Japanese Sword Terminology
The Anatomy of a Japanese Sword: The Blade (Tōshin)
The soul of a Japanese sword lies in its blade, which serves as both a deadly weapon and a canvas for the swordsmith’s artistry. A deep understanding of each part of the blade is fundamental to appreciating its complexity and craftsmanship. This section will break down each key component of the blade, from tip to tang, in a logical order.
The Blade Point (Kissaki) and Its Surroundings
The blade tip, or Kissaki, is one of the most prominent features of a Japanese sword and is crucial for its cutting and piercing functions.
The Blade Body
The main body of the blade is the core of the sword's functional and aesthetic properties.
Ha (刃): This is the hardened, sharp part of the blade, which extends from the notch at the beginning of the edge, Ha-machi, all the way to the tip of the Kissaki. The Ha is extremely hard and is designed to hold its razor-sharp edge.
Mune (棟): In contrast to the sharp Ha, the Mune is the unsharpened back of the blade. The cross-section of the Mune can vary, such as the flat Hira-mune or the house-roof shaped Iori-mune.
Shinogi (鎬): This is the raised central ridge line that runs down the blade from the Habaki (blade collar) to the Yokote. The Shinogi is designed to enhance the blade's structural integrity and resistance to bending. The Shinogi-ji is the area between the Shinogi and the Mune.
Ji (地): This is the surface area of the blade between the Shinogi and the Hamon. The surface texture of the Ji, known as Hada (grain), is a direct testament to the swordsmith's forging technique.
Hi (樋): Often mistakenly called a "blood groove," this is a fuller or groove carved into the blade’s surface. Its true function is not to facilitate blood drainage, but to lighten the blade and shift its center of gravity, while also increasing its strength and rigidity. The Hi can also be a double parallel groove (Futasuji-hi) or an engraving with Buddhist characters (Bonji). These carvings, known as Horimono, are sometimes religious or decorative in purpose.
The Tang (Nakago)
The Nakago is the unsharpened part of the blade that extends into the hilt (Tsuka). It is the strongest part of the blade and is secured to the hilt by a pin called a Mekugi (bamboo peg) through a hole known as the Mekugi-ana. The state of the Nakago, particularly its unpolished surface, is crucial for authenticating the sword's age and maker.
Mei (銘): This is the swordsmith’s signature, typically engraved on the Nakago. It provides valuable information about the maker, date, and location. If the signature is a forgery, it is called Gimei (false signature).
Nakago-jiri: The end of the Nakago, which can have various shapes, such as the rounded Kurijiri or the pointed, triangular Kengyo (sword shape).
Ha-machi and Mune-machi: These are the small notches that mark the beginning of the Ha and Mune on the Nakago, respectively. The location of these notches can indicate if the blade has been shortened (Machi-okuri).
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The Art of Forging: Steel, Structure, and Tempering
The exceptional quality of a Japanese sword is a result of its complex forging process and unique heat treatment techniques. These terms delve into the core of the blade's aesthetic and functional properties.
Steel (Hagane) and Grain (Hada)
The creation of a Japanese sword begins with Hagane (steel), a specific type of steel that is meticulously chosen and processed by the swordsmith. The forging process, known as Kitae, involves repeatedly heating, folding, and hammering the steel to remove impurities and homogenize the carbon content. This process creates a unique pattern of steel grain or texture on the blade's surface, called Hada (地肌). Different forging techniques yield different Hada patterns, each with its own unique beauty and structure. Common types include Itame (板目), a pattern resembling wood grain , and Masame (柾目), a straight, parallel grain. Understanding these grain types helps enthusiasts appreciate the smith's skill and identify the work of different schools. When a website can explain these technical details, it positions itself as more than a simple retailer; it becomes a knowledgeable authority. This is crucial for building trust with high-value customers like collectors and martial artists, who value craftsmanship and authenticity. By demonstrating a deep understanding of these complex terms, the site's brand credibility is significantly enhanced.
The Temper Line (Hamon)
The Hamon (刃文) is the iconic feature of a Japanese sword, a visually distinct temper pattern formed along the cutting edge as a result of differential hardening. In the hardening process, the blade is coated with a special clay, leaving only the edge exposed. The smith heats the blade to a specific temperature and then quickly cools it in water. The exposed edge hardens rapidly, forming Martensite, while the clay-covered back cools more slowly, retaining a softer, more flexible structure. The Hamon itself is composed of two types of microscopic crystalline structures: Nie (沸) and Nioi (匂い). Nie are large, bright crystals visible to the naked eye, which appear like scattered stars along the Hamon line. In contrast, Nioi are clusters of extremely fine crystals that form a misty, cloudy line, like a wash of stars. The shapes of the Hamon line are varied, with specific terms for each, such as the straight Suguha, the undulating Gunome, the irregular Midare, the clove-shaped Choji, and the Hitatsura (皆焼) which covers the entire blade width.
"Workings" (Hataraki) Within the Hamon
Beyond the basic shapes, seasoned connoisseurs look for subtle features within the Hamon known as "workings" or Hataraki. These are intricate, fine structures created during the hardening process. For example, Ashi (足), meaning "legs," are thin lines of crystals that extend from the Hamon line towards the edge. Kinsuji (金筋), or "golden lines," are streaks of gold-colored lines appearing within the Hamon, usually made of Nie crystals. These granular terms and concepts, such as Nie-deki (composed of Nie) or Nioi-deki (composed of Nioi) , make this content highly valuable to a Japanese sword connoisseur. By providing this level of depth, the report goes beyond a simple glossary to become a specialized educational resource, positioning the brand as a leader in the field and earning the user's trust and respect.
Mountings and Fittings: The Koshirae
The Koshirae (拵え) are all the parts of a Japanese sword apart from the blade. They serve a protective purpose but are also symbols of art and status. These components can be traded as standalone art pieces, so a detailed glossary of their terms is essential for any website selling Japanese swords or their fittings.
The Hilt (Tsuka)
The Tsuka (柄) is the hilt or handle, the part of the sword that is gripped. It is typically made of wood and is covered with Samegawa (鲛皮), which is treated ray or shark skin, providing a better grip. The Tsuka-ito is the braid that wraps the hilt, usually made of silk or cotton. Underneath the Tsuka-ito, a pair of decorative ornaments called Menuki are often placed. These Menuki are not only aesthetic but their placement also helps to enhance grip comfort and balance. The Mekugi is a bamboo or wooden pin that securely fastens the hilt to the blade's tang (Nakago) through the Mekugi-ana (hole).
The Handguard (Tsuba) and Associated Fittings
The Tsuba (鍔) is the sword's handguard, which serves to protect the hand from an opponent's blade and is also a platform for elaborate artistry. The Tsuba is typically made of iron or an alloy and can feature intricate openwork or carvings.
The Habaki (鎺) is a metal collar located between the blade and the Tsuba. It has two main functions: first, it ensures the blade is held securely in the scabbard Saya); and second, it acts as a buffer between the Tsuba and the blade.
The Seppa are two metal washers, usually placed on either side of the Tsuba—between the Habaki and the Tsuba, and between the Tsuba and the Fuchi. Their purpose is to secure and fill out the handguard assembly, ensuring everything fits tightly together.
The Fuchi (縁) is the metal collar at the front end of the hilt, located beneath the Tsuba. It forms a set with the Kashira (head) at the end of the hilt, collectively known as Fuchi-Kashira.
The Scabbard (Saya)
The Saya (鞘) is the scabbard of the Japanese sword, used to protect the blade. The scabbard has a knob called a Kurikata to which the Sageo (下緒) is attached, a cord used to tie the sword to the belt (Obi). The Kojiri is the protective tip at the end of the scabbard, which prevents damage from use.
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Sword Types and Historical Classification
The world of Japanese swords is vast, with different types of blades reflecting various historical periods, uses, and styles of craftsmanship. By classifying these types, this guide provides a broader context for the reader.
Classification by Length
Japanese swords are primarily classified by their blade length, measured in shaku (尺, approximately 30.3 cm) and sun (寸, 10 sun = 1 shaku, approximately 3.03 cm).
Daitō (大刀): A long sword with a blade length greater than 2 shaku (approximately 60.6 cm), such as the Katana and Tachi.
Shōtō (小刀): A short sword with a blade length between 1 and 2 shaku (approximately 30.3 to 60.6 cm), such as the Wakizashi and Kodachi.
Tantō (短刀): A short sword with a blade length less than 1 shaku (approximately 30.3 cm), often classified as a dagger or knife.
The Daishō (Big-Small) Pair
Daishō literally means "big-small" and refers to the matched pair of a long sword (Daitō) and a short sword (Shōtō) that were worn by the samurai class, particularly during the Edo period. The fittings of these swords were often matching. This set symbolized the identity and status of a samurai.
The Nuances Between Katana and Tachi
The distinction between the terms "Katana" and "Tachi" can be fluid, as "Katana" can also be used as a general term for "sword". However, the key difference lies in how they were worn and the resulting blade design.
Tachi (太刀): The Tachi is an older style of Japanese sword, generally longer and more curved than the Katana.
It was typically worn by cavalry with the blade edge facing down, suspended from the belt. Katana (打刀): The Katana was the sword of the samurai for ground combat, worn inserted into the belt (Obi) with the blade edge facing up. This method of wear allowed for a faster draw.
It is worth noting that many older Tachi were shortened over time and remounted in the Katana style. This fluidity in terminology adds to the complexity of understanding, but also provides depth and authority to the content. By explicitly clarifying these subtle differences, the report demonstrates an expert-level understanding of the subject, setting it apart from resources that offer only simple, generalized definitions.
Classification by Historical Period
Japanese swords can also be classified based on the period in which they were made, which helps connoisseurs understand the evolution of sword styles over time.
Jōkotō (上古刀): Ancient swords made until around 900 A.D.
Kotō (古刀): The "old swords" period, from around 900 to 1596.
Shintō (新刀): The "new swords" period, from 1596 to 1780.
Shinshintō (新々刀): The "new-new swords" period, from 1781 to 1876.
Gendaitō (現代刀): The "modern or contemporary swords" period, from 1876 to the present.
Other Related Weapons
In addition to swords, this guide includes other important Japanese weapon terminologies, including:
Naginata (薙刀): A polearm with a curved, single-edged blade.
Nagamaki (長巻): A long sword with a blade and hilt of roughly equal length.
Nodachi (野太刀) and Ōdachi (大太刀): These are extremely long swords, typically over 3 shaku in blade length, designed for use in field battles.
Supplemental A-Z Glossary of Terms
To provide a comprehensive reference, this section will contain all terms not detailed in the thematic sections above, arranged in alphabetical order. This part ensures that users can quickly look up any specific, less common term while maintaining the structured, readable nature of the main report.
BUKE - A term for the military or samurai class.
BUSHIDO - The code of conduct or moral principles for the samurai.
DAIMYO - A feudal lord.
GOKADEN - The five schools of the Kotō period.
HORIMONO - Carvings on the blade with a religious or decorative purpose.
KANTEI - The appraisal or evaluation of a sword.
KOBUSE - A construction method for Japanese blades where hard steel is wrapped around a soft core
KOTEN - A term for the ancient sword period, often referring to the Kotō period.
KUNI - An ancient province in Japan.
MEIBUTSU - A famous sword.
MUMEI - An unsigned blade, meaning it has no Mei.
NAGASA - The length of the blade, measured in a straight line from the tip to the Munemachi.
TOKEN - An umbrella term for all single and double-edged Japanese blades.
YASURIME - The file marks on the Nakago (tang), which provide friction to secure the hilt.
AIKUCHI - a tanto with no tsuba (guard)
AOI - hollyhock, commonly used as a Mon
ARA-NIE - coarse or large nie
ASHI - legs (streaks of nioi pointing down toward the edge)
ATOBORI - horimono added at a later date
ATO MEI - signature added at a later date
AYASUGI - large wavey hada (grain)
BAKUFU - military government of the Shogun
BO-HI - large or wide groove
BOKKEN - wooden sword for practicing sword kata
BONJI - sanskrit carvings
BO-UTSURI - faint utsuri
BOSHI - temper line in kissaki (point)
BU - Japanese measurement (approx 0.1 inch)
BUKE - military man, samurai
BUSHIDO -the code of the samurai
CHIKEI - dark lines that appear in the ji
CHISA KATANA - short katana
CHOJI - clove shaped hamon
CHOJI OIL - oil for the care of swords
CHOJI-MIDARE - irregular choji hamon (temper line)
CHOKUTO - prehistoric straight swords
CHU - medium
CHU-KISSAKI - medium sized point (kissaki)
CHU-SUGUHA straight, medium width temper line
DAI - great or large
DAI-MEI - student smith signing his teacher's name
DAIMYO - feudal lord
DAISHO - a matched pair of long and short swords
DAITO - long sword (over 24 inches)
FUCHI - collar on hilt
FUCHI-KASHIRA - set of hilt collar (fuchi) and buttcap (kashira)
FUKURA - curve of the ha or edge in the kissaki (point)
FUKURE - flaw; usually a blister in the steel
FUKURIN - rim cover of a tsuba
FUNAGATA - ship bottom shaped nakago
FUNBARI / FUMBARI - much taper of the blade from the machi to the kissaki
FURISODE - shape of sword tang that resembling the sleeve of a kimono
GAKU-MEI - original signature inlaid in a cut-off (o-suriage) tang
GENDAITO - traditionally forged sword blades by modern smiths
GIMEI - fake signature (mei)
GIN - silver
GOKADEN - the Five Schools of the Koto period
GOMABASHI - parallel grooves
GUNOME - undulating hamon
GUNOME-MIDARE - irregularly undulating hamon
GUNTO - army or military sword mountings
GYAKU - angled back, reversed
HA - cutting edge
HABAKI - blade collar
HABUCHI - the line of the hamon
HADA - grain in steel, pattern of folding the steel
HAGANE - steel
HAGIRE -edge cracks in the hamon (fatal flaw)
HAKIKAKE -broom swept portions in the boshi
HAKO BA - box shaped hamon
HAKO-MIDARE - uneven box shaped hamon
HAKO-MUNE - square shaped blade back
HAMACHI - notch at the beginning of the cutting edge
HAMIDASHI - tanto or dagger with a small guard (tsuba)
HAMON - temper pattern along blade edge
HANDACHI - tachi mountings used on a katana or wakizashi
HATARAKI - activities or workings within the hamon or temperline
HAZUYA - finger stones used to show the hamon and hada
HI - grooves in the blade
HIRA-MUNE - flat blade backridge
HIRA-TSUKURI / HIRA-ZUKURI - blade without a shinogi (flat blade)
HIRO-SUGUHA - wide, straight temper line (hamon)
HITATSURA - full tempered hamon
HITSU / HITSU-ANA - holes in the tsuba for the kozuka or kogai
HO - kozuka blade HONAMI - family of sword appraissers
HORIMONO - arvings on sword blades
HOTSURE - stray lines from hamon into the ji
ICHI - one or first
ICHIMAI - one-piece sword construction
ICHIMAI BOSHI - point area (kissaki) that is fully tempered
IHORI-MUNE - peaked back ridge
IKUBI - boar's neck (a short, wide kissaki)
INAZUMA - lightning (a type of activity in the hamon)
ITAME - wood grained hada
ITO - silk or cotton hilt wrapping
ITOMAKI NO TACHI - tachi with top of saya wrapped with ito
ITO SUGU - thin, thread like hamon
JI - sword surface between the shinogi and the hamon
JI-GANE - surface steel
JI-HADA - surface pattern of the hada
JINDACHI - tachi
JI-NIE - islands of nie in the ji
JIZO BOSHI - boshi shaped like a priest's head
JUMONJI YARI - a yari with cross pieces
JUYO TOKEN - highly important origami for sword by NBTHK
JUZU - hamon like rosary beads
KABUTO - helmet
KABUTO-GANE - tachi style pommel cap
KABUTO-WARI - helmet breaker
KAEN - flame shaped boshi
KAERI - turnback (refers to the boshi at the mune)
KAI GUNTO - naval sword
KAJI - swordsmith
KAKIHAN - swordsmiths or tsuba makers monogram
KAKU-MUNE - square back ridge
KAMIKAZI - divine wind
KANJI - Japanese characters
KANMURI-OTOSHI - backridge beveled like a naginata
KANTEI - sword appraisal
KAO - carved monogram of swordsmith on tang (nakago)
KASANE - thickness of blade
KASHIRA - sword pommel or buttcap
KATAKIRI - sword with one side flat (no shinogi)
KATANA - sword worn in the obi, cutting edge up
KATANA KAKE - sword stand
KATANA-MEI - signature side that faces out when worn edge up
KAWAGANE - skin or surface steel
KAZU-UCHI MONO - mass produced swords
KEBORI - line carving done on sword mounts
KEN - straight double edged sword
KENGYO - triangular or pointed nakago-jiri
KESHO YASURIME - decorative file marks on nakago
KIJIMATA - pheasant thigh shaped nakago
KIJIMOMO - pheasant leg shaped nakago
KIKU - chrysanthemum
KIKUBA - chrysanthemum temperline (hamon)
KIN - gold
KINKO - soft metal sword fittings (not iron)
KIN-MEI - gold inlay or gold lacquer appraiser's signature
KINZOGAN MEI - same a kin-mei
KINSUJI - golden line (type of activity in hamon)
KINZOGAN-MEI - attribution in gold inlay on nakago
KINSUJI - whitish line along hamon
KIRI - paulownia
KIRI HA - flat sword with both sides beveled to the edge
KIRI KOMI - sword cut or nick on the blade from another sword
KISSAKI - point of blade
KITAE - forging
KIZU - flaw
KO - old or small
KOBUSE - blade constructed with hard steel around a soft core
KO-CHOJI - small choji hamon
KODACHI - small tachi
KODOGU - all the sword fittings except the tsuba
KOGAI - hair pick accessory
KOIGUCHI - the mouth of the scabbard or its fitting
KOJIRI - end of the scabbard
KOKUHO - national treasure class sword
KO-MARU - small round boshi
KO-MIDARE - small irregular hamon
KO-MOKUME - small wood grain hada
KO-NIE - small or fine nie
KO-NIE DEKI - composed of small nie
KOSHIATE - leather suspensors (hangers) for a sword
KOSHIRAE - sword mountings or fittings
KOSHI-ZORI - curve of the blade is near the hilt
KOTO - Old Sword Period (prior to about 1596)
KOZUKA - handle of accessory knife
KUBIKIRI - small tanto for cutting the neck or removing heads
KUNI - province
KURIJIRI - rounded nakago jiri
KURIKARA - dragon horimono (engraving/carving)
KURIKATA - scabbard (saya) fitting for attaching the sageo
KUZURE - crumbling or disintegrating
KWAIKEN - short knife carried by women
MACHI - notches at the start of the ha and mune
MACHI-OKURI - blade shortened by moving up the ha-machi and mune-machi
MARU - round
MARU-DOME - round groove ending
MARU-MUNE - round mune
MASAME - straight grain (hada)
MEI - swordsmith's signature
MEIBUTSU - famous sword
MEKUGI - sword peg
MEKUGI-ANA - hole for mekugi
MEMPO - face guard or mask
MENUKI - hilt ornaments
MIDARE - irregular, uneven temperline (hamon)
MIDARE-KOMI - uneven pattern in boshi
MIHABA - width of sword blade at the machi
MIMIGATA - ear shaped hamon
MITOKOROMONO - matching set of kozuka, kogai and menuki
MITSU KADO - point where yokote, shinogi and ko-shinogi meet
MITSU-MUNE - three-sided mune
MIZUKAGE - hazy line in ji commonly due to re-tempering
MOKKO - four lobe shaped (a tsuba shape)
MOKUME - burl like hada
MON - family crest
MONOUCHI - main cutting portion of blade (first six inches from kissaki)
MOROHA - double-edged sword
MOTO-HABA - blade width near habaki
MOTO-KASANE - blade thickness
MU - empty or nothing
MUJI - no visible grain
MUMEI - no signature (unsigned blade)
MUNE - back ridge of sword blade
MUNEMACHI - notch at start of mune
MUNEYAKI - regions of temper along the mune
MU-SORI - no curvature
N.B.T.H.K. - Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kai (sword preservation group)
NAGAMAKI - halberd weapon mounted as a sword
NAGASA - blade length (from tip of kissaki to munemachi)
NAGINATA - halberd
NAKAGO - sword tang
NAMBAN TETSU - foreign steel
NANAKO - raised dimpling (fish roe)
NAOSHI - corrected or repaired
NASHIJI - hada like pear skin
NENGO - Japanese era
NIE - bright crystals in hamon or ji
NIE-DEKI - hamon done in nie
NIKU - meat (blade having lots of fullness)
NIOI - cloud like hamon
NIOI-DEKI - composed of nioi
NIOI-GIRE - break in hamon
NODACHI - large tachi worn by high officials
NOTARE - wave like hamon
NOTARE-MIDARE - irregular wave like hamon
N.T.H.K.. - Nihon Token Hozon Kai (sword appraisal group)
NUNOME - overlay metal-work
O - large
OBI - belt sash
O-CHOJI - large choji hamon
O-DACHI - very long sword (over 30 inches)
O-KISSAKI - large kissaki
O-MIDARE - large irregular hamon
OMOTE - signature side of the nakago
O-NIE - large nie
O-NOTARE - large wave patterned hamon
ORIGAMI - appraisal certificate
ORIKAESHI MEI - folded signature
OROSHIGANE - specially processed steel for making swords
O-SEPPA - large seppa (usually on tachi)
OSHIGATA - rubbing of the signature on the nakago
O-SURIAGE - a shortened tang with the signature removed
SAGEO - cord used for tying the saya to the obi
SAGURI - catch-hook on saya
SAIHA/SAIJIN - retempered sword
SAKA - slanted
SAKI - tip or point
SAKI-HABA - blade width at yokote
SAKI ZORI - curvature in the top third of the blade
SAKU - made
SAME' - rayskin used for tsuka (handle) covering
SAMURAI - Japanese warrior or the warrior class
SANBONSUGI - "three cedars" (hamon with repeating three peaks)
SAN-MAI - three-piece sword construction
SAYA - sword scabbard
SAYAGAKI - attribution on a plain wood scabbard
SAYAGUCHI - mouth of the scabbard (koi-guchi)
SAYASHI - scabbard maker
SEKI-GANE - soft metal plugs in the tsuka hitsu-ana
SEPPA - washers or spacers
SHAKU - Japanese unit of measure approximately one foot
SHAKUDO - copper and gold alloy used for sword fittings
SHIBUICHI - copper and silver alloy used for sword fittings
SHIKOMI-ZUE - sword cane
SHINAE - ripples in steel due to bending of blade
SHINAI - bamboo sword used in Kendo
SHINGANE - soft core steel
SHINOGI - ridgeline of the blade
SHINOGI-JI - sword flat between the mune and shinogi
SHINOGI-ZUKURI - sword with shinogi
SHIN-SHINTO - New-New Sword Period (1781 to 1868)
SHINTO - New Sword Period (1596 to 1781)
SHIRASAYA - plain wood storage scabbard
SHITODOME - small collars in the kurikata and/or kashira
SHOBU ZUKURI - blade where shinogi goes to the tip of the kissaki (no yokote)
SHOGUN - supreme military leader
SHOTO - short sword (between 12 and 24 inches)
SHOWATO - sword made during the Showa Era (usually refers to low quality blades)
SHUMEI - red lacquer signature
SHURIKEN - small throwing knife
SORI - curvature
SUDARE-BA - bamboo blinds effects in hamon
SUE - late or later
SUGATA - shape of sword blade
SUGUHA - straight temper line
SUKASHI - cut out
SUN - Japanese measure, approx. one inch
SUNAGASHI - activity in hamon like brushed sand
SURIAGE - shortened tang
TACHI - long sword worn with cutting-edge down
TACHI-MEI - signature facing away from body when worn edge down
TAKABORI - high relief carving
TAKANOHA - hawk feather style of yasurime
TAMAHAGANE - raw steel for making swords
TAMESHIGIRI - cutting test
TAMESHI-MEI - cutting test inscription
TANAGO - fish belly shaped nakago
TANAGO-BARA - fish belly shaped nakago
TANTO - dagger or knife with blade less than 12 inches
TATARA - smith's smelter for making sword steel
TO - sword
TOBIYAKI - islands of tempering in the ji
TOGARI - pointed
TOGI - sword polish or polisher
TORAN - high wave like hamon
TORII-ZORI - sword curve in the middle of the blade
TSUBA - sword guard
TSUCHI - small hammer/awl for removing mekugi
TSUKA - sword handle
TSUKA-GUCHI - mouth of handle
TSUKA-ITO - handle wrapping or tape
TSUKAMAKI - art of wrapping the handle of a sword
TSUKURI / ZUKURI - sword
TSUKURU - made by or produced by
TSUNAGI - wooden sword blade to display fittings
TSURUGI - double edged, straight sword
UBU - original, complete, unaltered tang (nakago)
UCHIGATANA - fighting katana
UCHIKO - fine powder used to clean sword blades
UCHIZORI - curved inward
UMABARI - horse needle
UMA-HA - horse teeth hamon
UMEGANE - plug used to repair kizu
URA - side of the nakago facing toward the body
URA-MEI - signed on the ura (usually the date)
UTSURI - reflection of temperline in ji
WAKIZASHI - short sword (blade between 12 and 24 inches)
WARE - opening in the steel
WARI-BASHI / WARI-KOGAI - chop-stick
YAKI DASHI - straight temperline near the hamachi
YA-HAZU - arrow notch shaped hamon
YAKIBA - hardened, tempered sword edge
YAKIDASHI - hamon beginning just above the ha-machi
YAKIHABA - width of yakiba
YAKI-IRE - fast quenching of sword (tempering)
YAKIZUME - temperline in boshi with no turnback
YANONE - arrow head
YARI - spear
YASURIME - file marks on nakago
YOKOTE - line between ji and kissaki
YOROIDOSHI - armor piercing tanto
ZOGAN - inlay
ZUKURI - sword