the hilt towards the interlocutor. Entering your friend's house with a sword was impermissible, and spoke of a break in friendship. It was to be left with a servant, and the latter was to receive it with a silk handkerchief. The sword was then placed on a special stand (Katanakake), which was located in a place of honor near the guest, on the right side of its owner.
Wakizashi is a short Japanese sword. It was worn in conjunction with a Katana as a short sword (in early periods instead of Wakizashi, the pair wore a Tanto dagger). The total length of the Wakizashi is 50-80 cm, the length of the blade is 30-61 cm. The blade is single-sided sharpened, slightly curvature. Wakizashi were worn on the belt with the blade facing up. He was always with the samurai. Even when entering the premises, if Katana was left on a katanakake or with a servant, Wakizashi always remained with his master, the only exception being a long stay at a party. He was often called the "guardian of honor."
The wakizashi was used as a weapon when the Katana could not be used. Also, with the help of Wakizashi, ritual suicide (“seppuka”) could be committed if the samurai did not have a special Kusungobu dagger.
Another difference from the Katana is that the Wakizashi sword was allowed to be used by merchants and artisans as a full-fledged weapon.
It is no secret that in its history the samurai sword went through more than one civil war, and was also tempered by the fire of the World Wars. During the formative period Japanese army and navy, it was not uncommon to find army combat swords with old blades carried over from the great samurai swords of the Katana and Wakizashi types. The culture of wearing swords also underwent some changes, so swords began to be worn either on a leather loop or simply tucked into a belt. The most common modification is a modification with one or two clips (asi) on a sheath, placed in a pass-through leather case. For example, the Wakizashi, adapted for use during the Second World War, was most often found with a removable pass-through cover made of brown leather, the presence of which suggests military use, equipped with one or two clips. The presence of two clips is more typical for units Marine Corps. A leather loop, intended for fastening the sword in the scabbard, was wrapped around the sleeve of the handle (futi), and the strap passed through the hole in the guard (tsuba) and was fastened to the traveling scabbard. Other less common modifications were the removal of the kurikata (the eyelet for the cord that secures the sheath to the belt) and the addition of a metal lanyard loop (sarute) to the sword hilt.
Later (30s of the twentieth century) the time came for the introduction of regulated samples of army swords and traditional swords have become rare. Army uniform regulations were not strict, allowing officers to carry the weapons of their choice (including family swords). Unlike the army, the navy had more strict rules. There were certain examples of sea swords (Kyu-gunto), the decoration of which depended on the rank of its owner.
Against the background of the escalation of the war with China and increasing pressure from the West, there was a revival of Japanese traditions, a rise in Japanese nationalism, which was expressed in increased interest in traditional Japanese swords, samurai swords. As a result of such an appeal to the origins of culture, the katana was also revived, although it appeared in a modern guise - with a new headset and blades. It could have either a modern guard, muff and knob decorated in the same style, or an old traditional set. For example, during the Showa period there was often a brass set with a relief image of sakura or bamboo leaves; brass couplings also supported the floral theme of the sword's design. Showa period katana are often mistaken for samurai swords. Their blades are usually signed and, despite oil hardening, are of fairly good quality.
But still, no matter how good the new modified Katana or Wakizashi is, they cannot adopt the qualities of traditional samurai swords. They became only a means of combat and military operations were often not regulated by the charter. Now they are regarded as “relics from the war years” and are of little value to the Japanese, with the exception of some specimens. Swords of the traditional type were not only an example of the art of Japanese weapon masters, but also, like works of art, they were the embodiment of the life of the samurai, and also carried their culture and traditions.
I decided to sell some eastern longblade. You can come to visit me to choose a sword according to your hand and soul. Well, or choose a sword, and I will deliver it to your metro station. Or I will send the sword to your city using a transport company convenient for you.
All blades are forged from good grades of steel. They are either Damascus (multi-layer) or zone-hardened monosteel. The assembly of swords is excellent. The swords are sharpened and suitable for cutting any and all objects :)
Let me remind you that before sale, swords are disassembled (the bamboo mekugi pins that hold the handle are knocked out) and in this form your purchase does not constitute a bladed weapon.
1. Katana and Wakizashi "Smile of the Abyss"
Simple and concise swords. Their appearance speaks for itself. Nothing superfluous, all lines have been verified by time and history.
"Chopping" balance, the center of gravity is shifted to the tip of the blade.
The scabbard is wood.
Handle - wood, artificial slope, synthetic cord, menuki - bronze, tsuba - steel.
Dimensions:
Katana.
Length - 99cm
Blade length - 70cm
The blade width of the tsuba is 3.3cm
The blade thickness of the tsuba is 0.7cm
Price - 8500 rub.
Wakizashi.
Length - 78cm
Blade length - 53cm
The blade width of the tsuba is 3.3cm
The blade thickness of the tsuba is 0.7cm
Price - 6500 rub.
2. Tanto "Withering leaves".
“I cried out without listening to what the moon was muttering: Oh, where are you, the cry of the curlew and the call of the lapwing!” (c)
Elegant in its simplicity, the tanto, with an ornament of fallen leaves on the handle, will warm your hands with the warmth that is so necessary in the cold season.
The blade is multilayer steel, hardened 59-60 Rockwell.
The scabbard is wood.
Dimensions.
Length - 49cm
Blade length - 32.5cm
The blade width of the tsuba is 3.3cm
The blade thickness of the tsuba is 0.8cm
Price - 5500 rub.
3. Katana "Buddha's Joy".
A long, yet perfectly balanced katana.
Weapon. A narrow, slightly curved blade of blue steel. Two elbows from the bevel of the point to the oval guard. The handle is half-blade, continuing the general curve. The cover is made from the skin of an unknown sea animal, rough as sandpaper. Such a handle did not slip in a skillful palm, and the sword cut bronze without jagged marks and air without whistling.
Weapon. Brother of the Slither in the Twilight. (With)
The blade is multilayer steel, hardened 59-60 Rockwell.
The scabbard is wood.
Handle - wood, natural slope, cotton cord, menuki - bronze, tsuba - bronze.
Dimensions.
Length - 113cm
Blade length - 82.5cm
The blade width of the tsuba is 3cm
The blade thickness of the tsuba is 0.7cm
Price - 14000 rub.
4. Jian "Happy New Year!"
Arrived New Year, Year of the Dragon Chinese calendar. And this year you will be able to purchase its symbol - the jian sword, decorated with the symbols of the coming year.
Jian is light, flexible, obedient to the hand of the owner. Suitable for learning, suitable even for teenagers and girls.
Length - 99cm
Blade length - 77cm
Blade width at the guard - 32cm
The thickness of the blade at the guard is 0.3cm
Price - only 2500 rub.
5. Katana and wakizashi "Imperial Dragons"
Well made and beautifully balanced swords. Suitable for both chopping and fencing. The handle fits into your hands like a glove. The multi-layered pattern of the blade is pleasing to the eye. “Even if Buddha gets in your way, he will be cut down” (c)
Dimensions.
Katana.
Length - 101cm
Blade length - 72cm
The blade width of the tsuba is 3.3cm
Blade thickness - 8mm
Price - 12000 rub.
Wakizashi.
Length - 78cm
Blade length - 53cm
The click width of the tsuba is 3.3cm
Blade thickness - 8mm
Price - 8000 rub.
6. Tanto "Little Arhat"
This simple, but at the same time elegant tanto will be both an excellent addition to the Imperial Dragons set, and a separate decoration for your collection. Simplicity and elegance - these are the words that characterize the “Little Arhat”.
Multilayer steel, hardening 59-60 units. according to Rockwell, handle - wood, natural slope, cotton cord with the addition of silk. The device on the handle is bronze.
Length - 48cm
Blade length - 32cm
The blade width of the tsuba is 3.1cm
Blade thickness - 9mm
Price - 6000 rub.
7. Shin-gunto "Sacred Wind of War"
The button is stuck and the propeller is hanging
Like a broken wing.
Carlson boards a plane without landing gear,
The sun is bloody and bright.
There is no return, like a bird without legs -
It's an unwritten law
If there is a samurai blade in the cabin
Like validol under the tongue... (c)
Replica of the Shin Gunto sword. Steel, bronze, iron scabbard. Acceptance stamps are partially present. There are inscriptions on the blade.
Let's look at the structure of a Japanese sword using an example katanas.
Katana- long samurai sword, sword length 90-120 cm, handle length 25-30 cm or 3 arm wraps, blade width 27-35 mm, deflection equal to or slightly more width blade. The handle is covered with stingray skin or shark skin. Garda katanas called tsuboi and is most often round in shape.
The length of the sword blade is calculated as follows: to get the maximum length, you need to subtract 90 cm from your height. To also take into account issues of ease of handling the sword, you usually subtract another 8 cm from the resulting value. For example, 175 - 90 = 85 cm, 85 - 8 = 77 cm. (my personal opinion is that this is not scientific, below is information from another source).
If your height is not in the table, then for every additional centimeter of height you need to add 3 mm to the length of the blade, i.e. you can more accurately calculate the length of the blade (but this is only a recommendation since throughout the existence of the sword its length and technique of wielding it have changed, here the fighter has the right to choose the length of the sword depending on the combat situation).
Frame buke-zukuri, or uchi-gata-na koshirae . Swords mounted in this style were worn tucked into the belt. There was a protrusion on the scabbard kurikata, through which the cord was passed sageo.
Frame details buke-zukuri
Kasira - the head of the hilt of swords mounted in the style buke-zukuri.
Kojiri - the tip of the scabbard of swords in the style buke-zukuri; may be missing, then the tip of the scabbard is simply rounded and varnished in the same way as all the scabbards.
Koiguchi - "carp mouth"; entrance to the scabbard (or kutigane, if the mouth of the sheath is covered with a metal ring).
Kurikata - a protrusion with a slot located one-sixth the length of the sword below koiguchi on the front side of the scabbard omote, through which the cord passes sageo.
Mekugi- a fastening pin passing through the handle and tang of the sword.
Manuki - ornament on the hilt of the sword.
Sageo - cord on the scabbard of the sword.
Same- stingray skin used to cover fart.
Saya - sheath.
Seppa - a pair of oval metal washers covering the shank on both sides of the guard.
Footy - clutch on the handle.
Tsuba - garda.
Tsuka - handle.
Tsuka-ito - handle winding
Most known species style swords buke-zukuri- This katana (daito) And wakizashi (shoto). Wakizashi was just a smaller copy katana. Together they formed daisho(“big and small”). If all the details of the frame daisho were designed in the same style, then this pair was called daisho-soroimono.
Scabbard (saya) swords are usually made from ho-no-ki(magnolia) and consist of two halves. In cross-section, they almost always have the shape of an elongated oval of the same shape and size as seppa(washers) located next to them and remain the same throughout their entire length. Sword scabbards were usually coated with a very durable varnish. U daisho - pairs of swords worn by samurai - this varnish is usually of calm tones, usually black, and all other decorations are designed in the same calm style. Bright, eye-catching colors were preferred by dandies, and bright red varnish, imported from China, was on the swords worn by samurai from the provinces of Satsuma and Hyuga, who were famous for their courage and great ardor.
The surface on which the varnish is applied is either simple smooth, or it may have wide or narrow grooves running diagonally or transversely. The varnished base itself can be either grainy or well sanded, plain or decorated nashiji(gold dust) guri-bori or in other styles, or even striped two-color. Quite often there is also a varnish like stingray fish ( same-nuri). These bases can then receive any form of decoration, but for daisho sophisticated maki-e(loose pattern) does not suit Japanese taste. However, with regard to daggers, the master could allow free flight of fantasy, and inlaid metal ornaments are often found here (kanamono).
The following six pieces of sword scabbard, framed in the style buke-zukuri, could have special decoration details:
Ring covering the entrance to the scabbard - koi-guchi(“carp mouth”) or kutigane, if it is metal;
Uragawara - reinforcing bar running across the base of the slot for ko-gatana;
Lining of slots for ko-gatana And kogai. Typically available in polished black lacquer, polished natural horn, or soft buff leather;
kurikata(“chestnut shape”) - a protrusion with a slot located one-sixth of the length of the sword below koi-guchi on the side omote, through which the cord passes sageo;
sori-tsuno("returning horn"), or origane, -
a small hook-shaped protrusion even lower on the same side, directed towards the hilt. It serves to prevent the sheath from slipping forward from the belt. It is quite rare and usually wakizashi,
but his presence often speaks of good things
blade;
Kojiri - scabbard tip. It often doesn’t happen, especially in wakizashi, and the tip of the scabbard is simply rounded and varnished in the same way as all the scabbards. In shape, material and decoration it very often corresponds cashier.
All these parts (except for the lining of the slots for ko-gatana And kogai) usually metal, more or less equally decorated. But in discreet frames they can be made of polished black horn simplest form and the smallest size necessary for their purpose.
Sageo - it is a flat silk cord passed through curicata, with which the sword was tied to the belt. Length sageo was from 60 to 150 cm depending on the size of the weapon, and it could be removed before battle and used as tasuki for tying the long sleeves of a civilian suit to give freedom of arm movements. Sageo They were also used to bind a captured enemy. Color sageo matches the color of the scabbard. If the latter are in good Japanese taste, discreet and strict, the same will be true sageo. Bright and dog have three frames sageo corresponding.
Handle (tsuka) always made from two halves of wood glued together, preferably ho-no-ki(magnolia). There was a hole between them for the shank (nakago), called tsuka-guchi. The tree was usually covered with a single piece of white same- knotty stingray skin. The seam ran down the center of the side hooray, and usually the piece was selected so that a central row of three or four bigger size the nodules were on the top side omote.
A winding was placed on top tsuka-ito(“hilt thread”), consisting of a strip of strong flat silk (less often leather or cotton) ribbon uchi-him o up to 0.6 cm wide. Quite rarely, instead of a flat ribbon, you find a cord wrapped in rows. Usually, tsuka-ito was black, occasionally soft brown, dark blue or green. Sometimes daimyo used katanas with white winding; it was also a trait of a certain type tati. Occasionally, leather cord and whalebone are found. The center of the tape was placed close to the handle coupling footy on the side omote, and the two ends were wrapped around the handle on the right and left, respectively, and twisted twice at equal distances. As a result same turned out to be completely closed, except for a number of diamond-shaped spaces on both sides of the handle. After the tape was passed through the sides of the handle head cashier, it was secured on both sides of the handle with a flat compact unit. Slightly below the center of the handle on the side omote and a little higher on the side hooray the wrapping partially covered and secured the two decorations in place Menuki.
Handle wrap options tsuka and the winding technique resulting in the pattern shown top center
Securing the cord tsuka-ito on cashier
There were many exceptions to this usual tsuka-maki(handle wrapping method). For example, on swords worn daimyo in formal wear, called kamishimo, in the shogun's court during the Edo period, a black silk wrap was crossed over the cashier, instead of going inside; cashier in this case it was made of simple black horn. This style is known as maki-kake-no-kashira, and a sword with such a winding was called kamishimo-zashi.
Certain court swords, as well as most short swords and daggers, had stingray skin hilts left unwrapped. In such cases cashier and both Menuki had to be secured with glue, hidden pins, decorative buttons, or some other suitable method. This style is called hanashi-menuki(free Menuki). There are also many forms of unwound hilt, mostly in daggers whose handles are covered with polished or carved wood, varnish, rattan or metal. Usually, if there was no stingray skin on the handle, the side joints between the halves of the handle were covered with strips of metal called kenuki-kanamono.
The shape of the handle consists of a narrow elliptical section and usually becomes very slightly thinner at both ends towards the middle. Daggers with an unwound hilt have a side omote may have an oblique cut at a distance of 2.5 cm from cashier. In the case when the dagger is worn on the chest in clothing ( kwaiken), This feature allows a person to immediately feel which side the blade is on.
Garda (tsuba) usually has the shape of a disk. The only exceptions are the guards of ancient swords, which have the shape of a small cross and are called sieve-gi(shaped like a Shinto sacrificial rice cake, hence the name). Such guards are also found on some ceremonial types. tati. Cup-shaped guards are found, but quite rarely.
Guards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, although the most common are round or oval with a diameter of 6 to 9 cm.
Guards are almost always made of metal, although on ceremonial swords they may be patent leather, leather stretched over wood, or papier-mâché. Until the 16th century. Tsuba guards were usually made of iron. Simple in design, they served a purely utilitarian purpose - to protect the hand. Later, as metallurgy developed, the tsuba also became a work of art. Guard decorations reach their peak during the peaceful Edo period. Metals such as gold, silver, copper with various reddish patinas, as well as copper alloys began to be used to decorate them: shakudo, shibuichi, sambo gin, rogin, karakane, nigurome, sentoku and pure brass sintu. Application of various chemical compounds allowed us to give them the most different colors. To them you need to add interesting contrasting combinations of two or more alloys of different colors.
Guard details (tsuba)
Hira(“flat body”) - part of the guard between Mimi And seppadai.
Mimi - headband
Seppadai(“position for washers”) - place for washers seppa. The oval part of the guard around the hole for the tang. Two washers are adjacent to this place ( seppa) between the guard and the blade and the guard and the handle. When the guard is on the sword, seppadai completely hidden from view. Usually completely unremarkable except for the signature, it is often a slightly convex regular oval.
Nakago-ana - hole for shank. A hole in the center of the guard through which the tang of the sword passes.
Udenuki-ana - holes for lanyard. Some guards have two holes of different sizes. A lanyard was attached to them.
Sekigane - aggregate. A metal filler used to size the tang hole to the specific strip of the sword and provide a secure fit. These holes are found on iron guards and indicate that this is an early guard. The filler is also used in ryo-hitsu.
Kogai hitsu-ana - hole for kogai. This hole is often shaped like half of a four-petaled flower.
Kozuka hitsu-ana - hole for Kozu-ki. This is the hole opposite Kogai hitsu-ana, designed for handle ko-gatana. The hole is often shaped like half a moon. Together Kogai hitsu-ana And Kozuka Hitsu-ana are called ryo-hitsu.
Handle coupling (futi) and handle head (kasira). These two frame pieces are usually considered together since they are usually designed similarly and made by the same craftsman.
Function footy(handle couplings) and cashier(handle head) consists of strengthening the handle at both ends. Term "cashira"(lit. "head") is an abbreviation of the original name "tsuka-gashira"(handle head), and footy- a general term for a boundary. Both things together are usually called futi-kasira.
Footy, as a rule, consists of a flat metal ring band up to 1.3 cm wide, which covers the handle next to the guard and is easy to remove. At the base footy there is an oval plate called tenjo-gane(“ceiling metal”), usually copper, with a hole for the tang of a sword.
Kasira is a small cup usually with a flattened bottom, although it is also common cashier with a completely round bottom. On footy the main part of the pattern is located on the side omote. On cashier the pattern is located on the end of the handle so that it is visible when wearing the sword.
From each side cashier there is an oval slot - shitodome-ana, equipped with a retractable eyelet - shitodome("oat eye") of gilded copper, just large enough to accommodate the cord of the handle. On the hilt with a wrapped handle cashier no longer attaches. However, on a handle without a wrap, it is usually secured not only with glue, but also with two leaf-headed pins large enough to hide shitodome-ana(the loop from which has been removed).
Footy signs on the side omote outer surface tenjo-gane and sometimes on the visible part. On cashier signature in those in rare cases, when present, is on a small metal plate soldered internally or externally. It is also located at Menuki.
Manuki- this is a pair of small ornaments made of decorated metal located on both sides of the handle. They serve not only as decoration, but also for a tighter grip around the handle. They probably originate from the decorated caps of fastening pins on ancient swords. Together with kogai And ko-gatana (Kozuka) they can form a single set called mitokoro-mono(“three places of a thing”). A single style can extend to a complete set of metal parts for a sword - soroimono(“uniform thing”) or pairs of swords - daisho-soroimono. Mitokoro-mono or soroimono work famous master on metal - preferably one of Goto - was a favorite gift for daimyo and other dignitaries on special occasions.
Mekugi- This is a fastening pin that goes through the hilt and tang of the sword and prevents the sword strip from falling out of the hilt. It is usually made from bamboo, but often from dark horn (very rarely from ivory). When the handle is wrapped, it tapers slightly mekugi enters on the side hooray in the center of one of the open diamonds same so that's on the side omote its narrower end is hidden by the winding. But there are exceptions to this rule. In the unwrapped hilts of daggers mekugi can pass through a metal or ivory eyelet or through a metal band - do-gane(“body metal”), covering the handle.
Metal mekugi- This amazing feature most unwrapped handles. It consists of a thick copper tube with a decorative cap, often silver, into which a copper pin with the same cap is threaded or screwed on the other side. The threads on the screws are often left-handed, and extreme care must be taken when dismantling such weapons.
Washers (seppa)- this is a pair of oval metal washers covering the shank on both sides of the guard. They are almost always made of copper, plain, gold-plated, silver-plated, or covered with gold or silver foil. Visible surfaces may be polished or lightly streaked. Their edges are usually milled or decorated with holes. Some swords have two or three pairs, and some tati in addition to these usual seppa often there is a much larger pair called o-seppa(large washers). They cover most guards and are decorated with engraving, and the basis of the pattern is often an elegant Maltese cross. They say that seppa began to be used in the 12th century. Their purpose is to protect footy and guard from damage and give everything a finished look.
Coupling (habaki). Despite the fact that from the artistic side habaki The least significant, it is absolutely necessary, and is found on all Japanese swords, daggers and spears. This thick metal coupling, inner side which fits tightly to the last two to three centimeters of the blade and the first two to three centimeters of the shank ( nakago) (approximate figures for a medium-sized weapon), has several functions. Firstly, it holds the sword tightly in the sheath, eliminating friction of the blade and especially the hardened part of the blade against inner surface scabbard Secondly, it to some extent protects the blade from the appearance of rust in this dangerous place, so part of the sword strip is under habaki should be lightly oiled. But its most important function is that it transfers the impact of a blow through the guard to the entire handle, and not to the relatively weak restraining peg mekugi made of bamboo or horn.
Habaki usually made of copper, silver-plated or gold-plated, or covered with gold, silver or alloy foil shakudo. The surface is either polished or covered with oblique strokes, which are called neko-gaki(“cat scratches”) If a thin foil covering is present, it can be embedded into these neko-gaki or decorated with a stamped pattern. Occasionally also found habaki made of iron, precious metals, or even ivory or wood, but only on swords not mounted for serious use. If the sword strip is thinner than average and thus requires habaki extra thickness, then can be used nid-zyu-habaki- double habaki. It's simple regular sizes habaki, reinforced with a separate but neatly fitted piece that adds two “cheeks” to strengthen the lower part (adjacent to the guard). By habaki you can often evaluate the quality of the blade. Niju-haba-ki and especially habaki, decorated with the family coat of arms mon, usually belong to good swords.
Sword strip terminology
Stripe of a sword, dagger or any other bladed weapons consists of a blade and a shank.
Point (kisaki)- This is the most difficult part of the sword to forge and polish. The value of a sword is largely determined by its condition. kitsaki. Hardening line on the tip ( barefoot) may not be the same on different sides of the blade.
There are a great many types of hardening lines on the tip (as well as on the blade itself).
Types of sword point ( kitsaki) and hardening lines (barefoot) are classified:
1. according to the shape of the blade:
- fukura-kareru- direct;
- fukura-tsuku- curved;2. by size:
-ko-kisaki- small point. Characteristic of the tachi of the Heian period and the beginning of the Kamakura period;
- tyu-kisaki- average. A widespread type for all swords from about 1232;
- o-kisaki- long;
- ikari-o-kisaki- long and curved;3. along the hardening line (bosi):
- ko-maru- weak rounding;
- o-maru- strong rounding. The width of the hardened part is narrower than in ko-maru;
- jizo- in the shape of the head of the deity Jizo;
- yaki-zume- non-returning. Typically, the hardening line extends to the point and turns back toward the shank. In this case, return ( Kaeri) absent;
- midare-komi- wavy;
- kaen- fiery;
- iti-mai- full. The entire tip is hardened;
- Kaeri-tsuyoshi- straight return line;
- kaeri-fukashi- long return;
- kaeri-asashi- short return.
Sword strip
Komi, or mi,- blade.
Nakago- shank.
Tosin- sword strip.
Sword strip terminology
Bosi - hardening line on the tip.
Yokote - the line separating the tip and the blade.
Dzi (ilihira-ji) - the plane between the blade and Shinogi(its width is called Nick).
Jihad - surface pattern hada.
Ji-tsuya - darker (compared to ha-tsuya) part of the blade (the rest of the blade, except the hardened part).
Kasane - blade thickness, measured along the spine; It happens moto-kasaie And saki-kasane.
Kisaki - tip (sometimes this term refers to the entire area from yokote to the very tip of the blade).
Ko-shinogi - the edge of the blade at the tip.
Mizukage - fuzzy line on a plane dzi, usually occurring when re-hardening the blade.
Mihab - blade width; It happens moto hub And saki-haba.
Mitsu-kado - the point where they meet yokote, Shinogi And ko-sinogi.
Monouchi - the part of the blade that delivers most of the blows is the part of the blade about 15 cm long, located about 10 cm below yokote(data for a long sword; for short swords and daggers it is proportionally reduced).
Moto-kasane - blade thickness mune-machi.
Moto hub - blade width between ha-mati And mune-machi.
Mune - butt of the blade.
Mune-machi - a small cut separating the shank from the blade on the butt side, edge mune.
Mune-saki - the name of the butt near the tip;
Mai - inscriptions (on nakago and etc.).
Mekugi-ana - holes in nakago For Menuki.
Nagasa - blade length (measured between mune-machi and tip).
Nakago-jiri - extremity nakago.
Sabigiwa - border between habaki-moto And Yasuri-me.
Saki-kasane - blade thickness yokote.
Saki-haba - blade width yokote.
Shinogi - edge of the blade.
Shinogi-ji - blade plane between Shinogi And mune.
Sorry - blade curvature.
Sugata - blade shape.
Fukura - blade shape kitsaki.
Ha(or ha-saki) - blade.
Habaki-moto - part of the sword strip that is under the muff habaki.
Hada - steel lamination; the result of the folding of steel during the forging process.
Ha-mati - small cut separating the tang from the blade on the side of the blade, edge Ha.
Jamon - line Yakiba.
Hataraki - “activity”, development on the metal surface ( nioi, nie and etc.).
Ha-tsuya - lighter part of the blade compared to ji-tsuya; almost the same as Yakiba.
Hee - dollars
Horimono - engraving on the blade.
Yakiba - hardened part of the blade.
Yakihaba - width Yakiba.
Yasuri-me - notches on the shank.
Edge of the blade (shinog) missing from blades hira-zukuri. There are two types:
protruding (Shinogi-takashi). The thickness of the blade between the stiffening ribs is much greater than that of the butt;
- smooth (shinogi-hikushi).
The plane between the edge and the butt of the blade (Shinogi-ji) can be wide or narrow.
Dol (hee) originally made to increase the strength of the blade and reduce its weight. Later it began to be seen as decoration. Sometimes a fuller was made in order to restore the balance of a shortened sword or to hide flaws in the blade (such fullers added later are called ato-bi). There are 8 types of dols, of which Koshi-hi, Tomabashi, Shobu-hi, Kuichigai-hi and Naginata-hi- on short swords.
In addition, there are 4 forms of fuller at the shank, of which kaki-toshi and kaki-nagashi usually found on strips of swords made by smiths of the Old Sword Period ( koto).
The valley may cross yokote(type hi-saki-agari) and stop a little before reaching yokote(type hisaki-sagari).
Plane shinogi-ji, not cut down, is called tiri. Dol may have tiri on both sides (type ryo-chiri) or only on one side (type kata-chiri).
Types of fullers on a sword strip
Bo-hee- wide dol.
Bo-hi-ni-tsure-hi- wide and narrow valley.
Gomabasi- two short beats.
Kaki-nagashi- extending to half of the shank.
Kaki-toshi- passing along the entire shank.
Kaku-dome- rectangular end.
Koshi-hi- short dollar
Kuitigai-hi- double irregular fuller joining at the end.
Naginata-hi- short wide fuller; typical for naginata, but is also found on swords.
Shobu-hi- double dale joining at the end.
Futasuji-hi- two narrow valleys.
Maru-dome- rounded end.Engraving (horimono). There are various types of engravings on the blades of Japanese swords. Most common subjects: chopsticks ( Goma-Hasi), ritual sword ken, the Dragon ( kurikara) and inscriptions in Chinese or Japanese characters (bondzi).
Hataraki
Ji-nie- spots nee V dzi.
Kinsuji, inazuma And Sunagashi- stripes below and above the line jamon.
Ko-nie- small dots nee above jamon.
Uchinoke- “activity” in the shape of a crescent.
Wakizashi is a short traditional Japanese sword. Mainly used by samurai and worn on the belt. It was worn in conjunction with a katana.
Blade length - from 30 to 61 cm. Total length with handle 50-80 cm. Single-sided blade, slight curvature. The wakizashi is similar in shape to a katana. Wakizashi was made with zukuri (decoration) various shapes and length, usually thinner than that of a katana.
The degree of convexity of the wakizashi blade's cross-section is much less, so compared to the katana, this sword cuts soft objects more sharply. The wakizashi handle has a classic section, the same as that of a katana, but shorter in length.
Often, wakizashi and katana swords were made by one master; the swords had high-quality design and the same style. This pair of swords was called daisho, which translated means “long - short” or “big - small”. And if swords were made by different masters, then they could no longer be called daisho. In a pair of daisho, the wakizashi was used as a short sword (shoto). 
Uniformity primarily implied complete unification of appearance. In this regard, the scabbard, tsuba and other parts (fuchi and kashira) differed from one another only in size, but not in the technique of execution or in their appearance. The tsuba wakizashi is often slightly smaller than the tachi and tsuba katana. If the latter are characterized by figures of 75-85 mm, then for Wakizashi the size of the tsuba disk is approximately 65-75 mm. Tsuba tanto, accordingly, is even smaller - approximately 50 mm.
To conveniently carry several swords (katana, wakizashi and tanto), the Japanese invented various ways carrying swords.
The swords were secured using a sageo cord, which was threaded through a kurigata bracket, which was located on the front side of the scabbard. Such methods of fixation prevented the sword from falling to the ground or getting lost, and at the same time leaving the torso free.
Samurai used the wakizashi as a weapon when the katana was unavailable or unusable. In early Japanese history, the tanto dagger was worn instead of the wakizashi. And also when a samurai put on armor, instead of a katana and wakizashi, tachi and tanto were usually used.
Upon entering the room, the warrior left the katana with a servant or on a katanakake - a weapon stand in the dressing room of the room.
The small sword constantly accompanied its owner, wherever he was. While the so-called “heavy weapons”, the rules of etiquette suggested leaving them in a special place or at the entrance to someone else’s house (with the exception of an openly hostile visit).
In turn, Wakizashi was allowed as the last frontier defense even at the Shogun's palace. Sometimes he was referred to as the "guardian of honor." Images of many influential people who were dressed in magnificent ceremonial clothes are never complete without a short sword at the belt. Some fencing schools taught to use both a katana and a wakizashi at the same time.
Unlike the katana, which could only be worn by samurai, wakizashi was allowed to merchants and artisans. They used this sword as a full-fledged weapon.
Wakizashi - in one reading means “stuck in the side” - the samurai’s sword is located behind the belt on the left, but much closer to the body than the katana. 
If you don't take into account quite short periods Enough of the fierce pursuit of all kinds of lawbreakers, finding a small sword in a commoner's belt was a common occurrence.
Another conversation is Tachi or Katana. All types of long samurai swords were taken as an attribute of a samurai, a warrior, regardless of whether he serves his master or is a free ronin.
It is worth noting that, depending on the fashion or preferences of the individual owner, the wakizashi was moved almost onto the stomach, or it was oriented almost parallel to the main sword.
Of course, the Japanese would not be Japanese if they had not come up with many intricate and elegant ways of completely securing it using a sageo cord threaded through a Kurigata bracket on a special front side of the sheath. This prevented the katana and wakizashi from falling to the ground or otherwise getting lost, thereby giving freedom to the torso.
Often the length of the wakizashi handle is 1.5 - 2 palm grips (approximately 20 cm), and no style variations are noted. Basically, it is braided with a special braid, but individual precious swords could have a smooth handle, or completely covered with engraved metal.
The very first real attempt to completely disarm the civilian population (“katana-gari” - translated as “sword hunt”) was made only at the end of the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who was able to rightly see potential danger for the newly unified Japan to be fully armed.
Before this, every person was free to carry almost anything on himself, as in the years of complete development of the American West, where, along with coming of age, the boy also received his legal right to revolvers.
A little later, in the Edo era, the Tokugawa shogunate was able to bring what it started to its logical end, thereby turning the country into an absolutely totalitarian empire with dubious strict rules of life. 
Only a samurai could have 2 swords - small and large, which in turn endowed them special rights, but at the same time drove into strict restrictions.
For townspeople, wearing anything larger than a Wakizashi or Tanto was very expensive, and in this regard, only inveterate robbers openly violated the law.
But despite its small size, in experienced hands the wakizashi remained a deadly weapon.
Of course, the leading schools of kenjutsu had in their arsenal effective and sophisticated techniques for mastering this subject, adapted to direct battles in the cramped quarters of the home, while on the knees or practically lying down.
Many of them can be loosely classified as "iai-jutsu", that is, the excellent ability to deliver an instant blow or to defend against the sheath.
In addition, in the old days of mass battles, an ordinary short sword ensured the correct execution of many useful tasks, from simply cutting off the enemy's trophy head to cutting open one's own belly (sepukku).
Leaving this life from the sword, the valiant husband constantly risked sticking it much deeper than necessary, damaging his spine and thereby violating a wonderful ancient custom with his unaesthetic fall. A short knife completely eliminated such a finale, allowing the procedure to be completed with incredible brilliance and clarity of the ritual.
Wakizashi is the second sword of the samurai, literally translated as “stuck in the side,” it is shorter than the katana and both were worn on the belt. The length is 30 to 61 cm. Considering the handle is 50-80 cm. The blade is sharpened on one side - this made it possible to better chop the target. The small sword was produced with the design different shapes and the length is usually thinner than that of a katana. The second sword had a smaller bulge, so it was sharper. The handle is classic like a Japanese sword, only smaller.
It was accepted that a pair of swords was made by one master. The pair has the name “Daisho”, which meant “long-short” or “big-small”. If swords were made by different masters, they could not be considered daisho. Accordingly, in this pair, the wakizashi played the role of a short or small sword.
Fixing Daisho Swords
To make it convenient to carry swords, as well as to conveniently remove them from their scabbards, the Japanese came up with different ways their fixation. The swords were secured with a cord, which was pulled through a hole in the scabbard or tsuba (guard). This method prevented the swords from falling and at the same time did not interfere with movement.
The wakizashi was useful in situations where the katana was less effective, such as in small spaces. When entering the room, the samurai left the katana with the servants or on a stand, and took the wakizashi with him, leaving it only if he stayed for a long time, for example, on a visit. Samurai often called this sword “the Sword of their honor” and the loss of this sword meant the loss of honor.
Some combat schools taught how to use both swords at once.
Only samurai could use the katana, while merchants and artisans were allowed to wear wakizashi.
Usually the wakizashi was located behind the belt on the left, closer to the body than the katana, but there were exceptions; some samurai who wanted to stand out moved the sword closer to the stomach, almost parallel to the katana.
Wakizashi sword from Japanese history
Influential personalities in Japan always carried wakizashi with them, even at the imperial court; sometimes the small sword served more as an aesthetic attribute.
The first attempt to abolish the carrying of weapons by commoners was made at the end of the 16th century when Japan was united and was armed without exception, some Shoguns felt the danger. Before this, every person could carry a weapon freely. During the Edo era, the Tokugawa shogunate embodied this common law, it was forbidden to carry some weapons and only samurai could carry two swords, which added more rights to them. The townspeople were not allowed to carry anything larger than a wakizashi with them, and it cost them dearly, so only robbers broke the law by carrying any weapons with them.
Small and smart! Wakizashi is no less dangerous than a katana
Even though the wakizashi was smaller than the katana, its deadly abilities were no less. Warriors learned to wield this sword in the most cramped spaces, even on their knees or lying down. Many wielded it equally against a katana. In some cases, when they wielded two swords at once, the small sword perfectly helped to block blows, and the block was immediately followed by a blow from the katana.
The small sword was also used for the “harakiri” ritual, as it was more convenient for this. Harakiri is a very aesthetic ritual; if you made the wrong action with a longer sword, you could damage your spine and die without honor, violating the ethics of the ritual. The small sword excluded such an ending and made it possible to carry out such a procedure from beginning to end, as it should be.
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