What is wakizashi?

A wakizashi is a traditional Japanese sword that is typically around 12-24 inches in length, making it shorter than a katana but longer than a tanto. It is often carried by samurai as a secondary weapon to their primary sword, the katana.

Wakizashi were historically used in close combat situations, such as indoors or when the katana was impractical to use. They were also often used for ritual suicide known as seppuku or hara-kiri.

The blade of a wakizashi is typically made of high-quality steel and can be either single or double-edged. The handle, known as the tsuka, is usually made of wood and wrapped in silk or leather.

Wakizashi are highly valued for their craftsmanship and are considered a symbol of status and honor in Japanese culture. They are often passed down through generations as family heirlooms.