Tsukuri-Komi: Types of Blade Construction

Tsukuri-komi is a Japanese term that refers to the shape of the blade of a Japanese sword. It describes how the blade is forged and shaped to create a certain type of form or profile, which is often linked to its intended use.

There are several different types of tsukuri-komi, each with unique characteristics and used for different purposes, such as ceremonies, spiritual practice or martial practice.

Hira-zukuri 平造り

A type of construction without a shinogi. Tanto or wakizashi are often found with this kind of blade. This form has a straight blade with a diamond-shaped cross-section.

Kiriha-zukuri 切り刃造り

This type of blade construction is often seen on chokuto from the Nara period (710-794); from the Heian period onwards, shinogi-zukuri construction became the most popular.

This form is characterised by a straight blade with a diamond-shaped cross-section and a straight guard.

Shinogi-zukuri 鎬造り

The construction known for curved Japanese swords. It features a yokote line that sets off the kissaki.

This is the most common form for Japanese swords, characterised by a curved blade with a straight edge line and a boomerang-shaped back line.