What is wakizashi?

A wakizashi (脇差) is a traditionally made Japanese sword. Here's some key information:

• Definition: It's a blade between a katana and a tanto in length. Traditionally, samurai would carry both a katana and a wakizashi; together the pair of swords was called a daishō (大小). The long and short combination of swords was used almost exclusively by the samurai class.

• Size: The blade length typically ranges from 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches). Blades shorter than 30 cm are considered tantō.

• Purpose: The wakizashi was used as a backup sword for the samurai when their katana was unavailable or unsuitable for close-quarters combat. It was also used for rituals like seppuku (ritual suicide). Non-samurai were permitted to wear a wakizashi, which they often carried for self-defense.

• Usage: Samurai could wear the wakizashi at all times, even indoors, whereas the katana might be left at the door. This contributed to its role as a personal defense weapon. The <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/wakizashi%20blade">wakizashi blade</a>'s length made it suitable for fighting in confined spaces.

• Construction: The wakizashi is constructed similarly to the katana, featuring a forged steel blade, a handle (tsuka), a guard (tsuba), and a scabbard (saya). High-quality examples feature intricate fittings and craftsmanship.