What is a Handachi?
The handachi is a fascinating Japanese sword that combines elements of both the tachi and the katana. The handachi is a Japanese sword mounted in the style of a tachi, but with one key difference: it is worn edge-up like a katana, rather than edge-down like a traditional tachi. The handachi first appeared during the Muromachi period (1336-1573), a time when the way swords were worn was transitioning from the tachi, worn edge-down on horseback, to the katana, worn edge-up while on foot.
The Origins of the Handachi
The handachi was born during the Muromachi period as part of the broader shift in sword-wearing practices. At this time, samurai were increasingly wearing their swords edge-up while on foot, yet still continued to wear them edge-down while mounted on horseback. The handachi was created as a response to the need for a sword that could be worn in both positions, adapting to the changing needs of the samurai.
The Design of the Handachi
A handachi is essentially a sword mounted like a tachi, but without the traditional obi hangers (belt hangers) used for attaching the tachi to the waist. This allows the sword to be worn like a katana while still maintaining the aesthetic elements of the tachi. The handachi typically features modifications to the kurikata (the cord knob) and menuki (decorative fittings on the hilt), with some adjustments for optimal presentation depending on which side was worn outward most of the time. These subtle design changes were made to accommodate both horseback and on-foot use.
The Handachi in the Bakumatsu Period
Although the handachi lost some popularity as the katana became the dominant sword, it saw a revival during the Bakumatsu period (the late Edo period). During this time, there was a surge of interest in returning to the past, with many people romanticizing the samurai era. The handachi, once again, became popular as people wanted to wear swords in the traditional tachi style, even though most were no longer riding horses. This resurgence in the handachi is evident in many late Edo period swords, which were clearly crafted for katana use but mounted with tachi-style fittings.
