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When exploring the world of functional Japanese swords, you may have encountered the term shirasaya or shirasaya katana during your research. Many new collectors and enthusiasts initially wonder: What exactly is a shirasaya? Is it a specific type of sword, a minimalist mounting style, or something else entirely? Perhaps most importantly, is a blade mounted in a shirasaya suitable for functional use?
If you’ve been scratching your head about any of this, don’t worry! In this post, we’ll share every detail and clear up everything you need to know about it.
What Is a Shirasaya?
A shirasaya is simply the wooden mount (scabbard and handle) used to store a Japanese sword blade. Think of it like a plain wooden case that holds the sword securely, similar to how you might store a delicate item in a protective wooden box to keep it safe and in good condition.
Clarifying Shirasaya Sword or Shirasaya Katana
The term shirasaya specifically refers to the mounting of a Japanese sword, not the sword itself, and is not intended to be functional. Referring to a shirasaya katana or shirasaya sword is a common and acceptable way to describe a Japanese sword blade mounted in a shirasaya. However, in modern times, the term has also been adopted by manufacturers as a primary name for swords that feature this minimalist style or aesthetic, and has also appeared in games and anime.
It’s worth noting that Shirasaya-style swords available from various sellers may or may not be functional, and it’s essential to understand the differences between them. If you ever need a shirasaya, it’s crucial to choose one made from the right materials, which we will discuss below.
History
The shirasaya is believed to have originated in the late Edo period (1603-1867). Following the enactment of the Haitorei law during the Meiji period (1868-1912), which prohibited the carrying of swords, the demand for shirasaya surged. Initially, the practice of storing swords in it was a tradition exclusive to high-ranking samurai.
Later, with the introduction of the sword abolition law, the practice of wearing swords was universally forbidden, compelling samurai to store their swords at home. Consequently, the demand for shirasaya escalated, and it has remained an essential component of sword ownership ever since.
What the Term Shirasaya Means
The term translates from Japanese as “white scabbard” (白鞘). It’s closely connected to the word shiraki, meaning “white wood,” which refers to natural, unfinished wood in its raw state.
The Intended Purpose and Use
The primary function of the shirasaya is the long-term storage and preservation of a valuable sword blade (nihonto). Its design and the properties of the woodwork work together to shield the blade from environmental factors such as humidity and oxygen, which are primary causes of rust and corrosion. This was particularly important during extended periods of peace when swords were not in regular use.
So, If the purpose it’s to preserve the blade, should I clean and oil it? The simple answer is yes. You still need to clean and oil your blade once in a while. This helps, but doesn’t ensure that your blade will stay in top condition for years.
Design
As we mentioned before, its design is very simple. It’s made of two parts: the saya (scabbard or sheath) and the tsuka (handle). The length of the shirasaya can vary depending on the type and length of the sword it is designed to house, so it may differ slightly. Here are some general lengths.
- For a katana, the shirasaya is around 40-42 inches (100-107 cm) in total length.
- For a wakizashi, it’s generally 24-30 inches (61-76 cm).
- For a tanto, it’s usually around 10-12 inches (25-30 cm).
How to Hold a Shirasaya
When handling the complete shirasaya (with the blade inside), always support it with two hands. This prevents accidental drops, which can severely damage both the mounting and the blade. Hold the saya (scabbard) with one hand and the tsuka (handle) with the other. When showing or moving the sword, it is best to keep it in a horizontal position. This prevents the blade from potentially sliding out of the saya, which can happen if the fit is loose.
Can You Fight with a Katana Stored in a Shirasaya?
A common question is whether a shirasaya can be used for fighting or cutting practice. If we’re talking about traditional ones, the answer is no. However, some modern manufacturers have created battle-ready or semi-functional shirasaya versions. These are built with durability in mind, using stronger wood, tougher glue, and lacquered handles and scabbards. They still look very similar to traditional models, but you’ll often notice a shinier finish, extra pegs in the handle, and they’re often marketed by sellers as functional.
Keep in mind, one of the biggest safety concerns is the lack of a tsuba (handguard), which is essential for stopping your hand from slipping onto the blade. The handle (tsuka) is also unwrapped, which weakens your grip and makes it risky, especially during practice or when your hands get sweaty.
Special Wood Used
The specific type of wood most traditionally and commonly used in the construction is honoki (朴). Honoki, also known as Japanese bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia obovata) or Ho tree, possesses several key properties that make it exceptionally well-suited for the long-term storage of Japanese sword blades. One of the most important characteristics of honoki wood is its natural resistance to humidity and moisture.
This inherent resistance helps to prevent the formation of rust and corrosion on the blade’s surface, which is crucial for preserving its condition over extended periods. Furthermore, honoki wood has a low content of sap and resin, substances that can potentially be corrosive to the carbon steel used in Japanese blades. The wood is also relatively soft and fine-grained, which minimizes the risk of scratching the delicate polished surface of the blade during storage and handling.
Shirasaya Vs Koshirae(Full Fittings)
As previously discussed, the shirasaya serves as the storage housing for a katana blade. Meanwhile, all the fittings present on a battle-ready katana are collectively referred to as koshirae. These include the functional wrapped handle, the tsuba (handguard), and the saya (scabbard) with all its securing components.
In short, when you see what’s typically recognized as a traditional katana, you’re looking at a sword in koshirae, which means it’s ready for wear or combat.
Last Words
Even though a shirasaya protects the blade when not in use, proper maintenance and regular cleaning are still necessary to keep it in top condition.
Read next: The Best Katana Cleaning Kits
