Katana Nomenclature at a Glance

You can read our complete guide to katana nomenclature for more detail.

Below is an overview of the parts of the katana.

Blade

• Back of the blade: Mune 棟
• Temper line: Hamon 刃文
• Tip of the blade: Kissaki 切っ先
• Curvature: Sori 反り
• Cutting edge: Ha 刃

Scabbard

• Scabbard: Saya 鞘
• Mouth: Koiguchi 鯉口
• Scabbard end cap: Kojiri 小尻

Handle

• Handle: Tsuka 柄
• Ray skin: Same 鮫皮
• Blade collar: Habaki 鎺
• Spacer: Seppa 切羽