Posted by Jason M. on 1/17/2022 to
Learn About Swords
In our Sword Glossary, we will attempt to name and define everything to do with sword terminology in alphabetical order. From sword types to sword parts, we aim for this to be the definitive sword glossary on the internet. From Samurai to European, our Sword Glossary covers all swords from all time periods. If you are just getting into swords, this glossary can help you learn the parts of a sword and their definitions which are used frequently when dealing with swords. Input is appreciated, if you think we missed something, add it in the comment section below and we will get it added!
A
Agincourt Sword - A single handed English sword named after the battle of Agincourt
Arming Sword - A straight, single handed European sword with a cross guard also known as a Knightly Sword.
B
Baldric - A shoulder belt worn across the back that holds a sword or similar weapon
Basket Hilt Sword - An English sword with a basket shaped guard sometimes called a broadsword
Bastard Sword - A name generally given to a hand and a half sword which is bigger than a long sword and smaller than a great sword
Battle Ready - A newer term meaning a sword that is made to be used as a real sword would
Bokken - Wooden Japanese sword
Boshi - Hamon on the kissaki
C
Chape - Metal piece at the end of a scabbard
Chokuto - Straight bladed sword first imported from China to Japan. Predates the Katana
Claymore - Scottish great sword
D
Daisho - Set of katana and wakizashi
Daito - Japanese long sword
Dao - Chinese single edge sword used for chopping/slashing
E
Excalibur - Fabled sword in the stone and sword of King Arthur
F
Falcata - A single-edged sword with a heavy forward-curving used by Spaniards
Falchion - A curved European sword with possible Middle Eastern influence
Flamberge - A large sword an wavy blade also known as a Flame Bladed sword
Frog - A sword hanger that attaches to a belt to carry a sword for easy drawing
Fuchi - Metal spacer on the top of a Japanese sword handle below the tsuba
Fuller - A groove in the blade of a sword meant to lighten it without reducing the structural integrity
Functional - Also known as battle ready, a sword that is made to be used as a real sword would
G
Gladius - Roman Sword
Great Sword - Long sword of the Middle Ages
Grip - Part of a sword you hold onto
Guard - A cross section of a sword above the handle used for blocking attacks
H
Ha - Cutting Edge of a Japanese Sword
Habaki - Blade collar of a Japanese sword usually made of brass right above the tsuba
Hada - Grain pattern of folded Japanese swords
Hamon - The temper line of a Japanese sword
Handle - The part of a sword or weapon you hold onto
Hi - Groove in katana or Japanese sword also known as a "blood groove"
Hilt - Term that consists of the pommel, guard and grip of a sword
Horimono - Engraving on the tang of a Samurai Sword
I
Iaito - Japanese practice sword meant to feel like a live sword, but with a blunt edge
J
Jian - Double edged straight Chinese sword
K
Kashira - End cap at the end of a Japanese sword handle
Katana - a Japanese sword
Khopesh - Egyptian sword that had a sickle-like blade
Kissaki - The Cutting tip of Japanese sword
Kodachi - Means "Small Big Sword", basically a short Tachi
Kogatana - A small Japanese knife that usually fits into the saya of a Samurai Sword
Koiguchi - The opening or "mouth" of the saya
Kojiri - Tip of the saya
Kozuka - The handle section of a kogatana
Kurikata - Knob on the saya where the sageo is tied
L
Live - a sword with a sharpened edge
Locket - Metal piece at the mouth of a scabbard
M
Mei - Signature carved into the tang of a Japanese sword
Mekugi - Handle pins usually made of bamboo that hold the tang of a Japanese sword to the handle
Mekugi-Ana - Hole where the mekigi fit through the nakago
Menuki - A metal ornament under the tsuka ito of a Japanese sword
Miyamoto Musashi - One of the most famous swordsmen in Japan. Came up with the two sword fighting style.
Mune - Back of a Japanese sword opposite the edge
N
Nagamaki - Japanese sword with extra long handle
Nagasa - The length of a Samurai Sword blade
Nakago - The tang of a Japanese sword
Nihonto - Japanese made sword
Ninjato - Japanese name for Ninja sword
Nodachi - Japanese great sword or field sword. Much larger than a katana, was used against cavalry.
O
Odachi - Japanese great sword or field sword. Much larger than a katana, was used against cavalry.
P
Pommel - Part of a sword at the end of the handle generally used to counterbalance the blade and to prevent the sword from slipping out of the hand
Pulwar - Afghan sword with a very curved blade similar to the Shamshir
Q
Quillon - Arm of the cross guard on a sword
R
Rapier - A long thin sword meant for thrusting
Ricasso - Unsharpened part of a blade above the guard sometimes used to "choke up" on the blade
S
Sageo - Tie of cotton or silk on the saya of a Japanese sword
Sakabato - Reverse Blade Sword
Same - Ray skin on the handle of a Japanese sword
Saya - Japanese sword scabbard usually made of wood with a lacquered finish
Scabbard - A sword sheath typically made of leather or Metal
Scimitar - A deeply curved sword associated with Middle Eastern, South Asian, or North African cultures.
Seppa - Spacers usually made of brass above and below the tsuba of a Japanese sword
Shamshir - A radically curved Persian sword
Shinai - Sword made of dried bamboo used in the practice of Kendo
Shinken - Real Japanese sword featuring a live, forged blade
Shinoji - Ridge line of a Samurai sword that transitions to the back section
Shinoji-ji - Flat section of a Samurai sword blade on the edge side
Shirasaya - Japanese sword mounted in wooden case
Shoulder - Part where the blade ends and the tang begins
Sori - The curve of a Japanese sword
Spatha - Greek-Roman sword
Spine - Back of a sword opposite the edge
Sword - A weapon with a blade longer than a knife or dagger
T
Tachi - A longer and more curved version of the katana, which replaced it as the main sword of the Samurai
Tang - End of a sword opposite the tip that resides under the handle
Tanto - A Japanese dagger, used as a knife
Tip - The end of a sword blade used for thrusting or stabbing
Tsuba - Japanese sword guard
Tsuka - Japanese sword handle
Tsuka Ito - Japanese sword handle wrap
Two Handed Sword - Any number of European swords that require two hands to wield
W
Wakizashi - A Japanese short sword
X
Xiphos - A Leaf shaped, straight double-edged ancient Greek sword
Y
Yakiba - Hardened section of a Samurai Sword
Yokote - Line where the Ha and Kissaki meet
Z
Zatoichi - A straight bladed sword with no fittings meant to look like a piece of wood somewhat resembling a shirasaya
Zweihander - Double edged German two handed great sword
I hope our Sword Glossary has been a helpful guide for you to learn more about swords. If you want more information, be sure to check out our articles on Samurai Sword Terminology and Medieval Sword Parts. Also, check out our huge collection of Swords for Sale.
