Katana Koshirae Guide — The Complete Fittings System Explained
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Introduction
The koshirae (戵, fittings) is the complete set of mountings for a katana — everything except the blade itself. The koshirae includes the tsuba (guard), tsuka (handle), saya (scabbard), and all associated fittings. A quality koshirae is as important as the blade itself — it protects the blade, enables its use, and expresses the owner's aesthetic sensibility and cultural identity.
Browse our handmade katana collection for blades with quality koshirae.
The Components of the Koshirae
Tsuba (鉤) — The Guard
The hand guard — a disc of metal that separates the blade from the handle and protects the hand. The tsuba is the most artistically developed component of the koshirae — a canvas for metalwork artistry. See our tsuba guide.
Habaki (銀巧) — The Blade Collar
The metal collar at the base of the blade that holds it securely in the scabbard. The habaki is the most functionally critical fitting. See our habaki guide.
Seppa (耶輪) — The Spacers
Thin metal washers placed on either side of the tsuba to ensure a snug fit between the tsuba and the habaki/fuchi. Typically made from copper or brass.
Fuchi (萩) — The Handle Collar
The metal collar at the base of the handle where it meets the tsuba. The fuchi is typically made from the same material as the kashira and menuki for visual consistency.
Kashira (頭) — The Pommel Cap
The metal cap at the end of the handle. The kashira and fuchi are typically made as a matched pair (fuchi-kashira) from the same material with complementary designs.
Menuki (目釘) — The Handle Ornaments
Small decorative ornaments placed under the handle wrapping on each side of the handle. See our menuki guide.
Tsuka (柄) — The Handle
The handle — consisting of a wooden core (tsuka-gi), ray skin (same), and handle wrapping (tsuka-ito). See our handle wrapping guide.
Mekugi (目釘) — The Handle Peg
The bamboo peg that secures the blade to the handle. Should be inspected regularly and replaced when worn.
Saya (鞘) — The Scabbard
The wooden scabbard — typically lacquered. See our saya guide.
Kurikata (栗形) — The Cord Knob
A knob on the side of the saya through which the sageo (scabbard cord) is threaded.
Sageo (鞘緒) — The Scabbard Cord
The cord attached to the saya through the kurikata. The sageo is used to secure the saya to the obi (belt) and has various functional uses in traditional sword technique.
Types of Koshirae
Katana koshirae: The standard mounting for a katana — worn edge-up, tucked in the obi.
Tachi koshirae: The mounting for a tachi — worn edge-down, suspended from the belt by cords.
Shirasaya (白鞘): A plain white wood mounting used for storage — no fittings except the habaki. Used to preserve the blade when not in use.
FAQ
Q: What is koshirae?
The complete set of fittings for a katana — everything except the blade itself, including tsuba, tsuka, saya, and all associated components.
Q: What is a shirasaya?
A plain white wood mounting used for storage — no decorative fittings. Used to preserve the blade when not in use.
Q: What is the most important component of the koshirae?
The habaki is the most functionally critical — it holds the blade in the saya. The tsuba is the most artistically significant.
Q: What are seppa?
Thin metal washers placed on either side of the tsuba to ensure a snug fit between the tsuba and the habaki/fuchi.
Q: Can I replace the koshirae on my katana?
Yes — individual components can be replaced. Find supplies in our sword care collection.
Summary
The koshirae is the complete fittings system of the katana — tsuba, habaki, seppa, fuchi-kashira, menuki, tsuka, mekugi, saya, kurikata, and sageo. Each component serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. Understanding the koshirae helps collectors evaluate quality and appreciate the full depth of katana craftsmanship.
Shop Katana with Quality Koshirae
- Handmade Katana Collection
- T10 Katana Collection
- Sword Care Collection — replacement fittings
- Katana Tsuba Guide
- Katana Saya Guide