What is sword gaurd?

A sword guard, also known as a tsuba in Japanese, is a protective plate located at the base of a sword's blade, where the hilt meets the blade. Its primary function is to protect the swordsman's hand from sliding onto the blade during combat or training.

Sword guards come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, depending on the culture and period in which they were made. Japanese sword guards are often ornately decorated with intricate patterns and motifs, while European sword guards were typically simpler in design and often made from metal.

In addition to protection, sword guards also served a symbolic and practical purpose. They could display the owner's wealth, rank, or family emblem, and help to balance and improve the sword's weight and handling.

Today, sword guards are popular collectors' items and can be found in museums and private collections around the world.