Puntogf Antiques.

Sword Tsuba

Layman's Dojo - Japanese Edition (Katana)

How would you be able to identify the quality of a weapon without first knowing what to look for? In this first article we will briefly cover the parts of a sword and the best metals to look for with your intent toward the weapon in mind.

First, lets lay down the groundwork with a bit of terminology:

-Kissaki- The tip of the blade, also known as “Sharp pointy end”
-Boshi- This is the curved edge of metal leading from the Kissaki to the edge (Cutting side) of your weapon.
-Hamon- This is the wavy pattern on the sword caused by the cooling process during forging. It has little to do with the quality of the weapon (Except for some exceptions), but is a major value in regard to aesthetics (i.e. It’s what makes it pretty), and is something to look out for if you are a Collector.
-Mune- This is the back of the katana. (The not cutting side)
-Hi- The groove running down the spine of the blade; also called “Blood groove”
-Ha- The cutting edge of the katana. This is obviously important, seeing as it is the major funtion of the weapon.
-Habaki- The blade collar. (A band of metal wrapped around the bottom of the blade, adding stability and aesthetics)
-Tsuba- The hand guard, seperating your fists from the offending blade of an opponent.
-Tsuka- The “handle”. Where the posessor holds the sword.
-Tsuka Ito- This is the wrapping that goes around the handle, adding grip and possibly aesthetics.
-Kashira- The pommel, or “Butt End” of the sword.
-Tang- The portion of the blade that runs through the handle, there are a few variants.
-Full Tang- Neccesary for those of you who will be actually using this weapon, as it ensures a durable and well made sword that is not going to bust apart on the first unlucky tree that you go whacking at!
-Half Tang- On this type of blade, the tang only goes halfway through the handle, not affording much in the way of stability, but no big deal for those of you who are collecting.

Allright, with that down pat we can get into the materials used, and what types are best for your intent. There are many metals and variations of formula used in sword smithing, I will cover just a few. We can break things up simply with a question of “Stainless Steel, versus Carbon Steel”

-Stainless Steel- These are swords used primarily in decoration only. They are not suitable for use in combat or the rigors of day to day practice. (If the weapons states 440 Stainless, keep an eye out for 440-C, it is more durable and higher quality than 440-B or A
-Carbon Steel-These are the more usable weapons, being able to survive some tough love from the owner, and should hold up well in combat environments.

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Silver Spiral Dragon Tsuba Katana $58 Silver spiral dragon tsuba katana extras 39.75 inch. This premium sword has a silver dragon theme throughout. A silver dragon 's as the hilt and each end of the piece includes a silver dragon end cap. Each silver dragon is different they have their own unique char'eristics. Excellent detail this sword includes a black snakeskin styleamp;#160;handle and a hard black scabbard with a high gloss black finish with silver molded 'work 'achments and gold cord wrappings. This is one of the very best swords we have ever offered. This sword is solid and heavy. The blade is made from the much desired steel. What especially puts this sword over the top are the 7.875 inch stiletto and the 7.5 inch knife that fit neatly into the scabbard. Features include: steel blade overall length: 39.75 inches hand guard width: 3.375 inches handle: 10.75 x 1.625 inches blade length: 27.125 inches stiletto length: 7.875 inches knife length: 7.5 inches silver molded 'work 'achments and gold cord wrappings black snakeskinamp;nbsp;styleamp;nbsp;handle hard black scabbard with a high gloss black finish...

Katana with Red Dragon Tsuba and Scabbard 40 inch $45.07 Embrace the power of the dragon with this incredible weapon The Red Dragon Katana features dragon styling on the scabbard and tsuba. The handle is composed of imitation fish skin. In addition to its incredible design the sword also features a 28 inch blade.Features include:28 inch bladeDragon Style Scabbard and Tsuba10.5 inch Handle composed of Imitation Fish SkinDimensions: 3 x 3 x 41.5 inches

Katana with Blue Dragon Tsuba and Scabbard 40 inch $45.4 Embrace the power of the dragon with this incredible weapon The Blue Dragon Katana features dragon styling on the scabbard and tsuba. The handle is composed of imitation fish skin. In addition to its incredible design the sword also features a 27 inch blade.Features include:27 inch bladeDragon Style Scabbard and Tsuba10.5 inch Handle composed of Imitation Fish SkinDimensions: 3 x 3 x 40 inches

Katana with Gold Dragon Tsuba and Scabbard 40 inch $46.41 Embrace the power of the dragon with this incredible weapon The Gold Dragon Katana features dragon styling on the scabbard and tsuba. The handle is composed of imitation fish skin. In addition to its incredible design the sword also features a 27.5 inch blade.Features include:27.5 inch bladeDragon Style Scabbard and Tsuba10.5 inch Handle composed of Imitation Fish SkinDimensions: 3 x 3 x 40 inches

Silver Spiral Dragon Tsuba Katana + EXTRAS 39.75 inch $47.8 This Premium Sword has a Silver Dragon theme throughout. A silver dragon acts as the hilt and each end of the piece includes a silver dragon end cap. Each silver dragon is different They have their own unique characteristics. EXCELLENT DETAIL This sword includes a black snakeskin styleamp;#160;handle and a hard black scabbard with a high gloss black finish with silver molded artwork attachments and gold cord wrappings. This is one of the very best swords we have ever offered. This sword is solid and heavy. The blade is made from the much desired steel. What especially puts this sword over the top are the 7.875 inch stiletto and the 7.5 inch knife that fit neatly into the scabbard. Features include: Steel blade Overall length: 39.75 inches Hand guard width: 3.375 inches Handle: 10.75 x 1.625 inches Blade length: 27.125 inchesStiletto length: 7.875 inches Knife length: 7.5 inches Silver molded artwork attachments and gold cord wrappings Black snakeskinamp;nbsp;styleamp;nbsp;handle Hard black scabbard with a high gloss black finish

By The Sword $6.92 By The Sword

The Sword $10.45 The Sword

Premium Decorative Black And Red Samurai Sword $60 This premium sword is a great addition to any collection. It features a 27.5 inch black steel blade, zinc aluminum tsuba and fittings. Handle is composed of imitation fish skin and wrapped in red and black fabric. The high gloss polished red and black sheath is decorated with red and black ribbon to complete the gorgeous styling of this sword. Features include: overall length: 40.25 blade length: 27.5 inches hand guard width: 7 inches handle: 11 x 1.5 inches zinc aluminum tsuba and fittings imitation fish skin handle cord wrapped in red and black fabric high gloss polished red and black sheath decorated with red and black ribbon...

Premium Decorative Black and Red Samurai Sword $48.63 This premium sword is a great addition to any collection. It features a 27.5 inch black steel blade zinc aluminum tsuba and fittings. Handle is composed of imitation fish skin and wrapped in red and black fabric. The high gloss polished red and black sheath is decorated with red and black ribbon to complete the gorgeous styling of this sword. Features include: Overall length: 40.25Blade length: 27.5 inches Hand Guard width: 7 inches Handle: 11 x 1.5 inches Zinc aluminum tsuba and fittings Imitation fish skin handle cord wrapped in red and black fabric High gloss polished red and black sheath decorated with red and black ribbon

Boker USA 05ZS580 Handforged Damascus Samurai Sword $118.43 This high quality sword will impress at first glance From its 200layer hand forged Damascus blade to its authentic rayskinlike handle with Menukis under the wrap this jewel of a sword would identify the social status of a ranking Samurai. The decorative Tsuba has a Japanese motif with a slightly antiqued finish. The wooden sheath is high polished black lacquer. Includes a sword care kit and storage bag. Blade length: 28 . Overall length: 40 1/2 .

Premium Handmade Forged Steel Samurai Sword $98 This is a premium handmade forged steel sword befitting a samurai. It features a carbon steel blade with blood carving line, a zinc aluminum tsuba and fittings as well as a cord wrapped imitation fish skin handle. Also included is a be'ifully decorated presentation box and black sword bag. This sword has it all and is a fine addition to any collection features include: handmade construction carbon steel blade with blood carving line on blade zinc aluminum tsuba and fittings imitation fish skin handle cord wrapped wood sheath be'ifully decorated presentation box black carrying bag overall length: 40.625 blade length: 28 inches hand guard width: 3 inches handle: 11.125 x 1.5 inches...

Forged Steel 40-inch Samurai Sword $123.36 This 40-inch samurai sword features a carbon steel blade with an imitation fish skin handle. Perfect for keeping on the wall or on a mantle, this sword also comes with a decorated box and a black sword bag.Handmade construction Carbon steel blade with blood carving line on blade Zinc aluminum tsuba and fittings Imitation fish skin handle cord wrapped Wood sheath Beautifully decorated presentation box Black carrying bagOverall length: 40.625 inchesBlade length: 28 inches Hand Guard width: 3 inches Handle: 11.125 inches long x 1.5 inches wide

Gold and Black Dragon Samurai Sword $55.5 Embrace the power of the dragon with this incredible weapon Gold Dragon Katana sword features dragon styling on the scabbard and tsuba Handle is composed of poly resin Sword features a 27.5-inch blade Dragon style features scabbard and tsuba 10.5-inch handle composed of Imitation fish skin Measures 3 inches x 3 inches x 40 inches Please Note: This item is not a weapon and is for decorative use only. You must be 18 years of age or older to order from us. Purchaser is responsible for complying with local, state, and federal laws as they apply to the items purchased and O.co makes no claim as to the legality of purchasing, possessing, or carrying any specific item sold via this web site (particularly bladed objects). Purchaser assumes all responsibility for loss, damage or injury resulting from the misuse of an item and agrees to indemnify and hold seller harmless from any related claims.

Gigantic 66 Inch Full Tang Nodachi Sword $136.08 The nodachi sword or nodachi features a traditional hand braided leather wrap a blackened steel tsuba and pommel. The sharp stainless steel blade is mounted with a traditional copper habaki. The scabbard on this nodachi sword is handmade from wood which is painted in high gloss dark brown liquid finish paint. nbsp; This amazing sword is crafted of stainless steel in order to replicate as closely as possible the composition of the blade.nbsp;The nodachi measures an extraordinary 5 feetnbsp;6 inches overall with a full tang blade that measures 43 long which continues an extra 23 inch into the handle.nbsp;The diameter of the steel tsuba is 3.25 inches and it is hand made. The leather braided handle and matching leather braided scabbard with a back strap and high gloss dark brown polish paint finish the sweeping look of this absolutely superb sword Features: 43 inch blade Massive size Over 66 inches long Genuine leather wrapping Excellent show piece Stainless steel blade Dimensions (L x W x H): 3.25 x 66.25 x 3.25 inches.

Massive 67.5 Inch Full Tang Nodachi Sword Final Fa $100 The nodachi sword or nodachi features a traditional hand braided wrap, a blackened steel tsuba and pommel along withamp;#160;beautiful yellow tassels. amp;nbsp; this amazing sword is crafted of stainless steel, in order to replicate as closely as possible the composition of the blade.amp;nbsp;the nodachi measures an extraordinary 5 feet 7.5 inches overall with a full tang blade that measures 38" long which continues an extra 29.5 inch into the handle. The diameter of the steel tsuba is 3 inches and it is hand made. amp;nbsp; features: 38 inch blade massive size over 67 inches long sword unscrews in middle for easy storage authentic yellow tassels red and black woven rope wrap excellent show piece stainless steel...

Massive 67.5 Inch Full Tang Nodachi Sword Final Fantasy $73.52 The nodachi sword or nodachi features a traditional hand braided wrap a blackened steel tsuba and pommel along withbeautiful yellow tassels. nbsp; This amazing sword is crafted of stainless steel in order to replicate as closely as possible the composition of the blade.nbsp;The nodachi measures an extraordinary 5 feet 7.5 inches overall with a full tang blade that measures 38 long which continues an extra 29.5 inch into the handle. The diameter of the steel tsuba is 3 inches and it is hand made. nbsp; Features: 38 inch blade Massive size Over 67 inches long Sword unscrews in middle for easy storageAuthentic yellow tassels Red and black woven rope wrap Excellent show piece Stainless steel Dimensions (L x W x H): 3 x 67.5 x 3 inches.

Blue Dragon 40-inch Samurai Sword $62.69 Enhance your home decor with a Blue Dragon 40-inch Samurai sword Decorative accessory embraces the power of the dragon with its elegant design Sword features dragon styling on the scabbard and tsuba Composed of imitation fish skin Features a 27-inch long blade Handle composed of imitation fish skin Measures 3 inches x 3 inches x 40 inches Please Note: This item is not a weapon and is for decorative use only. You must be 18 years of age or older to order from us. Purchaser is responsible for complying with local, state, and federal laws as they apply to the items purchased and O.co makes no claim as to the legality of purchasing, possessing, or carrying any specific item sold via this web site (particularly bladed objects). Purchaser assumes all responsibility for loss, damage or injury resulting from the misuse of an item and agrees to indemnify and hold seller harmless from any related claims.

Red Dragon 40-inch Katana Samurai Sword $63.73 Enhance your home decor with a Red Dragon Katana Samurai sword Decorative accessory features dragon styling on the scabbard and tsuba Home decor accessory is composed of imitation fish skin Features a 28 inch blade Dragon style scabbard and tsuba 10.5-inch handle composed of quality poly resin with nylon wrap Measures 3 inches x 3 inches 41.5 inches Please Note: This item is not a weapon and is for decorative use only. You must be 18 years of age or older to order from us. Purchaser is responsible for complying with local, state, and federal laws as they apply to the items purchased and O.co makes no claim as to the legality of purchasing, possessing, or carrying any specific item sold via this web site (particularly bladed objects). Purchaser assumes all responsibility for loss, damage or injury resulting from the misuse of an item and agrees to indemnify and hold seller harmless from any related claims.

Sword of Lancelot/Magic Sword $4.32 Sword of Lancelot/Magic Sword

Cold Steel Japanese Sword (Imperial Series), O Tanto $499.99 Only traditional materials are used for the Japanese sword s fittings. The Tsuba (guard), Fuchi (collar), and Kashira (pommel), are expertly made and finely crafted from black iron. The Habaki (blade collar) is hand made out of polished brass and each hilt is covered in Sam (ray skin) and tightly wrapped in the traditional style with black cord. A beautiful brass Menuki (a small, ornamental sculpture inserted between the ray skin and the cord wrappings on the handle) enhances the sword s aesthetic appearance and makes for a sword that is as traditional looking as possible. All feature fully sharpened 1050 carbon steel blades, each heat treated to a spring temper. The blade surface is then given a careful polish by hand, with a distinctive mirror polish applied to the fuller (blood groove). These battle-ready swords are exquisite examples of the sword maker s art. Specifications: Weight: 18. 4 oz. Thick: 9/32 inch Blade: 13 1/4 inch Handle: 6 inch long. Sam (Ray Skin) Black braid cord Steel: 1050 Carbon Overall: 19 1/4 inch Sheath: Black Lacquered Wood Scabbard with Blue-Violet Cover Bag

Whetstone Sky Samurai Sword Set with Stand (Set of 3) $85.32 Conquer the stratosphere with this Sky Samurai Sword Set from Whetstone. The Sky Samurai sword set are unified by their dragon theme and each sword posses a detailed Tsuba and glossy wooden sheath.Tsuba with dragon imageryCord wrapped handlesGlossy wooden sheath with dragon imageMetal bladeDisplay stands includedWeight: 5 poundsStand Dimensions: 3 inches high x 39.5 inches wide x 2.625 inches deepKatana Dimensions:Overall: 2.5 inches high x 2 inches wide x 39.5 inches longBlade length: 25.75 inchesHandle length: 10 inchesWakizashi Dimensions:Overall: 2.5 inches high x 2 inches wide x 30.75 inches longBlade length: 17.75 inchesHandle length: 8.75 inchesTanto Dimensions:Overall: 2.5 inches high x 2 inches wide x 21 inches deepBlade length: 10.25 inchesHandle length: 6.75 inchesPlease Note: This item is not a weapon and is for decorative use only. You must be 18 years of age or older to order from us. Purchaser is responsible for complying with local, state, and federal laws as they apply to the items purchased and Overstock.com makes no claim as to the legality of purchasing, possessing, or carrying any specific item sold via this web site (particularly bladed objects). Purchaser assumes all responsibility for loss, damage or injury resulting from the misuse of an item and agrees to indemnify and hold seller harmless from any related claims.

Pirate Sword $5.99 Pirate Sword

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Samurai sword tsuba #175 from www handmadesword com