Overview of the Nomenclature
Blade (刀身 – Tōshin)
| Part | Japanese (Kanji) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Back of the blade | 棟 – Mune | The spine of the blade, opposite the cutting edge. |
| Cutting edge | 刃 – Ha | The sharpened edge used for slicing. |
| Quenching line | 刃文 – Hamon | The wavy line formed during differential hardening. |
| Tip of the blade | 切っ先 – Kissaki | The pointed tip of the katana. |
| Tip ridge line | 横手 – Yokote | Separates the tip from the rest of the blade. |
| Blade ridge | 鎬 – Shinogi | The raised ridge running along the blade. |
| Blade surface (between Ha and Shinogi) | 地 – Ji | Flat section between the cutting edge and ridge. |
| Blade back surface | 鎬地 – Shinogi-ji | Area between the ridge and the spine. |
| Curvature | 反り – Sori | The slight curve of the blade. |
| Groove (optional) | 樋 – Hi or Bo-Hi | Fuller used to reduce weight and balance. |
Scabbard (鞘 – Saya)
| Part | Japanese (Kanji) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scabbard | 鞘 – Saya | Wooden sheath that protects the blade. |
| Mouth/entry | 鯉口 – Koiguchi | The opening of the saya. |
| End cap (scabbard tip) | 小尻 – Kojiri | Protective fitting at the bottom of the saya. |
| Cord | 下緒 – Sageo | Cord used to secure the saya to the belt. |
| Cord knob | 栗形 – Kurigata | Knob through which the sageo passes. |
| Lining ring (inside knob) | 鵐目 – Shito-dome | Decorative metal insert in the kurigata. |
Handle (柄 – Tsuka)
| Part | Japanese (Kanji) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Handle | 柄 – Tsuka | The grip portion of the katana. |
| Ray skin | 鮫皮 – Samegawa | Traditionally made from stingray skin. |
| Braided cord | 糸 – Ito | The cord wrap around the handle. |
| Ornament | 目貫 – Menuki | Decorative grip ornaments beneath the wrap. |
| Pommel cap | 頭 – Kashira | Cap at the end of the handle. |
Fittings & Mounting Parts
| Part | Japanese (Kanji) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hand guard | 鍔 – Tsuba | The guard between blade and handle. |
| Collar (blade sleeve) | 鎺 – Habaki | Wedge-shaped fitting that locks the blade in the saya. |
| Spacer washers | 切羽 – Seppa | Washers that tighten and secure the Tsuba. |
| Peg (to hold blade in handle) | 目釘 – Mekugi | Small bamboo pin inserted through the tsuka. |
| Peg hole (in tang) | 茎穴 – Mekugi-ana | Hole in the blade's tang for the peg. |
| Tang (hidden part of blade) | 茎 – Nakago | The part of the blade that fits into the handle. |