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During the period when samurai warriors were in charge, they used different types of swords. They carried the tachi on horseback, the odachi for large battles, and the katana for everyday combat.
Samurai often carried two or three weapons at the same time. One of them was the duo of the wakizashi and katana. This was necessary because the wakizashi was a backup for close combat and situations where the katana couldn’t be used easily.
In this article, we’ll explore how these two swords were used, their similarities, and key differences.
Read: Best samurai swords.
What is a Samurai Katana and Wakizashi
The katana and wakizashi are two single-edged swords traditionally used by samurai warriors in Japan.
| Feature | Wakizashi | Katana |
| Period | Muromachi (1336–1573 AC) | Kamakura (1185-1333 AC) |
| Blade | Single edged – Curved | Single edged – Curved |
| Handle | One-handed | Two-handed |
| Length | Shorter (30–60 cm) | Longer (80 to 120 cm) |
| Design | Simple or Elaborate | Elaborate |
| Used by | Samurai class | Samurai class |
Historical Background
The katana and wakizashi have a deep-rooted history in the samurai class, dating back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573). Together, they formed the iconic daisho, meaning “big-little,” a pair of swords that represented a samurai’s status, skill, and honor. The katana, known for its longer, curved blade, was the primary weapon used in open combat. Its sharpness and balance made it ideal for slashing and cutting on the battlefield.
The wakizashi, on the other hand, was worn alongside the katana as a secondary weapon. It played a crucial role when the katana couldn’t be used, such as in tight spaces, indoors, or in close-quarters combat. If a samurai lost or damaged their katana in battle, the wakizashi served as a reliable backup.
Carrying both swords signified a samurai’s right to bear arms and reinforced their preparedness for any situation.
Design and Characteristics
Katana
The katana is a traditional Japanese sword known for its long, curved blade measuring about 60 to 80 centimeters (24 to 31 inches). It has a single, razor-sharp edge designed specifically for cutting. Forged using special folding techniques, the blade is both strong and flexible, displaying a visible grain pattern called hada.
The sword typically features an intricately decorated tsuba (guard) that protects the hand and often reflects cultural symbols or personal tastes. Its handle, or tsuka, is crafted for a two-handed grip, wrapped in ray or shark skin for a secure hold, and bound tightly with cord in a crisscross pattern.
The katana’s design emphasizes balance, sharpness, and ease of use, making it ideal for swift and powerful strikes in combat.
Wakizashi
The wakizashi is a Japanese shortsword with an overall length of 30 to 60 cm. It has a slightly curved blade and features full tang construction for strength and balance.
Like the katana, it is secured with mekugi pegs, but usually only one due to its shorter handle. The tsuba (guard) is generally simpler and smaller, though it can also be intricately designed.
The tsuka (handle) is crafted for a one-handed grip, wrapped in ray skin (samegawa) for texture, and tightly bound with cord in a crisscross pattern to ensure a secure hold.
Katana vs Wakizashi Similarities
The katana and wakizashi share many similarities due to their common origins in samurai culture. Both swords feature single-edged, curved blades designed for cutting. Both are forged using traditional Japanese folding techniques that produce strong, flexible blades with distinctive grain patterns (hada) and a visible hamon line along the edge.
They have full tang construction, where the blade extends into the handle and is secured with mekugi pegs for balance and stability. The handles (tsuka) of both swords are wrapped in ray skin (samegawa) and tightly bound with cord in a crisscross pattern to ensure a secure grip.
Each sword includes a guard (tsuba) between the blade and handle to protect the hand, often adorned with decorative designs. Additional components like the blade collar (habaki), handle collar (fuchi), and pommel (kashira) are common to both.
Differences
There are three main differences between the katana and wakizashi:
- Size
- Usage
- Handling
A katana is always longer and designed to be used with two hands, while the wakizashi is shorter and meant for one-handed use. This also changed their usage in combat.
Instead of being used separately, they were often carried together as a set (daisho), where the katana was the main battle weapon used for both slashing and thrusting, and the wakizashi served as a backup weapon for close-quarters combat and indoor settings where space was limited.
Other differences include the wakizashi having simpler and smaller tsuba (guards).
Last Words
While the katana and wakizashi share similarities in design and craftsmanship, their differences in size and usage highlight their unique roles in a samurai’s life.
The katana, longer and used with two hands, was the main weapon for open combat, excelling in slashing and thrusting techniques. The shorter, one-handed wakizashi was perfect for close-quarters combat and indoor settings where space was limited.
Often carried together, these swords symbolized the samurai’s honor, skill, and adaptability.
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