Select a label to see where the term belongs on a representative NIMOFAN katana. Some labels describe visible fittings, while others describe a blade feature or measurement rather than a removable part. Fittings, finishes, proportions, and construction details vary by model.
Choose a visible term
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1 / Blade — Tōshin
Blade — Tōshin
Blade — tōshin · visible assembly · visible
Tōshin refers to the steel blade itself. In this view, the exposed blade runs from immediately in front of the habaki to the kissaki; the concealed tang is identified separately as nakago.
Source boundary: Do not use nagasa as the Japanese name for the blade, and do not infer the concealed tang or internal construction from this exterior view.
2 / Kissaki
Kissaki
Blade point or tip · visible feature · usually visible
The kissaki is the point section at the end of the blade. Its outline is easiest to compare in a clear side view, while the transition into the tip may require a close-up.
Source boundary: Do not infer polish quality or geometry from a distant photograph.
3 / Yokote
Yokote
Line separating the point section · visible feature · model dependent
The yokote is the line that separates the kissaki from the main body of many shinogi-zukuri blades. Some blade geometries do not show a distinct yokote.
Source boundary: Do not present the feature as universal.
4 / Ha
Ha
Cutting-edge side · visible feature · visible
The ha is the cutting-edge side of the blade. A photograph can identify its location, but sharpness and edge condition must be confirmed from the specific product information.
Source boundary: Never infer sharpness or cutting readiness from the diagram.
5 / Mune
Mune
Back or spine of the blade · visible feature · visible
The mune is the back or spine of the blade opposite the cutting edge. It helps readers orient the blade in side-view and cross-section diagrams.
Source boundary: The image does not prove spine thickness or cross-section.
6 / Shinogi
Shinogi
Long ridge line on many blades · visible feature · lighting dependent
The shinogi is the longitudinal ridge found on many katana blade geometries. Angled light normally reveals it more clearly than a flat side photograph.
Source boundary: Do not claim every blade has the same ridge geometry.
7 / Hamon
Hamon
Visible hardened-pattern area on some blades · visible feature · model dependent
Hamon refers to the visible pattern associated with differential hardening on traditionally treated blades. A decorative or etched line can look similar, so the specific product description must confirm the process.
Source boundary: Do not equate every visible line with clay tempering.
8 / Bo-hi
Bo-hi
Groove in the blade · visible feature · model dependent
A bo-hi is a groove running along part of the blade. It is a design and geometry feature, not a standard component on every katana.
Source boundary: Do not promise weight, sound or performance effects for the pictured product without evidence.
9 / Boshi
Boshi
Hardened-pattern continuation in the point · visible feature · not reliably visible
Boshi is the continuation of a hardened pattern into the kissaki on a differentially hardened blade. It normally requires suitable polish, lighting and close inspection to identify.
Source boundary: Do not place a confident hotspot when the selected photograph cannot show it.
10 / Nagasa
Nagasa
Blade-length measurement · measurement · not a removable part
Nagasa is the blade-length measurement taken in a straight line from the notch near the habaki to the tip. It is a measurement, not a removable part of the sword.
Source boundary: Use an illustrative measurement line; do not publish a product dimension unless verified.
11 / Sori
Sori
Blade curvature measurement · measurement · not a removable part
Sori describes the curvature of the blade. It is measured rather than removed, and the amount and location of curvature vary by blade.
Source boundary: Do not label it as a fitting or universal curve value.
12 / Habaki
Habaki
Blade collar · visible fitting · visible
The habaki is the collar fitted around the base of the blade immediately in front of the guard assembly. It is also the part that seats at the mouth of the saya.
Source boundary: Material and exact fit belong to the specific product.
13 / Seppa
Seppa
Spacers around the guard · visible fitting · partly visible
Seppa are thin spacers positioned around the tsuba in the mounting. In an assembled side view, only their edges may be visible.
Source boundary: Do not claim a fixed number for every mounting.
14 / Tsuba
Tsuba
Hand guard · visible fitting · visible
The tsuba is the guard between the blade and handle. Its shape, material and decoration vary widely, making it one of the easiest fittings to identify in product photographs.
Source boundary: Do not infer material or historical style without product evidence.
15 / Fuchi
Fuchi
Collar at the front of the handle · visible fitting · visible
The fuchi is the collar at the front end of the tsuka, next to the guard assembly. It is commonly paired visually with the kashira at the other end.
Source boundary: Pairing and material vary by mounting.
16 / Tsuka
Tsuka
Handle or hilt · assembly · visible
The tsuka is the handle assembly of the sword. It can include a wood core, surface panels, wrap, ornaments, pins and metal fittings, but the exact construction must be checked for the specific model.
Source boundary: Do not imply one construction method across all products.
17 / Samegawa
Samegawa
Ray-skin or ray-skin-style handle surface · visible material or texture · partly visible
Samegawa refers to the ray-skin surface traditionally used on the tsuka. On production swords, the visible texture and material specification should be confirmed from the product listing.
Source boundary: Do not call a texture genuine ray skin unless verified.
18 / Tsuka-ito
Tsuka-ito
Handle wrap · visible wrap · visible
Tsuka-ito is the wrap around the handle. Color, material, tension and wrapping pattern are model-specific and should be judged from current product media and specifications.
Source boundary: The explorer identifies the wrap but does not certify its material or tightness.
19 / Menuki
Ornaments beneath or within the handle wrap · visible fitting · partly visible
Menuki are small ornaments positioned beneath or within the handle wrap. Their design and placement can be partly hidden by the ito.
Source boundary: Do not infer material, age or symbolic meaning without evidence.
20 / Mekugi
Mekugi
Pin securing the handle assembly · structural fitting · may be visible
Mekugi are pins used in the blade-and-handle assembly. A side photograph may show their exposed ends, but the number, material and internal fit require product-specific confirmation.
Source boundary: Do not promise a number, material or performance based on appearance alone.
21 / Kashira
Kashira
End cap of the handle · visible fitting · visible
The kashira is the fitting at the end of the tsuka. It finishes the handle visually and forms part of the mounting assembly.
Source boundary: Exact construction and fastening vary.
22 / Saya
Saya
Scabbard · assembly · visible
The saya is the scabbard that houses the blade. Its finish, color, fittings and fit vary by model, so the explorer identifies the object rather than certifying its materials or retention.
Source boundary: Do not infer wood, lacquer or fit from a generic photograph.
23 / Koiguchi
Koiguchi
Mouth of the saya · visible feature · visible
The koiguchi is the opening or mouth of the saya where the habaki seats when the sword is sheathed. It is easiest to identify in a close view of the upper end of the scabbard.
Source boundary: Do not claim fit quality from the visual alone.
24 / Kurigata
Kurigata
Cord knob on the saya · visible fitting · model dependent
The kurigata is the projection on the saya through which the sageo is routed or attached. Its form and position vary with the mounting.
Source boundary: Not every scabbard presentation uses the same fitting.
25 / Sageo
Sageo
Cord attached to the saya · visible textile · model dependent
The sageo is the cord attached to the saya at the kurigata. Its color, material and tying style are specific to the mounting shown.
Source boundary: Do not claim traditional material or use without product evidence.
26 / Kojiri
Kojiri
Lower end or end fitting of the saya · visible feature or fitting · model dependent
Kojiri refers to the lower end of the saya and, in some mountings, the fitting that protects or decorates that end. It may be plain or fitted depending on the sword.
Source boundary: Do not imply a separate metal fitting when the selected saya does not have one.
27 / Nakago
Nakago
Tang concealed inside the handle · concealed blade structure · hidden
The nakago is the tang: the section of the blade concealed inside the tsuka. Because it is hidden in an assembled sword, it should be shown only in a verified schematic or disassembly photograph.
Source boundary: Never invent its length, shape, holes or signature from the exterior image.
Exploded view separates only source-supported visible groups. Measurements and concealed structures never move as parts.
Shown on a representative NIMOFAN katana; fittings, materials, finishes, proportions, and construction details vary by model.