An ancient elite class of men, the chosen few, only the best of the best had the honor to be called Samurai in medieval Japan. They made up the ruling class of the military and later rose to be the highest class in the Japanese hierarchy. These Samurai warriors were equipped with a range of weapons such as spears and guns, and bows and arrows, but their main weapon and symbol was the sword. There are five main streams of the samurai sword, namely Katana, Wakizashi, Tanto, Nodachi, Tachi, Chokuto, Kodachi, Odachi, Uchigatana swords. 

Katana

The most iconic and well-known of all the Samurai swords; the katana is distinguished by its long blade and handle that is made to accommodate two hands and strike from a large distance. It has a curved, slender, single-edged blade with a circular or squared guard. The Katana has a set of dimensions that separate it from other samurai swords. A traditional katana will measure 3 to 4 feet in total length, with the hilt taking up one-fourth of the total and a characteristic curvature of more or less than 1 inch. 

Wakizashi

The wakizashi is similar to the katana but shorter in length. The average Wakizashi is about 50 cm long and was usually worn together with the katana by the Samurai of feudal Japan. When worn together the pair of swords was called daishō, which translates to “large and small”. This sword acted like a side weapon and was worn by the Samurai at all times. 

Tanto

The Tanto, although not technically qualifying in the category of swords, is the traditional Japanese dagger. It can have a single or double edge. It acts like a Wakizashi and is worn at all times. The main purpose of a tanto is to be used as a stabbing instrument but having a pretty sharp edge, it can be used to slice and cut. The Tanto has become more ornate over the years and towards the end of the Samurai era, they were mostly used as decorative pieces, and still are mostly used in decorations to this date. 

Tachi

The sword is the predecessor to the Katana; the tachi is a japanese sword that is more curved and longer than a katana. Has an average length of 75 cm. It was primarily made for Samurais on horseback where they needed more length and curvature to effectively charge foot soldiers. 

Odachi

ōdachi ("big big sword")/Nodachi ("big field sword"): Very large tachi, some in excess of 100 cm, and usually a blade of the late 14th century.

Nodachi

Nodachi approximately translates to “field sword” or “great sword”. They are larger and longer than a typical katana. They were typically used as weapons for foot soldiers and were effective against cavalry and open field encounters. They are not very effective in close range or constricted space.

Kodachi

A shorter version of the tachi, but with similar mounts and intended use, mostly found in the 13th century or earlier.

Chokutō

A straight single edged sword that was produced prior to the 10th century, and without differential hardening or folding.

Uchigatana

A development from the tachi in the 15th century. Worn with the edge upwards in the obi.

While all of these are types of bladed weapons used by the noble Japanese warriors, each and every one has its unique characteristics and uses. It would be unfair to ignore all the different types of swords, just to popularize one over the others. A wider approach is needed to recognize the skill and genius of the Japanese Samurai and craftsman.

What are the parts of the Katana?

The Handle and Scabbard

• Kashira: The Kashira is the very end bit of the sword, basically the butt cap. You might think of it as a money jar ‘KASHira’. Pronounced: Ka-shee-ra.

• Menuki: This part of the sword is ornamental and can depict almost anything. You can get dragons, sunsets, or really whatever strikes your fancy. They will most often be related to the theme of the sword. To help you remember, think about how many parts there are to the sword. It would be a lot easier if there were a MENU to help remember them all. Pronounced: Meh-noo-ki.

• Tsuba: This one’s easy: it's the hand guard. This can be themed, decorated, or plain, depending on the style of the sword. Pronounced: Sue-bah.

• Seppa: The spacers on the sword. If you were a samurai, you might commit SEPPuku by thrusting the sword into yourself, all the way up to the Seppa. Pronounced: Sep-pa (a long double 'p').

• Saya: 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.

• Kurigata: The cord is tied around this knob. Traditionally, it would be made from buffalo horn. There are no clever ways to remember this, you’re going to have to rely on brain power alone. Pronounced: Kooh-Reeh-Gah-Tah.

• Koiguchi: The koiguchi makes up the mouth of scabbard. I like to think of a Koi carp opening it’s mouth for food. Pronounced: Koy-Goo-Chee.

• Sageo: The sageo is the cord found on samurai swords. Only the very best sword SAGE can work out the OH-so-difficult knot used to tie the cord. Pronounced: Sa-Geh-Oh.

Moving Up the Sword

• Ito: The Ito is the handle wrap and holds it together. IT’s OH so hard to wrap properly. Pronounced: Eee-To.

• Fuchi: The next is the Fuchi, which is basically the metal sleeve that keeps the Tsuka locked together.

• Samegawa: 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.

• 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.

• Ha: The blade of the Katana. Laugh at your friends as they attempt to remember all the parts of the Samurai Sword. HaHaHa. Pronounced: Ha.

• 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.

• Munemachi: The collar notch. Can be used for measuring the length of the blade, starting from the notch all the way to the tip. Pronounced: Moo-Neh-Mah-Chee.

• Bo-Hi: Used to lighten the sword, but sometimes called the blood groove. Pronounced: Boh-Hee.

The Blade

• Nakago: The tang of the blade. You should not oil this part of the blade. With time it’ll get a black protective patina. Pronounced: Nah-Kah-Goh.

• Sori: The curvature of the samurai sword. Soh-ree, your sword has been bent… Pronounced: Soh-Ree.

• Nagasa: The length of the blade. Pronounced: Nah-Gah-Sah.

• Hamon: The famous hardened edge of the samurai sword. Pronounced: Har-Mon

• Boshi: The tip Hamon. Pronounced: Boh-Shee

• Kissaki: The very tip of the blade. Pronounced: Kiss-Sah-Ki

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.