Glossary
Bizen tradition
One of the oldest and most prestigious schools of Japanese swordmaking, known for their distinct steel properties and hamon patterns.
Folding (steel)
The traditional process of repeatedly folding and hammering steel to create layers that strengthen the blade and create beautiful patterns.
Fuchi/Kashira
The artistic fittings that sit at the front and end of the tsuka (handle). These two pieces comprise a set and are always the work of a single artist
Habaki
Wedge shaped collar used to keep the sword from falling out of the saya and to support the tsuka. Custom made for each blade by a Master it can be gold, silver, or other metal wrapped around a copper core.
Hamon
Literally “blade patterns” it is the signature feature of the swordsmith’s art. Technically, the hamon outlines the transition between the region of the harder martensite steel at the blade’s edge and the softer pearlite steel at center and back of the sword. Functional, yet it is the aesthetic qualities of the hamon that set its artistic value. The patterns actually exist at different levels in the steel and can only be viewed fully by examination at various angles with different light. Extremely complex, hundreds of words and terms are needed to fully explain, define, and rate the hamon of a samurai sword.
Horimono
generic term for all carvings on a blade including grooves. More specifically, they usually refer to figures of legend, myth, or spiritual meaning.
Ji-hada
The grain pattern visible in the steel of the blade, formed during forging and polishing.
Kaerizuno/Saguri
A hook on the saya to secure the sword on the belt (obi) to keep it from slipping
Katana
The long sword of the samurai. A blade measured over 24.” By decree, only a samurai could carry a katana. Strictly enforced. Since samurai was a protected “class,” offenders faced the death penalty by this breaking tradition.
Kenzen-Kado
Literally, “the Gate between Zen and the art of wielding the sword.” This is a unique feature of ataum swords. All my swords feature this and the fitting is always related to the overall theme of the sword-project. No other samurai swords in the world have this. The drawing of the sword begins when the samurai places the palm of his left hand over this spot. It is the first and last contact with the sword and thus placing a fitting here represents a physical feature of a symbolic spiritual act where the samurai fulfills the ideal of becoming one with his sword.
Kissaki
The fan-shaped area at the tip of the sword. An extremely important artistic feature, it gets special attention from the swordsmith during the forging process and from the polisher. Small, delicate, and rare polishing stones ranging up to thousands of dollars an ounce are used exclusively for the kissaki.
Kogai
Literally “sword needle.” Used as utility tool by samurai but also conveyed the wealth and status of the owner. Highly artistic collectible.
Kojiri
Fitting made of horn (water buffalo) or metal protecting the butt-end of the saya.
Kozuka
Small all-purpose knife mounted on the inside of the saya. The term refers to the handle/hilt and is a highly collected piece of art. Blade is kogatana.
Kurigata
Fitting (made of water-buffalo horn or soft metal) for the sageo.
Menuki
These are small ornaments on the hilt of a sword<br>Traditionally thought to be for improving the grip when wielding thesword it is also chosen for its beauty.
Nakago
Tang of a sword.Never polished, it is the area where all the information is engraved including name of swordsmith, date, prefecture (area), school, etc
Sageo
Cord fitted through the kurigata used to tie the saya to the obi when worn.
Samegawa (Same)
Skin from the belly of a ray (cowtail stingray). Has a rough, granular surface. Can be used for saya decoration but is mainly to cover the tsuka.
Saya
The scabbard of a Japanese sword, traditionally made of wood and often lacquered.
Soshu tradition
A school of swordmaking founded by Masamune, known for creating blades with complex grain patterns and activities.
Tamahagane
The traditional steel used in Japanese swordmaking, produced by smelting iron sand in a tatara furnace. Known for its high purity and carbon content.
Tantō
A traditional Japanese dagger with a single or double-edged blade, traditionally worn by samurai. Typically between 15-30 cm in length.
Tanto - knife or dagger
Blade that measures less than 12”
Tsuba
The handguard of a Japanese sword, usually made of metal and often elaborately decorated. Serves to balance the sword and protect the hand.
Tsuba-Sword guard.
Prevents the hands of the samurai from sliding forward unto the sharp blade. Also, a protection from an opponent’s attack<br>Also serves to balance the sword when holding.
Tsuka
The handle of a Japanese sword, typically wrapped in same (ray skin) and then silk cord in various patterns.
Wakizashi
Short sword with a blade length between 12-24 inches. The samurai’s companion of the katana in a daisho pair. Only a samurai could carry a katana but the wakizashi was a favorite of noblemen, mechants, members of the court and always carried as a symbol of wealth and position.
Yakiba
The hardened edge of a Japanese sword, created through differential tempering.