What is the Nagasa katana?

"Nagasa" refers to the length of the blade in a katana. In the context of a katana, "nagasa" specifically refers to the length of the cutting edge of the blade, excluding the tang (nakago) that extends into the handle (tsuka).The term "nagasa katana" is not a specific type or variant of katana but rather describes the length of the blade. The length of the nagasa can vary, but traditionally a katana has a nagasa of around 60 to 73 centimeters (approximately 24 to 29 inches).The length of the nagasa affects the overall balance, weight distribution, and handling characteristics of the katana. Different swordsmiths and schools may have slight variations in their preferred nagasa length based on personal style or regional traditions. However, the general range mentioned above is considered standard for a traditional katana.It's worth noting that the length of the blade alone does not define a katana as there are other features and characteristics that make up a complete katana, such as the curvature, hamon (temper line), tsuba (guard), and tsuka (handle).

Is the Shusui replica full-tang construction?

Yes. Each Shusui Katana replica in this collection uses a full-tang design, meaning the steel extends in one continuous piece from the tip of the blade through the entire handle. The tang is secured with mekugi pegs through the tsuka, following the traditional Japanese method of assembly. This gives the replica a balanced, substantial feel that closely mirrors a functional sword's weight distribution — roughly centered near the tsuba rather than feeling blade-heavy or hollow in the grip. For collectors who handle and inspect their pieces, full-tang construction is a meaningful quality indicator that separates serious replicas from lightweight costume props.

What makes a tachi different from a katana in design?

The tachi predates the katana and features a deeper curvature along the blade, a longer overall length, and a mounting style designed for wear edge-down suspended from the belt rather than thrust through it. This edge-down orientation influenced every element of the koshirae - from the positioning of the menuki on the handle to the direction the saya lacquer is applied. On a properly assembled tachi, the suspension fittings called ashi attach to the saya so the piece hangs at the correct angle when displayed or worn. For collectors, this means a tachi's visual presentation is fundamentally different from a katana even at rest on a display stand - the curvature reads more dramatically and the full koshirae tends to appear more ceremonially elaborate.

How does the tanto blade format differ from katana and wakizashi in a collection?

Updated Feb 2026

The tanto blade format differs from the katana and wakizashi primarily in its blade length and what that length enables and constrains for display. At 15 to 30 cm, the tanto is compact enough to display in cases, on desktop stands, or in smaller wall arrangements where a katana would be impractical. The shorter blade means the tanto's construction details - hamon activity, grain pattern, blade geometry at the kissaki tip - are concentrated into a small area that rewards close examination in a way that larger blades spread across more surface. In a display that includes all three blade lengths - tanto, wakizashi, katana - the tanto creates the small detail-focused element that contrasts with the wakizashi's medium proportions and the katana's sweeping length, completing the full Japanese blade length hierarchy.