The Complete Guide to Sword Parts & Components

A Japanese katana is far more than just a blade. Every single component — from the tip of the steel to the end of the handle — is a carefully crafted piece of functional art, refined over centuries of Japanese swordmaking tradition. Understanding these parts not only deepens your appreciation for the katana, but also helps you make informed decisions when selecting, maintaining, or displaying your sword.

This guide covers every major component of a traditional Japanese katana, organized from blade to handle.

Part 1: The Blade (刀身 — Tōshin)

The blade is the heart of the katana. Every aspect of its geometry is intentional, balancing cutting power, durability, and beauty.

Ha (刃) — The Cutting Edge

The Ha is the sharpened cutting edge of the blade. On a katana, only one side is sharpened (single-edged), and the edge is hardened through a process called differential hardening — making it extremely sharp while the spine remains flexible.

Mune (棟) — The Spine

The Mune is the unsharpened back of the blade, opposite the cutting edge. It is left softer and more flexible than the edge, giving the blade its legendary combination of sharpness and resilience. The shape of the Mune (flat, round, or ridged) varies by school and period.

Kissaki (切先) — The Tip/Point

The Kissaki is the tip of the blade — one of the most technically demanding parts to forge and polish. It is considered a mark of the swordsmith's skill. There are three main types:

• Ko-Kissaki — Small tip; elegant, associated with older styles
• Chu-Kissaki — Medium tip; the most common and balanced form
• O-Kissaki — Large tip; powerful, associated with battle swords

Yokote (横手) — The Dividing Line

The Yokote is the line that separates the main blade from the Kissaki (tip). It is a defining feature of Japanese sword geometry and a key indicator of blade quality.

Shinogi (鎬) — The Ridge Line

The Shinogi is the raised ridge that runs along the length of the blade, dividing the flat face into two angled surfaces. It gives the blade its characteristic cross-section and contributes to both cutting performance and structural strength.

Ji (地) — The Body of the Blade

The Ji is the flat surface of the blade between the Shinogi (ridge) and the Ha (edge). The texture and grain pattern of the Ji — known as Jihada — reflects the folding and forging technique used by the swordsmith, and is a key element in authenticating and appreciating a blade.

Hamon (刃文) — The Temper Line

The Hamon is the visible line that appears along the blade as a result of differential hardening (clay tempering). It separates the hardened edge from the softer body of the blade. The Hamon is both functional and decorative — its pattern (straight, wavy, irregular) is a signature of the swordsmith's style.

• Suguha — Straight Hamon; classic and elegant
• Notare — Gentle wave pattern
• Gunome — Repeating semicircular pattern
• Midare — Irregular, wild pattern

Nakago (茎) — The Tang

The Nakago is the unpolished portion of the blade that extends into the handle (Tsuka). It is never meant to be seen during normal use. The Nakago bears the swordsmith's signature (Mei) and is one of the most important elements for authenticating a blade. Its shape, file marks, and patina all provide clues to the sword's age and origin.

Mekugi-Ana (目釘穴) — The Peg Hole

The Mekugi-Ana is the hole drilled through the Nakago (tang) through which the Mekugi (bamboo peg) passes to secure the blade within the handle. Most katana have one or two peg holes.

Part 2: The Fittings (拵 — Koshirae)

The Koshirae refers to the complete set of fittings that mount and dress the blade. These components are both functional and artistic, often crafted by specialist artisans separate from the swordsmith.

Tsuba (鍔) — The Hand Guard

The Tsuba is the circular or oval guard positioned between the blade and the handle. Its primary function is to protect the hand from sliding onto the blade and to deflect an opponent's blade. However, the Tsuba is also one of the most celebrated art forms in Japanese metalwork — collectors prize fine Tsuba for their intricate designs depicting nature, mythology, and battle scenes.

• Material: Iron, shakudo (copper-gold alloy), shibuichi (copper-silver alloy), brass
• Shape: Round (maru), oval (nagamaru), square (kaku), or irregular
• Openings: The central hole (Nakago-Ana) fits the tang; side holes (Hitsu-Ana) accommodate the Kozuka and Kogai

Habaki (鎺) — The Blade Collar

The Habaki is a metal collar that fits snugly around the base of the blade, just above the Tsuba. It serves two critical functions: it locks the blade securely in the scabbard (Saya) and prevents the Tsuba from sliding down the blade. The Habaki is typically made of copper, brass, or silver, and may be plain or decorated.

Seppa (切羽) — The Spacer Washers

The Seppa are thin metal washers placed on both sides of the Tsuba (between the Tsuba and the Habaki, and between the Tsuba and the Fuchi). They ensure a tight, rattle-free fit of all fittings. Typically made of copper or brass, they are often overlooked but essential for proper assembly.

Fuchi (縁) — The Handle Collar

The Fuchi is the metal collar at the base of the handle (Tsuka), where the handle meets the Tsuba. It reinforces the handle and provides a finished, decorative transition between the guard and the grip. The Fuchi is almost always made as a matched set with the Kashira.

Kashira (頭) — The Pommel/Cap

The Kashira is the metal cap at the very end of the handle. It secures the handle wrapping (Ito) and provides a counterbalance to the blade. Like the Fuchi, it is typically made as a matched decorative set. The Kashira often features the same motif as the Fuchi and Menuki.

Menuki (目貫) — The Handle Ornaments

The Menuki are small decorative ornaments placed beneath the handle wrapping (Ito), positioned under the palm on each side of the handle. They serve a dual purpose: they improve grip by creating a natural resting point for the fingers, and they are among the most artistically elaborate fittings, often depicting dragons, tigers, flowers, or mythological figures.

Tsuka (柄) — The Handle

The Tsuka is the complete handle assembly of the katana. It consists of several layers:

• Tsuka-Ito (柄糸): The outer wrapping of the handle, traditionally made from silk or cotton in a diamond (hishi) pattern. Common colors include black, dark blue, brown, and white. The wrapping provides grip and holds the Menuki in place.
• Same (鮫皮): The ray skin (or rayskin-textured material) that covers the wooden core beneath the Ito wrapping. Its rough, pebbly texture provides grip and prevents the Ito from slipping.
• Tsuka-Ki (柄木): The wooden core of the handle, traditionally made from Japanese magnolia (Honoki wood). It is carved to precisely fit the Nakago (tang) of the blade.

Mekugi (目釘) — The Retaining Peg

The Mekugi is a small bamboo (or occasionally horn) peg that passes through the Tsuka and the Mekugi-Ana (hole in the tang) to lock the blade securely in the handle. It is the only thing physically connecting the blade to the handle — yet when properly fitted, it is remarkably strong. Bamboo is preferred because it is strong, slightly flexible, and will break before the handle does under stress, protecting the blade.

Part 3: The Scabbard (鞘 — Saya)

Saya (鞘) — The Scabbard

The Saya is the scabbard that houses and protects the blade when not in use. Traditionally made from lightweight Honoki wood, it is lacquered for protection and aesthetics. The interior is precisely fitted to the blade to prevent movement and protect the edge. The Saya is as much a work of art as the sword itself — lacquer finishes range from plain black to elaborate designs with gold inlay.

Koiguchi (鯉口) — The Scabbard Mouth

The Koiguchi (literally "carp's mouth") is the reinforced opening of the Saya where the blade enters. It is typically fitted with a buffalo horn or synthetic collar to protect the wood and provide a tight, secure fit with the Habaki. The snap of the Koiguchi gripping the Habaki is the characteristic sound of a katana being sheathed.

Kurikata (栗形) — The Cord Knob

The Kurikata is a small knob on the side of the Saya through which the Sageo (cord) is threaded. It is positioned near the Koiguchi and is typically made from buffalo horn or synthetic material.

Sageo (下緒) — The Scabbard Cord

The Sageo is the cord attached to the Kurikata of the Saya. Traditionally made from silk, cotton, or leather, it was used to tie the scabbard to the wearer's belt (Obi) and could also be used for binding in combat situations. The Sageo is available in many colors and weave patterns, and is an important aesthetic element of the complete sword.

Kojiri (鐺) — The Scabbard Tip

The Kojiri is the metal cap at the tip (bottom) of the Saya. It protects the end of the scabbard from damage and wear. Like other fittings, it may be plain or elaborately decorated.

Shitodome (鵐目) — The Sageo Eyelet

The Shitodome are small metal eyelets set into the Kurikata through which the Sageo passes. They protect the wood of the Kurikata from wear caused by the cord.

Part 4: Additional Fittings

Kozuka (小柄) — The Utility Knife Handle

The Kozuka is the handle of a small utility knife (Kogatana) that fits into a pocket on the side of the Saya. It was used as an everyday utility tool. The Kozuka handle is often a masterpiece of miniature metalwork.

Kogai (笄) — The Skewer/Hair Pin

The Kogai is a skewer-like implement that fits into a pocket on the opposite side of the Saya from the Kozuka. Its exact historical use is debated — it may have been used as a hair pin, an eating utensil, or even to identify a fallen enemy on the battlefield.

Complete Parts Reference

Why Understanding Sword Parts Matters

Whether you are a collector, a martial artist, or simply an enthusiast, understanding the anatomy of a katana transforms how you see and appreciate these extraordinary objects. Each component has been refined over centuries — every curve, every material choice, every decorative motif carries meaning.

• For collectors: Knowing the parts helps you evaluate quality, authenticity, and craftsmanship
• For practitioners: Understanding the fittings helps you maintain and care for your sword properly
• For enthusiasts: It deepens your connection to the rich tradition of Japanese swordmaking

Explore our full collection of katana, accessories, and sword fittings — crafted with respect for tradition and built for the modern collector.