Other Parts of a Samurai Sword

The Habaki – Blade Collar

The habaki is a small metal collar that encases the blade’s base. It locks the tsuba (handguard) in place and protects the blade while it’s sheathed. To draw the katana, the user presses down on the tsuba with the thumb, releasing the habaki from the saya—a motion known as koiguchi no kirikata. This motion was considered an aggressive gesture among the samurai.

Habaki designs are typically simple to minimize wear on the saya. Although its origin is unclear, the habaki likely originated in China and became a standard feature in Japanese swords, including katana and ninja swords. Brass is the most common material used in habaki due to its durability, though silver and black versions are also available. Each habaki is hand-finished, making every piece unique.

The Important Role of Habaki

The habaki is a small ring that fully encircles the blade near its base. While it may seem decorative, its primary function is practical. It secures the tsuba, preventing accidental injury, and helps keep the blade in the saya by wedging it in place. Samurai and martial artists regularly remove and clean the habaki to prevent rust and wear, ensuring the sword remains in optimal condition.

Seppa (Spacers)

Seppa are thin metal plates placed on either side of the tsuba to secure the katana’s mounted components. They are usually made of brass, just like the habaki, but silver, black, and gold-plated versions also exist. Seppa absorb impact when the blade strikes and their thickness is precisely controlled for balance.

What Habaki and Seppa Are Made Of?

Seppa are typically crafted from copper or brass for durability, though silver or leather variations exist. Mass-produced seppa are often stamped from sheets of brass or copper, making them affordable. The habaki & seppa on both our custom samurai swords and our individually-sold ones are made from brass.

Types of Tsuba

Tsuba are typically made from either iron (tetsu) or a softer metal (kinko), which includes alloys like brass, copper, shakudo (a blue-black copper-gold alloy), sentoku (a brown copper-lead-zinc alloy), and shibuichi (a gray copper-silver alloy).

Both iron and kinko tsuba can be decorated in various ways, such as carving, painting, or with intricate cutouts known as sukashi tsuba. These cutouts can feature positive or negative silhouette designs, adding to the aesthetic appeal.

Common tsuba shapes include round (maru gata), rounded square (kaku gata), and four-lobed (mokko). The surface patina of a tsuba is crucial to its beauty, and polishing it can ruin this patina, diminishing its value.

While many replicas and reproductions of tsuba are available today, their quality varies widely. Although they may not be museum-quality, they can still add a decorative touch to a martial arts blade.

Characteristics of the Japanese Tsuba

The tsuba serves both protective and decorative purposes, enhancing the effectiveness of the sword. Traditional Japanese tsuba are crafted with precision using high-quality materials.

Metal and Structure

Tsuba were initially made by welding together steels of varying hardness, which were then twisted and shaped. Alloys like shakudo and shibuichi are popular for their strength and impact resistance.

• Shakudo: Known as “black gold,” shakudo is a copper alloy containing at least 4% gold. Its dark hue resembles the plumage of a crow.
• Shibuichi: Composed of roughly 25% silver, shibuichi is harder than shakudo and can include elements like copper, lead, zinc, and tin. Its surface can range from brown to bright gray after processing.

Modern tsubas are made a bit differently, as they come from different metals and are made commercially, making them more widely available.

At Swords for Sale, we have five types of materials used for our tsuba:

Size and Shape

Tsuba are typically elliptical disks, though some are square or rectangular with rounded corners. The mokko tsuba has a distinctive four-lobed shape. The ideal tsuba for combat or practice is sized and shaped to protect the user’s hand effectively.

Design and Craftsmanship

The design of a tsuba involves careful consideration of surface texture and color. Craftsmen used various materials, including precious metals and gems, to create intricate designs. Sukashi tsuba often feature detailed cutouts, but some tsuba are purely decorative. While such ornate designs may be aesthetically pleasing, they are not always practical for combat.

Parts of the Japanese Tsuba

The tsuba includes several key components:

• Seppa-dai: The oval-shaped washer seat in the center of the tsuba, where a washer or spacer (seppa) is placed to secure the sword guard. The artist’s signature (mei) may be found on the reverse side.
• Nakago ana: The central hole where the sword’s tang (nakago) fits, aligning the blade correctly when worn by warriors.
• Hitsu-ana: Some tsuba have one or two small openings for additional accessories like a kozuka (utility knife handle) or kogai (pin-shaped accessory). These are more common in wakizashi tsuba and rare in katana tsuba.
• Hira: The surface of the tsuba, which is often hammered or polished. Iron tsuba may feature flat plates with carvings, inlays, or openwork. The surface patina or coloring is also an important aesthetic feature.
• Mimi: The rim of the tsuba, which may have a folded or raised design. Rims can vary in thickness and may include delicate gold inlay patterns.

The Menuki & Kashira

Menuki

Menuki are small ornaments placed on each side of a Japanese sword’s handle wrap. Traditionally, they align with the fingertips of both hands, as Samurai, regardless of being left-handed, were trained to use the sword as if they were right-handed.

When the menuki are reversed (gyakumenuki), they rest in the palm with a conventional right-handed grip. Today, people mount their menuki based on personal preference. Some prefer the traditional placement, while others find it more comfortable in the palm.

 

Common materials for menuki include brass, copper, silver, and gold, though plastic versions are used for inexpensive replicas. A common issue with menuki is that the intricate designs are often obscured by the ito wrap, making it difficult to see the details.

Kashira

The kashira is the ornamental cap that sits at the end of the tsuka (hilt) of a katana or other Japanese swords.

This piece is typically crafted from metal and designed to match the overall theme and style of the sword’s other fittings, such as the tsuba (guard) and menuki (ornaments under the handle wrap).

While its primary purpose is structural, helping to hold the hilt components together, the kashira also serves as a key point of artistic expression in the sword’s design.

In feudal Japan, Samurai placed great importance on the craftsmanship and personalization of their weapons. The kashira, often engraved or embellished with intricate designs, reflected the owner’s status, taste, and even beliefs. The design of the kashira often mirrored the motifs found on the sword’s guard and other fittings, creating a harmonious aesthetic.

Beyond its decorative appeal, the kashira served practical purposes. It helped to balance the weight of the blade, ensuring a proper grip and fluid movement during combat. Additionally, the kashira protected the end of the tsuka from damage and wear over time.

Symbolically, the kashira could be linked to themes of protection, power, or a warrior’s family crest, imbuing the sword with deeper personal and cultural significance. In times of peace, Samurai would still carry swords adorned with ornate kashira as a display of refinement and honor.

Tsuka-Ito or Ito

Tsuka-ito, often called “sword belt,” is the cord wrapped around the handle (Tsuka) of a katana. Modern Ito can be made from cotton, leather, or rayon and helps provide a secure grip by absorbing moisture. The texture of the Ito varies: cotton and rayon offer a rough surface, while leather is smooth but can lose its texture over time.

Making a Tsuka (Handle)

Crafting a Tsuka involves several steps:

1. Select sturdy wood.
2. Split the wood with a crosscut saw.
3. Carve the wood to fit the tang of the blade.
4. Ensure the Tsuka’s front edge aligns with the fuchi (collar).
5. Shape the handle by filing it down.
6. Wrap the Tsuka core in Same’Gawa (ray skin).
7. Drill holes for the Mekugi (pegs).
8. Wrap the Tsuka with Ito.

Basic Shapes of Katana Tsuka

There are four main shapes of Tsuka:

1. Haichi Tsuka: Standard, with a nearly straight back and a slightly tapering front.
2. Rikko Tsuka: Hourglass-shaped.
3. Imogata: Potato-shaped with parallel sides.
4. Morozori: Mimics the shape of the saya (scabbard), often used with tachi or handachi swords.

The length of the Tsuka is typically customized to the swordsman’s preference, with standard lengths varying for different types of swords.

Ito: Samurai Sword Wrapping

The Ito is more than just decorative; it provides essential support to the Tsuka and prevents technical failure when using the sword. There are two main wrapping techniques: Katate-Maki (Battle wrap) and Hineri-Maki (Standard wrap). Ito materials vary, including cotton, leather, silk, rayon, suede, and synthetic leather, each offering different levels of durability, grip, and aesthetic appeal.

Tsukamaki is the traditional Japanese art of wrapping the Tsuka. The process involves starting with a solid wood core wrapped in Same’Gawa (ray skin). The Ito is then carefully wrapped around the Tsuka. It takes about 120 inches (10 feet) of Ito to wrap an 8-inch Tsuka. There are different wrapping styles, such as Tsumamimaki (pinched wrapping) and Hinerimaki (twisted wrapping).

Cleaning Tips for Swords with Ito

Cotton Ito can quickly show dirt and wear, so it’s essential to handle it with clean hands or gloves. Leather Ito typically requires occasional wiping with a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a toothbrush with warm water and mild detergent.

Swords without Ito

Shirasaya swords, known for their simple design, are popular among sword enthusiasts. Shirasaya, meaning “simple scabbard,” typically features a natural wood handle and saya without the traditional Tsuka wrap.

Same’Kawa (Ray Skin)

Same’kawa, made from stingray or shark skin, is used to strengthen the Tsuka and help secure the Ito. Its rough texture provides a firm grip, and it is incredibly durable, able to withstand battle stresses without losing its aesthetic value. Genuine Samegawa is highly valued for its toughness and flame resistance, while synthetic alternatives are less durable and easier to identify by their softness.

How to Identify Genuine Samegawa

Authentic Samegawa has tightly bound grains, is incredibly tough, and is resistant to flames and scratches. Faux Samegawa, often made of plastic, is soft and prone to damage.

How to Remove the Handle from a Katana

To remove the Tsuka from a katana, first, remove the mekugi (bamboo pegs). Then, with the blade pointing up, use a hammer and splint to gently tap the Tsuka loose. Once enough space is created, the blade’s tang can be separated from the wooden Tsuka.

The Saya: The Sword’s Sheath

A saya is the scabbard or sheath of a Japanese sword, typically made from wood and designed to protect the blade from damage and the elements. The saya is crafted with meticulous care to ensure it does not scratch or damage the sword’s finish.

Key components of a saya include:

1. Kurigata: A small knob or ring made of horn or metal, through which the sageo is threaded.
2. Kojiri: The end cap of the saya, often made of metal or buffalo horn, providing extra protection.
3. Koiguchi: The mouth of the saya, where the blade enters, often reinforced with buffalo horn to prevent splitting.
4. Shitodome: Decorative fittings placed within the kurigata to enhance its appearance and protect the sageo from wear.

Crafting a Saya

Crafting a saya is a traditional art form requiring skill and precision. The process involves selecting a suitable piece of wood, typically magnolia, due to its lightweight and durability. The wood is carved to perfectly fit the blade, ensuring that the sword neither rattles nor rubs against the inside of the saya. The exterior is then shaped, lacquered, and sometimes decorated, while the interior is left untreated to prevent the sword from sticking.

Types of Saya

There are two main types of saya used for Japanese swords:

1. Shirasaya: A plain, undecorated wooden sheath used for long-term storage of the blade. It is designed to protect the sword from moisture and is not intended for use in battle.
2. Jindachi-Zukuri: A more ornate and functional saya, often used in battle. It may feature intricate carvings and decorations and is designed to be worn with a specific method of attachment, like being slung over the shoulder or belt.

The Sageo: The Braided Cord

The sageo is a braided cord that secures the saya to the wearer’s obi (belt). It is threaded through the kurigata of the saya and tied in various knots, each with different meanings and uses. The sageo serves both practical and decorative purposes and is considered an essential part of the samurai’s attire.

Materials and Craftsmanship

Sageo can be made from different materials, including:

• Silk: The most traditional and expensive option, offering durability and a smooth texture.
• Cotton: A more affordable option that is also durable but less luxurious.
• Leather: Provides a sturdy grip and is often used in more practical, battle-ready swords.
• Synthetic Materials: Modern alternatives that offer durability and variety in color and texture.

The craftsmanship of sageo involves intricate braiding techniques, resulting in beautiful patterns and strong, resilient cords. The color and design of the sageo often reflect the personal preferences or the rank of the sword’s owner.

Historical and Cultural Significance of Sageo

The sageo is not just a functional piece but also holds historical and cultural significance. In feudal Japan, the color and style of the sageo could indicate the samurai’s status or affiliation. During the Tokugawa shogunate, strict rules governed the color of the sageo, with black being the most common.

In addition to its practical use, the sageo is imbued with spiritual significance in Japanese culture, reflecting the deep respect and reverence for the tools and weapons used by the samurai. The care with which a samurai tied and maintained their sageo was seen as a reflection of their discipline and attention to detail.