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Samurai Sword Terminology
Handmade Japanese swords, also known as Samurai Swords or Katanas, are becoming more popular for martial arts enthusiasts, interior decorators, and collectors alike. This article will cover some of the terminology you may want to know about your Katana.
The Japanese Katana can be broken down into two main categories: I) the sword blade and II) the sword mountings.
I) Major Parts of the Samurai Sword Blade:
Boshi: tempered line in the Kissaki (point)
Ha: cutting edge
Hada: grain in steel / pattern of fold in the steel
Ha-machi: notch at the beginning of the cutting edge
Hamon: tempered pattern along the blade edge
Hi: groove engraved on the Shinogiji
Kissaki: point of the blade
Mei: sword smith's signature
Mekugi-ana: tand hole for the Mekugi (bamboo pegs)
Mune: back ridge of the sword blade
Mune-machi: notch at the start of the Mune
Nakago: sword tang
Shinogi: ridgeline of the blade
Shinogi-ji: blade flat between the Mune and Shinogi
Yasuri-me: file marks on the Nakago
Yokote: line dividing the Kissaki from the rest of the blade
II) Major Parts of the Samurai Sword Mounts:
Fuchi: collar on the hilt
Habaki: metal collar used to secure the blade into the scabbard
Ito: silk or cotton hilt wrapping (braid)
Kashira: sword buttcap or Pommel
Koiguchi: the mouth of the scabbard or its fitting
Kojiri: tip of the scabbard
Kurikata: knob with slot for attaching the Sageo (cord)
Mekugi: sword pegs, typically made of bamboo
Menuki: hilt ornaments
Sageo: cord used to tie the Saya to the belt or sash
Same: rayskin used for the Tsuka (handle) covering
Saya: sword scabbard
Seppa: washers or spacers between the Tsuba and Koiguchi, Tsuba, and Fuchi
Shitodome: metal fitting inside the Kurikata
Tsuba: sword guard between the handle and blade used to protect the hand
Tsuka: sword handle
Now that you know the proper names for most of the major parts of a Japanese Samurai Sword please see our other articles on Proper Sword Care/Maintenance and the Proper way to Disassemble/Reassemble a handmade sword.
Always use extra care when handling a handmade samurai sword. Most swords of this type will have a sharp blade and could cause injury if proper precautions are not taken. Like with most sharp objects the blade should always face away from you and never at anyone else. Remember what your parents told you when you were young? Never run with scissors! Don't play with sharp objects! The same principals should be applied when handling a sword as well. A handmade sword is not a toy and not intended for anyone under the age of 18. Be smart and be safe.
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