JAPANESE KATANA SWORD GLOSSARY

 katana

 

 

  • Hamon: border between the tempered cutting edge of a blade and the untempered part of the rest of the sword.
  • Kissaki: the point of the blade, separated from the body of the sword by the Yokote.
  • Koiguchi: opening of the Saya.
  • Kojiri: end piece on the Saya; it's called Sayajiri as well.
  • Kurigata: Knob on the Omote side of the Saya with a hole for the Sageo to go through.
  • Mei: swordsmith's signature, usually on the Nakago.
  • Mekugi-Ana: hole for the Mekugi.
  • Mekugis: bamboo (usally) pegs used to secure Tsuka to Nakago.
  • Menuki: decorative metal pieces fitted on the Tsuba to improve grip on the sword.
  • Moto-Haba: blade width at the bottom of the blade.
  • Moto-Kasane: blade thickness at the bottom of the blade.
  • Mune: back edge of a blade.
  • Nagasa: blade lenght.
  • Nakago: tang, unseen extension of the blade under the Tsuka.
  • Sageo: cord, usually made of silk, attached to the Kurikata of the Saya.
  • Saki-Haba:blade width from the Kissaki.
  • Samé:the belly portion of stingray skin used on top of the wooden Tsuka and below the Ito to improve grip.
  • Saya: scabbard for the sword.
  • Seppa: a pair of brass (usually) washers around the Tsuba, between the handle and the blade.
  • Shitodome: brass (usaully) pieces that fit into the Kashira before the handle is wrapped.
  • Sori: curve.
  • Sugata: shape of the blade
  • Tsuba: hand guard for a sword, different kinds of decoration.
  • Tsuka: handle of the sword
  • Tsuka-Ito: cotton or silk braid used to wrap the Tsuka.
  • Yokote: demarcation line separating the blade from the beginning of the Kissaki.