Episode 3: Katana Components: Tsuba, Tsuka-maki, and Sageo Explained

The author, a Japanese katana practitioner, explains that the tsuba (circular guard) serves to balance the sword, protect the hand, facilitate drawing, and as a decorative good luck charm. The tsuka (handle) is assembled from honoki wood, ray skin, and tsukamaki (cord or braid wrapping) to absorb shock and ensure a firm grip, with additional elements such as the mekugi (securing pin) and menuki (decorative elements). Finally, the sageo (cord) is used today to secure the scabbard to the kimono, while in the past it served multiple purposes for samurai, such as bandaging, emergency repair, transportation, or even as a combat tool.