Wakizashi length. 2cm(28. The wakizashi has a bla...

  • Wakizashi length. 2cm(28. The wakizashi has a blade between 30 and 60 cm (12 and 24 in),[4] with wakizashi close to the length of a katana being called o-wakizashi and wakizashi closer to tantō length being called ko This article explain the difference between wakizashi and tanto in details, in blade lenght, blade shape, fittings and usage The kodachi and wakizashi are two different traditional Japanese swords with their own unique characteristics. [8] A beginner's guide to the lengths of traditional and historical Japanese swords. e. Ninjatō-wielding Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura entertainers, October 2010 The ninjatō is typically depicted as being a short sword, often portrayed as having a straight blade (similar to that of a shikomizue) [15] with a square guard. It was often carried alongside the katana, forming a set known as “daishō,” which means “big and small”. A wakizashi (脇差) is a traditional Japanese sword with a shorter blade than a katana, typically ranging between 30–60 cm. What truly separates a katana from a wakizashi? Discover their origins, symbolism, key differences, and which one is best for you. Most traditional wakizashi swords are very much like their larger counterparts, the katana, featuring decorative accents and embellishments like a guard (tsuba), habaki (blade sleeve), menkui Learn how big a wakizashi is, a traditional Japanese short sword that typically measures between 12 to 24 inches in blade length. I'm thinking of getting a Rob Criswell Wakizashi, but I need help as to which length. How Long is a Wakizashi Sword? The range of length of the wakizashi sword can vary based upon whom the sword was forged. The Wakizashi, however, offered practical advantages in certain scenarios. Learn the dimensions of samurai swords and how they are measured. Learn about their blade characteristics, uses, wear styles, and significance in samurai culture. Nonetheless, most wakizashi could be categorized as either ko-wakizashi and o-wakizashi, depending on the blade length. May 14, 2025 · The wakizashi – like the katana, is an incredibly complicated sword to make and has countless components that need to all come together in perfect harmony in order to forge the perfect sword. The Wakizashi is a traditional Japanese short sword, typically measuring between 12 and 24 inches in blade length. 6 cm) being the border between wakizashi and katana. Wakizashi was used as a companion or backup sword by Japanese samurai along with a Japanese long sword, Katana, and its literal meaning is a “side arm”. The wakizashi is a traditional Japanese short sword that is often paired with the katana, forming a daishō (literally "big-little"), which is the symbol of the samurai's status and honor. However, some daitō were designed with blades slightly shorter than 2 shaku. Dec 28, 2024 · The wakizashi and katana are iconic symbols of Japanese samurai swords, distinguished mainly by size. The wakizashi and kodachi are in this category. 297 centimeters). The blade is classified by its length. 86" / 60. 93" / 30. #2) It's Been Forged For More Than 600 Years To say the wakizashi is old is an understatement. In comparison, the katana features a blade length of 23 5⁄8– 28 3⁄4 inches (60 to 73 cm), making the wakizashi slightly shorter than its counterpart. The wakizashi served as a backup weapon, a tool for indoor combat. and is the second generation Ujifusa. Koshirae full length 71. Detailed description of the wakizashi [shinano tomomaro] (Blade length 60. 3 cm) being the border between tanto and wakizashi, and 2 shaku (23. Featuring a 20 3/8” 1060 high carbon steel blade, this wakizashi delivers exceptional strength and cutting power. Bizen no kami Ujifusa Nyudo 備前守氏房入道. While there are always exceptions, most wakizashi featured a blade length of 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm), whereas the katana featured an average blade length of 23 5⁄8– 28 3⁄4 in (60 to 73 cm). Find out how historical period, regional variations, and personal preferences can affect the size of a wakizashi. The wakizashi, a symbol of elegance and versatility, serves as the trusted companion to the esteemed katana in the annals of Japan's storied past. 0cm) A wakizashi is a short sword with a blade between 30 and 60 cm long, usually worn in tandem with a full-length sword (katana). Sugata (姿, Blade Shape) While the katana and wakizashi share similarities in design, their differences in size and usage highlight their unique roles in a samurai's life. Its length provided reach, while its sharpness and strength could deliver devastating blows to an adversary. It was worn alongside the katana as part of the daishō (大小, “big and small” pair), symbolizing the samurai class during the Edo period (1603–1868). Where the “foot” measurement comes from the average length of a man’s foot, the “shaku” is a unit of measurement that comes into play when describing a sword. Wakizashi Blade Length and Shape: Wakizashi Size: The Wakizashi sword is shorter, with a blade length ranging from 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches). A favorite among collectors and martial arts enthusiasts in the US, these compact yet powerful blades deliver exceptional balance and sharpness. The Katana techniques predominantly involve large, sweeping movements, capitalizing on the blade's length and sharpness. The wakizashi proved to be very effective when the katana's length and weight made it hard to use. The average Wakizashi is about 50 cm long and was usually worn together with the katana by the Samurai of feudal Japan. The wakizashi, Japan's iconic short sword, was far more than just a smaller counterpart to the katana. [8] Feb 19, 2025 · Discover the typical dimensions of the Wakizashi, its historical role and its unique characteristics among Japanese swords. Tachi and uchigatana (" katana ") generally differ in length, degree of curvature, and how they were worn when sheathed, the latter depending on the location of the mei (銘), or signature, on the tang. The shorter wakizashi typically measures around 15 to 24 inches (40 to 60 cm) in length, placing it in the shoto category which encompasses all short swords. The Honshu Sub-Hilt Wakizashi redefines tradition with a bold, modern design, elevating the classic Japanese short sword to new levels of functionality and innovation. The Katana is Longer Perhaps the greatest difference between the katana and the wakizashi is the length. It is used to measure the length of a sword’s blade, rather than its overall length from pommel to tip. Often overshadowed by the katana's legendary status, the wakizashi has its unique place in Japanese history and samurai culture. If you've ever been fascinated by the katana, you might be thrilled to learn about its lesser-known sibling, the wakizashi. Tantō were sometimes worn as the shōtō (小刀) in place of a wakizashi in a daishō, [7][8] especially on the battlefield. Before the advent of the wakizashi/tantō combination, it was common for a samurai to carry a tachi and a tantō as opposed to a katana and a wakizashi. Whether for display or practice, our . The length of a katana blade made them very poor weapons for fighting in close quarters. For centuries, this versatile weapon served as the samurai's constant companion - ready for close-quarters combat, ceremonial duties, and even the ultimate act of honour. Learn about wakizashi length, differences from katana and tanto, and find premium handcrafted wakizashi for sale at NIMOFAN. The wakizashi was used with one hand and the blade was worn on the belt with the edge up. Discover the wakizashi sword's history, meaning, and distinctive features. [6] The term wakizashi did not originally specify swords of any official blade length [7] and was an abbreviation of wakizashi no katana ("sword thrust at one's side"); the term was applied to companion swords of all sizes. From what I have read, the typical cut-off is based on blade length, 1 shaku (11. The shoto blade is a traditional size for Japanese swords and can be 30 to 60 cm (one or two feet) with an average length of 50 cm. For a katana it is measured basically on the length of your forearm, but how is the length for a wakizashi tsuka determined? Do not seem to find that anywhere. 16" or 20"? In comparison, the katana features a blade length of 23 5⁄8– 28 3⁄4 inches (60 to 73 cm), making the wakizashi slightly shorter than its counterpart. Its size was similar to the Katana. Everything between a wakizashi and a honzashi, i. What separates katana vs wakizashi vs tanto? Is there more to the story than merely size differences? Read on. Discover the legendary Wakizashi – the perfect blend of precision and tradition! Crafted with high-quality steel and authentic Japanese artistry, our Wakizashi swords offer unmatched durability and elegance. This shorter length makes the Wakizashi more maneuverable, particularly in confined spaces, such as indoors or in close-quarters combat. 0cm) The wakizashi – like the katana, is an incredibly complicated sword to make and has countless components that need to all come together in perfect harmony in order to forge the perfect sword. The wakizashi, as the traditional companion sword to the katana, embodies the essence of Japanese sword-making craftsmanship and samurai tradition. Its shorter, gently curved blade is forged with exceptional craftsmanship, making it the ideal choice for close combat and ceremonial purposes. Japanese merchants were not allowed to wear Katana, so they often carried Wakizashi. Its size and shape make it shorter than a katana but longer than a tanto (a smaller dagger). The wakizashi embodies the unwavering spirit of the samurai, reflecting their honor, loyalty, and The blade is classified by its length. So, what's the difference between the kodachi and wakizashi? Length The primary difference between the kodachi and wakizashi lies in their length. A tanto blade is normally under one shaku in length. Usage: Historically part of the samurai's daisho, the paired long and short swords (with the katana being the long one), the wakizashi was used in close combat scenarios, indoors, or as a backup to the main katana. 03in). The wakizashi was carried along the thigh and was usually used with one hand; the other hand was used for the katana. 5 to 60. Wakizashi: Length: Generally between 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches), it is notably longer than the tanto. Discover the history, length, craftsmanship, cultural significance of the Japanese wakizashi—an essential samurai short sword blending tradition & practicality. The wakizashi, with a blade length of 12 to 30 inches, is ideal for close combat and tight spaces, offering quick draws and precise strikes, while the katana, over 40 inches long, excels in broader, more powerful movements. Hi, is there a way to determine the length of the tsuka of a wakizashi. Explore the key differences between the wakizashi, tachi, and katana, the three iconic Japanese swords. 16" or 20"? The wakizashi is a shorter sword than the katana, with a blade length varying between 30 and 60 cm (12 to 24 inches). It might be surprising given the durability and power of the katana, but the Japanese wakizashi sword was considered backup sword. Bizen no kami Ujifusa is the son of Hida no kami Ujifusa. This traditional Japanese sword has origins dating back to the 15th or 16th century. A shoto or wakizashi has a blade length between one and two shaku. May 22, 2024 · Most wakizashi swords feature a blade that measures between 12 and 24 inches, or one to two feet, with an overall length that rarely exceeds 31 inches. a sword with a blade length of 54. [1] Usually of a length "less than 60 cm", the rest of the sword is comparatively "thick, heavy and straight". 6 cm, was classified as ô-wakizashi (大脇指). This is a complete guide to help you understand the famous wakizashi sword, we cover it's history, tradition laws and regulation about wakizashi, different types of wakizashi, the measurement of wakizashi, difference between katana, tanto and wakizashi, and also introduce some famous wakizashi in history. The wakizashi (Kanji: 脇差 Hiragana: わきざし?) meaning "side inserted sword")[1] is one of the traditionally made Japanese swords (nihonto)[2][3] worn by the samurai class in feudal Japan. Wakizashi have been in use as far back as the 15th [5] or 16th century. The wakizashi is similar to the katana but shorter in length. The blade length of the O-Wakizashi, on the other hand, ranges between 1 Shaku 8 Sun and 1 Shaku 9 Sun 9 Bu (60. [7] A wakizashi is a short sword with a blade between 30 and 60 cm long, usually worn in tandem with a full-length sword (katana). Like the katana, the wakizashi also featured a curved blade. Samurai carried wakizashi, which were shorter, but just as deadly, to defend themselves indoors or to finish off an injured enemy. Sugata (姿, Blade Shape) Wakizashi have been in use as far back as the 15th [5] or 16th century. The length is measured in a straight line across the back of the blade from tip to munemachi (where blade meets tang). The Wakizashi sword—a compact, agile companion to the Japanese katana, also revered as a samurai short sword or hand-forged wakizashi—has played a pivotal role in the life of the samurai for centuries. A daito (long sword),either a tachi or katana, is over two shaku (one shaku equals approximately 12 inches or 30 centimeters) in length. The wakizashi followed his master even when he went to sleep, because it was always near the bed. Samurai Wakizashi are made in The wakizashi is a shorter sword than the katana, with a blade length varying between 30 and 60 cm (12 to 24 inches). Samurai Wakizashi is a Japanese single-edged short sword with a shoto blade. These compact blades were designed for close-quarters combat, indoor use, and as companion weapons to the longer katana. Wakizashi were fashionable in the Muromachi period (1392–1573) and later. The most recognized short katana name is the wakizashi, measuring between 30-60cm in length. So, what exactly is a wakizashi? What is a Wakizashi? Unlike the longer katana sword, the wakizashi was designed to be compact and easily portable, making it ideal for close-quarters combat. Hida no kami Ujifusa moved from Kiyosu to the Nagoya Castle area. The wakizashi typically measured between 30 and 60 cm in length, making it an ideal weapon for indoor fighting and other situations where space was limited. Most blades that fall into the "shōtō" size range are wakizashi. Please note that these measurements varied over time. Characteristics and Design Differences Wakizashi (top) and katana (bottom) The main difference between a wakizashi and katana lies in their length. kzkm, k62z, yjb1l, yf258f, loqlzn, 0cedi, xwj6, 8zxua, sjhos, zzkp,