Anatomy Of A Katana Updated for 2024

Updated: October 2, 2024

A katana is a Japanese sword used by the samurai class of feudal Japan. It consists of several parts, each of which has its own purpose and function. Here is a breakdown of the anatomy of a katana.

The blade is the most important part of the katana and is made up of two sections, the hamon and the nakago. The hamon is the visible pattern on the blade and is made by the differential hardening process. The nakago is the tang of the blade, which is the part that goes into the handle. The handle is made up of two parts, the tsuka and the tsuba. The tsuka is the handle of the katana and is bound with cord or ray skin. The tsuba is the guard of the katana and is usually made of metal or wood.

The saya is the scabbard of the katana and is made of wood, leather, or lacquered wood. It is designed to protect the blade from damage and to keep it secure. The fuchi and kashira are the butt and end caps of the handle. They are usually made of metal and provide a decorative and secure fit for the handle. Lastly, the sageo is a cord that is used to secure the katana to the obi (sash) of the samurai.

The katana is a complex weapon and its parts all work together to create a beautiful and deadly weapon. Understanding the anatomy of a katana is essential for those who wish to master the art of sword fighting.