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© Copyright Robert Cole 2015 - No copying or distributing - Note: Missing graphics
Fittings
All articles other than the blade itself are called KOSHIRAE. When addressed individually or as sets, fittings or "furniture" are called KODOGU.
An outfitted sword has a TSUKA handle, TSUBA sword guard, and SAYA scabbard.
The TSUKA consists of wood, covered with SAME, belly skin of a manta ray, and wrapped with TSUKA-ITO "handle wrapping" braid. The TSUKA KOSHIRAE are the FUCHI-KASHIRA and MENUKI.
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The TSUBA is separated on either side by SEPPA. The whole rests against the HABAKI. The HABAKI is meant to secure the blade in the SAYA.
The HABAKI, SEPPA, TSUBA and TSUKA are held on the blade by the taper pin, MEKUGI. The MEKUGI is placed in the MEKUGI-ANA pin-hole.
The mouth of the SAYA, scabbard is called the KOI-GUCHI. The KURIKATA is the knob-shaped cord fixture which may have SHITOTOME (metal collet rings) affixed. The cord is called SAGE-O and the side hook, the SAGURI. The KOJIRI is the end of the SAYA.
The utility knife found in the pocket of the SAYA is the KODZUKA "small handle." The blade within is a KO-GATANA. There may be a similar device called KOGAI (hair arranger) found in a second pocket.
| Sword mounts: | - TACHI A slung sword worn
edge down - KATANA Worn edge up in the sash - blade over 2 SHAKU - 24" - TANTO Dagger - blade under 1 SHAKU (12") - WAKIZASHI "Companion Sword" - blade between 1 and 2 SHAKU |
A DAI-TO "long-sword" can be paired with a SHO-TO "short-sword" and called, DAI-SHO. DAI-SHO might consist of matched fittings, matched blades, or both.
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