What is tsuba
A tsuba is a handguard fitted to a Japanese sword. Tsuba were originally developed to protect the user's hand from accidental injury. In later years, tsuba became increasingly ornate and were often used as decorative items.
The tsuba is usually made from iron, brass, copper, or bronze. The materials used to make the tsuba will often depend on the specific design. For example, some tsuba may have intricate designs that can only be made using certain metals.
The tsuba is attached to the sword by two small metal rings called the seppa. The seppa help to keep the tsuba in place and also act as a barrier between the blade and the handguard.
When choosing a tsuba for your sword, it is important to consider both the function and the aesthetic of the piece. Functionally, you want a tsuba that will protect your hand from being cut by the blade. Aesthetically, you want a tsuba that compliments the overall look of your sword.
What is the tsuba size
One of the most important aspects of a tsuba is its size. The size of the tsuba must be appropriate for the sword it will be used with. If the tsuba is too small, it can easily be broken or lost during battle. If the tsuba is too large, it will be difficult to grip the sword properly and could cause the sword to slip out of the scabbard. Tsubas typically range in size from 2 to 4 inches in diameter.
Tsuba types
There are many different types of tsuba, each with their own unique design. The most common type is the round tsuba (maru gata), which has a circular or oval shape. Other popular tsuba shapes include the square tsuba (sumi kiri gata), the rectangular tsuba, and the hexagonal tsuba. There are also less common tsuba shapes such as the ryo mokko gata, the aoi gatta and more atypical shapes such as the crescent-shaped tsuba and the heart-shaped tsuba.
What is a katana without a tsuba called
A katana without a tsuba is called a shirasaya. The shirasaya is often considered to be the most minimalist of all sword mounts, as it does not have any of the usual adornments or embellishments.
Katana tsuba designs
There are many different types of tsuba, each with its own unique design. The most common type of tsuba is the katana tsuba, which is designed to fit onto the hilt of a katana. Other popular types of tsuba include the wakizashi tsuba (designed for a wakizashi sword) and the tanto tsuba (designed for a tanto knife).
The design of a tsuba can also vary depending on its intended use. Some tsubas are designed for purely aesthetic reasons, while others are functional as well as decorative. For example, some tsubas have holes drilled into them which can be used to tie down the scabbard or add extra grip. Others may have a raised edge which helps to protect the hand from being cut by the sword.
Tsubas can be plain or decorated with a variety of designs. The most common type of decoration is engraving, which can be used to create intricate patterns on the metal surface. Other popular decorations include inlays, enameling, and gilding. Tsubas can also be inscribed with words or phrases, often in Japanese characters. These inscriptions can be meaningful to the owner of the sword, or they may simply be decorative.
