![]() ![]() The daisho is a concept that began even before the Katana and the Wakizashi. This class included merchants, and was often carried during travels to protect themselves from bandits. Though carrying the Katana was limited to the Samurai class, the Ko-Wakizashi and Wakizashi of legal length could be wielded by the chonin. Sato mentions the custom of leaving a Katana by the castle’s door or palace upon entering, while keeping the Wakizashi by the samurai’s side. However, it may have gained prominence over the tanto due to being more suitable for indoor battles. The book, “The Japanese Sword”, by Kanzan Sato states that there wasn’t really any need for the Wakizashi. When swordsmithing techniques have improved, high-carbon steel and Tamahagane has been developed thus increasing the wakizashi’s toughness and durability. The first swords were made using low-carbon steel. Over the years, a variety of procedures for forging the wakizashi have been developed. This was when Japan’s rulers attempted to regulate the different types of social groups and swords. This was a term used for companion swords of varying sizes, but not until 1638 of Edo period. The term Wakizashi was an abbreviation of the term “wakizashi no katana” or sword thrusting on the side. One of its more known uses was for the ritual suicide called Seppuku. The sword was also used for beheading defeated enemies. The Wakizashi had other uses aside from being an auxiliary weapon that is effective in close-range battles. The wielder should also be able to easily step back and out of reach of the opponent. He should be able to fluidly move around while searching for openings to execute his attack. The primary goal of its wielder is to avoid the enemy’s reach. It required to execute swift and quick strikes combined with lightning-fast footwork. The Wakizashi was commonly wielded with just one hand. Samurai battle on old vintage Japanese Traditional paintings Some samurai like Miyamoto Musashi even used to dual wielding both blades simultaneously. However some techniques shows how to properly use both swords in an efficient way. Normally, the wakizashi was only drawn once the katana was damaged or lost during battle. Also, the sword proved to be highly efficient for indoor combat and this is where its true strength lies. If the samurai lost his katana, this was when he’d use his Wakizashi. This included the utilization of multiple blade foldings, differential hardening treatment, and high carbon steel. Swordsmiths who crafted these blades made use of similar techniques and methods used for the katana. The Wakizashi is a sword with a long and rich history. ![]() Anyone who disobeyed this rule would be punished severely. No commoner was allowed to carry the pair since it was a sign that the wielder was a samurai. This set was called the Daisho which consisted of the Katana and the Wakizashi. It can be differently forged and may feature varying cross sections.ĭuring the feudal period of Japan, the samurai warriors often wore two swords. The Wakizashi was not necessarily a shorter version of the Katana. The longer Wakizashi were called O-Wakizashi, and were closer in dimensions to the Katana, whereas the Ko-Wakizashi was a shorter version that was closer to the Tanto size. Originally, the length of the Wakizashi’s blade measured thirty to sixty centimeters. It was crafted around the same period as the katana, and was used by the Samurai and the Chonin class. Similar to the Katana, the Wakizashi is a classic nihonto with a curved blade and single edge. By law, only members of the Samurai caste were allowed to carry both swords as a daisho. It was the backup sword that was paired with the Katana. The Wakizashi sword is one of the most important weapons of the samurai warrior. ![]()
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