Blade and Mounting for a Short Sword (Wakizashi)

A wakizashi is a traditional Japanese sword, similar in appearance to a katana but shorter in length. It typically measures between 12 and 24 inches (30 and 60 centimetres) in length, with the average being around 20 inches (50 centimetres). Wakizashi swords were commonly carried by samurai warriors as a secondary weapon to their katana. They were mainly used for close combat, indoor fighting, or as a backup weapon when the katana was unavailable or unsuitable for use. The construction of a wakizashi is similar to that of a katana, with a curved, single-edged blade and a circular or square guard called a tsuba. The blade is usually forged from high carbon steel and has a visible hamon (temper line) created during the quenching process. The Wakizashi has great cultural and historical value in Japan, representing the status and honour of the samurai class. Today it is still admired as a symbol of Japanese craftsmanship and martial tradition. Some people also collect Wakizashi swords as works of art or for display.