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The Samegawa of a katana is the traditional wrapping material made from shark or ray skin. It is wrapped around the tsuka (handle) of the... Continue reading

The saya is the scabbard of the katana, the traditional Japanese sword. The saya serves as a protective sheath for the katana blade when not... Continue reading

The seppa is a small metal spacer used on both sides of the tsuba (handguard) of a katana. It serves as a buffer between the... Continue reading

The shinogi is a prominent ridge that runs the length of the blade of a katana. It separates the flat sides of the blade, or... Continue reading

The sori of a katana is the curvature of the blade from tip to base. It is an important feature of the sword, which has both... Continue reading

The yokote of a katana is a straight line that separates the tip of the blade from the rest of the blade. It runs horizontally across... Continue reading

The samurai were a legendary class of warriors who played an important role in Japanese history, culture and traditions. From their rise in the 12th... Continue reading