Collection: Wakizashi Swords

Wakizashi sword was a common element in Daisho - a pair of Japanese short and long swords, and a piece of standard samurai equipment in the Edo period. 

Despite not being the primary and the most lethal weapon, the sword Wakizashi was often used to put an end to the combat, when the enemy was lying on the ground. 

The Japanese sword Wakizashi is short and compact, so it was easy to carry it with a Katana, Tachi, or other swords. Among samurai orders, Wakizashi had one more important role - to help samurais who have broken the code to commit ritual suicide - Seppuku. 

For all of that, Wakizashi has an important place in Japanese history. Would be interested in owning a piece of history?

Keep reading to learn more about this blade and pick your samurai sword Wakizashi.

Wakizashi Sword Beyond Samurai

The samurai were not the only people who used the Wakizashi sword. Common citizens and martial arts practitioners also used Wakizashi, because it was a convenient weapon for traveling. The standard way of carrying wakizashi is on the left side of the body. The cutting side of the blade used to be facing upwards.

Wakizashi VS Tanto

Wakizashi and Tanto are both short Japanese swords used as auxiliary weapons. But, Wakizashi is more versatile, since the blade is longer, and you can use it for stabbing and slashing. 

However, the Tanto sword is more compact and can be carried without other people noticing it. Therefore, it is good for self-defense and sudden attacks.

Wakizashi Sword For Sale

Typical Wakizashi swords feature a blade between 12 and 24 inches. Longer Wakizashi swords were similar to Katana and had the name o-wakizashi. Shorter variants, similar to the Tanto blade, were referred to as ko-wakizashi.

However, Wakizashi isn't only a short Katana, it is a completely new weapon, made with similar techniques but with a different purpose in mind. Wakizashi is also made from Tamahagane, which requires smiths to forge the blades multiple times to remove impurities. 

Heat treatment, clay tempering, and polishing are standard procedures for any sword creation to this day.

Sword Mounting

An interesting thing about the Wakizashi sword is that they often have multiple sets of koshirae, or sword mounts with the hilt, guard, and scabbard. A warrior could change the mounting from occasion to occasion and keep the more elegant sets for special occasions.

FAQ

What was the purpose of the Wakizashi sword?

Wakizashi was a secondary samurai weapon, suitable for close combat, and used for finishing off the opponent and for seppuku.

What is the difference between Wakizashi and Katana?

Wakizashi vs Katana - Wakizashi is a shorter sword, often used with other swords for combat. Katana is a mid-size Japanese sword, designed to be a primary weapon.

Did the samurai fight with Wakizashi?

Yes, in situations where it was impractical to pull out long swords, the samurai used shorter swords and daggers, like Wakizashi and Tanto blades. They were also great for self-defense and traveling.