A famous samurai expert in katana (shinken) swordfighting, Miyamoto Musashi is one of Japan’s most important Kenshi (grand masters of ken-jutsu), whose exploits have inspired... Continue reading
In traditional Japanese sword making, the kashira is a part of the katana located at the end of the hilt (tsuka), opposite the tsuba (guard). The... Continue reading
In traditional Japanese sword making, the kurigata is a part of the katana (tsuka) handle that is used to attach the saya (scabbard) of the... Continue reading
The menuki is a decorative element placed on the handle (tsuka) of a katana or other Japanese sword. The menuki is usually a small ornament... Continue reading
The mune is the back or spine of the blade of a katana or other Japanese sword. It runs along the centerline of the blade, opposite... Continue reading