Wakizashi

The Wakizashi is a Japanese sword that strongly resembles the much more famous Katana, but is slightly shorter. It is essentially a shorter version of the famous samurai sword. Wakizashi are fascinating not only because of their elegant design and noble appearance. They are also considered masterpieces of Japanese craftsmanship or blacksmithing art.

If you live in Switzerland and want to buy a Wakizashi, Meister Messer is the right contact. In our online shop you will find both affordable Wakizashi for beginners and fully functional Wakizashi that have been hand-forged. In the following guide, we also explain in detail what distinguishes a Wakizashi and what variables you should consider if you are planning to buy such a samurai sword.

The Wakizashi: A Japanese short sword

In Japan, the Wakizashi is also known as Shoto, which translates to "short sword" in German. The term itself can be translated as "carried at the side." In feudal Japan, where society was shaped by feudalism, these short swords were considered weapons of social status, only allowed to be carried by feudal nobles, samurai warriors, socially respected merchants, and farmers.

Like the Katana, the Wakizashi also belonged to the standard equipment of every samurai. The pair of swords, known as Daisho, was usually worn with the cutting edge up in the belt. A so-called Tanto - a Japanese combat knife - completed the armament of the brave soldiers.

While the Katana served the samurais as their main weapon, the Wakizashi was often used as a substitute sword – for example, when the blade of the long sword broke in battle. Unlike the Katana, the short sword did not have to be left in buildings, which is why it was also used indoors. The Wakizashi was also used for ritual suicide and to decapitate the heads of slain enemies.

What special features does a Wakizashi have?

A Wakizashi usually has a blade that is slightly curved towards its back, with a length always between one and two Shaku (basic unit of the ancient Japanese measurement system), which corresponds to a blade length of approximately 30 to 60 centimeters. Typically, such a Japanese short sword weighs only 600 to 800 grams, making it very handy.

Another characteristic of a Wakizashi samurai sword is its blade, which traditionally consists of at least two types of steel. While a tough steel with low carbon content was used for the core of the sword blade, Japanese smiths used hard steel for the shell of the blade.

The handle of a traditional Wakizashi sword is usually covered with ray or fish skin and adorned with elaborate decorations. Wood and metal were mainly used as handle materials, but sometimes also ivory.

Buying a Wakizashi: These criteria you should consider

The best Wakizashi model in a specific case depends mainly on the intended use. If the samurai sword is intended to be used as a pure decorative object, only its appearance can be the focus. For learning traditional samurai combat techniques, on the other hand, practice swords are best suited.

If you are looking for a Practical Wakizashi for cutting tests, you should pay particular attention to ensuring that the blade is sharp and made of high-quality steel. Modern reproductions often have a sword blade made of quality carbon or carbon steel.

Order Wakizashi cheap and safely online

Are you interested in a Wakizashi? Then you should definitely take a look at the online shop of Meister Messer, because here you will find a wide selection of models from popular manufacturers such as Hanwei or Cold Steel. Whether it's a decorative object, a collector's item, or a Practical Wakizashi: At Meister Messer, you will definitely find the right sword. In addition to Wakizashi, our product range also includes Katana and Tanto.

The Wakizashi offered on Meister Messer are not only distinguished by excellent craftsmanship, but also by fair prices - So order your personal favorite now.