The handle (Tsuka)
Tsuka variants of a katana
As a rule, the handle is designed as shown in our diagram to explain the term. So a body with seed, menuki, tsuka
5 May 2017
The handle (Tsuka)
Tsuka Ito - The hilt of the samurai sword
The grip of a samurai sword is called Tsuka Ito or simply Ito. Materials The differences in the grip tape are mainly in terms of the
5 May 2017
The handle (Tsuka)
Tsuka Maki - The design of the handle winding
Definition Tsuka Maki (or Tsukamaki) is the term for the way in which the grip tape (Tsuka Ito) is bound. The binding of the grip tape is a high
5 May 2017
The handle (Tsuka)
Mekugi - The pin on the hilt of a samurai sword
Explanation Mekugi have the task of ensuring the grip between the blade and the handle. A hole (Mekugi Ana) is provided in the handle for this purpose and also in
5 May 2017
The handle (Tsuka)
Menuki - The decorative element on the handle
Menuki are decorative elements on the hilt of a sword. These decorative elements are often elaborated down to the smallest detail and are an artistic masterpiece. The perfect details in a minimal space
5 May 2017
The handle (Tsuka)
Fuchi - The handle clamp of the katana
Definition: Fuchi The grip ferrule forms the end of the grip towards the tsuba. Fuchi are usually made of metal. This element offers scope for customised
5 May 2017
The handle (Tsuka)
Kashira - The end cap of a samurai sword
Definition of kashira The end cap on the hilt of the sword. This element offers scope for individual design and is therefore often elaborately decorated. Often the two
5 May 2017
Samurai swords in film and television
Zatoichi Ryu - Zatoichi style sword fighting
The fighting moves shown by the blind samurai Zatoichi in the 2003 film are simply cool to watch. Of course, this raises the question of whether
3 May 2017
Samurai swords in film and television
Kill Bill Sword Fight - Are the fights realistic?
The fight scenes, and in particular the sword-fighting scenes in the two Kill Bill films, are legendary and full of thrilling action. The two films are characterised by the fact that
3 May 2017
The sword scabbard (saya)
Preface to the saya, the scabbard of the samurai sword
In Japan, great importance is attached to the blade of the sword. There is no doubt that the blade is the most technically demanding element of a samurai sword. With a
21 April 2017
The sword scabbard (saya)
Components of the sword scabbard (saya) of a katana
Saya is the generic term for the complete sword scabbard. The scabbard consists of 2 body elements and several components, each of which has its own name. We describe
21 April 2017
The sword scabbard (saya)
Saya - Designs & Paintwork
The saya is the scabbard of a katana. In addition to the standard high-gloss and matt lacquer finish, there are various design types for the saya with different names.
21 April 2017
The sword scabbard (saya)
Sageo, the ribbon on the saya
Sageo is the name given to the strap on the scabbard of a Japanese sword, which, in addition to its main function of securing the sword to the belt, also fulfils an important function.
21 April 2017
Samurai swords in film and television
Film swords - Our top 5 coolest katana from film & television
Film swords provide action in many blockbusters and series. A scene showing a sword fight is exciting in many ways. Many protagonists develop
4 April 2017
Samurai swords in film and television
Zatoichi sword - The weapon of the blind samurai
Who is Zatoichi? Zatoichi (座頭市 in Japanese) is a character of a blind samurai created by the author Kan Shimozawa. He became famous through a television series and various film adaptations.
29 March 2017