What is wakazashi?

Wakizashi is a traditional Japanese sword that dates back to the feudal era, commonly known as the samurai sword. It is shorter than a katana, with a blade typically measuring between 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches) in length.

The wakizashi was often worn together with a katana by samurai as a pair of swords known as daisho. The wakizashi was used for close combat, while the katana was used for longer range fights.

Wakizashi were traditionally worn by samurai as a symbol of their social status and were often passed down through generations as a family heirloom. They were also used in ritualistic suicide, known as seppuku or hara-kiri, as a means of restoring honor.

Today, wakizashi are still highly valued for their craftsmanship and historical significance and are often collected by enthusiasts of Japanese weaponry and martial arts.