Faq Categories: Katana / Wakizashi / Tanto Components

The cord wrap which is braided and knotted to a katana tsuka handle. Cotton, Silk and Leather are common. Materials such as jute-like twine or even elaborately folded and lacquered paper were also used historically.

The art of wrapping and dressing the tsuka grip of a katana with braided cord. 

The wooden handle of a katana. 

The tsuba is the hand guard of a Japanese bladed weapon. 

A style of katana hilt mounting. Unlike most katana with elaborate cord wrapping a katana mounted “Shirasaya” style has the blade mounted into very plain wood with a plain wood scabbard to match. Traditionally this was a way to preserve sword blades that were not going to be used for a substantial length of time. Lack of cord and other fittings prevented accumulation of moisture to better preserve a blade for longer term storage. The blade was often pinned to the wooden grip to ensure that it was still functional in an emergency.

The seppa are metal washers above and below the tsuba used to tighten the fittings. These are usually made of brass. 

The saya is a wooden scabbard for the blade; traditionally finished in lacquered wood.

The ray or shark skin wrapping of the wooden handle. Most replicas will have inlaid panels of these and very high quality replicas will have the grip wrapped entirely over in rayskin.

The sageo is the cord used to tie saya to the belt/obi when worn. It is attached to the scabbard, often with an elaborate decorative knot.

The tang of the blade inserted into the handle. Traditionally the swordsmith would leave his signature on this part of the blade. Some modern replicas will leave some manufacturer signature or identifying info on this part of the blade.

The menuki are metal ornaments placed on the rayskin of the grip. They are overlaid with the cord grip and partially covered to keep them into place when the grip is completed with a grip wrap. 

The mekugi is a small bamboo peg for securing the tsuka (grip) to the nakago (tang). Most Japanese swords have two for extra security, though a single peg was common historically.