Parts of the koshirae Japanese sword mountings

1 parts of koshirae

1.1 saya
1.2 tsuka
1.3 tsuba
1.4 seppa
1.5 habaki

parts of koshirae
saya

saya (鞘) japanese term scabbard, , refers scabbard sword or knife. saya of koshirae manufactured lightweight wood, coat of lacquer on exterior. wood light enough great care must taken when drawing sword; incorrect form may result in blade of sword slicing through saya , severing 1 or more fingers. correct drawing , sheathing of blade involves contacting mune rather ha inside of scabbard. saya has wooden knob (栗形, kurigata) on 1 side attaching braided cord (sageo), , may have shitodome accent kurigata end cap (小尻, kojiri) made metal. traditionally koiguchi , kojiri made buffalo horn.

the saya divided in parts:

sageo

a sageo (下緒 or 下げ緒) hanging cord made of silk, cotton or leather passed through hole in kurigata (栗形) of japanese sword s saya. there number of different methods wrapping , tying sageo on saya display purposes. other uses sageo tying sword samurai , hojojutsu. samurai felt sageo formed spiritual bond between them , sword, , particular tying correctly when sword not in use.

kuri-kata

the kurikata knob attached scabbard of japanese sword. sageo (cord) secures saya of sword obi (belt) goes through hole in kurikata.

kojiri

the kojiri end cap of scabbard or protective fitting @ end of scabbard.

kogatana , kozuka

kogatana, small utility knife fits pocket on scabbard, kozuka decorative handle kogatana.

kōgai

the kōgai spike hair arranging fits pocket on saya.

umabari

the umabari small knife variation of kogatana, fits pocket on saya.

tsuka

the tsuka hilt or handle of japanese sword.

the tsuka divided in following parts:

menuki

the menuki ornaments on tsuka (generally under tsuka-ito); fit palm grip.

samegawa

samegawa ray skin used cover or wrap handle.

tsuka-ito

tsuka-ito wrapping of tsuka, traditionally silk today more cotton , sometimes, leather.

fuchi

fuchi, cap type collar or ferrule covers opening in tsuka of japanese sword. tang of sword goes tsuka through opening in fuchi.

kashira

the kashira end cap (pommel) on tsuka.

tsuba

the tsuba (鍔, or 鐔) round (or squareish) guard @ end of grip of bladed japanese weapons, katana , various variations, tachi, wakizashi, tantō, naginata etc. contribute balance of weapon , protection of hand. tsuba meant used prevent hand sliding onto blade during thrusts opposed protecting opponent s blade. chudan no kamae guard determined tsuba , curvature of blade. diameter of average katana tsuba 7.5–8 centimetres (3.0–3.1 in), wakizashi tsuba 6.2–6.6 cm (2.4–2.6 in), , tantō tsuba 4.5–6 cm (1.8–2.4 in).

during muromachi period (1333–1573) , momoyama period (1573–1603) tsuba more functionality decoration, being made of stronger metals , designs. during edo period (1603–1868) there peace in japan tsuba became more ornamental , made of less practical metals such gold.

tsuba finely decorated, , nowadays collectors items. tsuba made whole dynasties of craftsmen craft making tsuba. lavishly decorated. in addition being collectors items, used heirlooms, passed 1 generation next. japanese families samurai roots have family crest (mon) crafted onto tsuba. tsuba can found in variety of metals , alloys, including iron, steel, brass, copper , shakudō. in duel, 2 participants may lock katana @ point of tsuba , push, trying gain better position strike other down. known tsubazeriai (鍔迫り合い), lit. pushing tsuba against each other. tsubazeriai common sight in modern kendo.

in modern japanese, tsubazeriai (鍔迫り合い) has come mean in fierce competition.

seppa

the seppa washers used in front of , behind tsuba tighten fittings, seppa can ornate or plain.

habaki

the habaki (鎺) piece of metal encircling base of blade of japanese sword. has double purpose of locking tsuba (guard) in place, , maintain weapon in saya (scabbard).

the importance of habaki seen in drawing katana scabbard. drawn grasping scabbard near top , pressing guard thumb emerge blade enough unwedge habaki inside scabbard in process called koiguchi no kirikata (鯉口の切り方) cutting koiguchi . blade, being freed, can drawn out quickly. known koiguchi o kiru (鯉口を切る), nukitsuke (抜き付け), or tanka o kiru (啖呵を切る) clearing tanka . extremely aggressive gesture, since fatal cut can given in fraction of second thereafter (see iaidō). similar in connotation , effect drawing hammer of handgun, chambering round on pump-action shotgun, or pulling , releasing charging handle on other firearms.

the expression tanka o kiru used in japan, in sense of getting ready begin , or getting ready speak , aggressive connotation.

the habaki cause normal wear , tear inside scabbard, , either shim or total replacement of scabbard may needed remedy issue become loose on time. removing habaki , oiling after cutting or once every few months recommended.