Wakizashi Swords

A traditional Japanese sword Wakizashi is commonly called companion sword because samurai warriors used to this sword in pair with katana sword and considered as daisho which means large and small. Wakizashi is small in length so it is used with main sword on side arm which defines the literal meanings of wakizashi as “side arm”. Shoto blade between 30-40cm is special feature of this sword supported as backup tool to defeat enemy during war. From 1332-1339 was the period of Wakizashi sword and it is common practice that it is used with main sword Katana.

Pistol is doing same role nowadays that was done by wakizashi in ancient times. Warriors used to this tool from wake to sleep and kept it under pillow while sleeping. It was useful to cutting head during war when warrior used Katana to hit the head of enemy and to cut his head with wakizashi because of its short length and it was easy to handle it with one hand.

After ending of Muromachi period (who rein from 1336-1573 and established their headquarters in the district of Kyoto) Japanese government categorized the swords according to their blade length but people regretted the law and started using Wakizashi in length equal to Katana.

Indeed two weapons (Katana and Wakizashi) were a sign of the samurai's status in Japan history and samurai were allowed to wear them both not others. If they disobeyed the rule would be subject to arrest. This tool used to commit suicide whenever warriors felt ashamed or others and foreigners considered this tool as “honor blade”

Two prefixes are used for wakizashi if longer or shorter than their standard size "O-" for longer swords and "Ko-" to shorter swords, such as Ko-wakizashi. It was about 16” to 20” long

Finest steel used to manufacture this type of tool extends the durability and efficiency of the product. Paul Chen is very popular name who started making blades of high quality at the age of eight years and now his work been spread in USA and all over the world. Mostly his swords are made of forged using a technique called differential tempering. It means that the back of the blade is more flexible than the edge of the blade. Blade used in wakizashi is high carbon forged steel or folded steel than just a stainless steel that is not much valid for this type of weapon.

In market Wakizashi swords are available for decoration as well as battle ready swords are also alligned.

Here is description of different type of Wakizashi swords;

Bushido Wakizashi by Chan Paul has a hand-forged & folded K120C powder steel blade, differentially tempered using a traditional claying method to produce an HRC60 edge, HRC40 back.  The temper line (hamon) is evident and prominent and the grain pattern (hada) shows distinct layers. High quality ray skin (same) is used on the tsuka that is blackened and bronzed iron, with gold and silver details gives marvellous scene.

Golden warrior samurai wakizashi; Specifications: 17" blade. Overall length is 24-1/4". Sheath included

Shira Saya Wakizashi; Specifications: 17-1/4" blade. Overall length is 24"

Soul of Samurai wakizashi; Specifications: 17" Blade 24" Overall length

Wood wakizashi practice sword ; Specifications: 22" Long