The Japanese term Koshirae is a term that describes the Japanese Sword with their components being worn. This term is used to define all of the component parts, like the Tsuba and Scabbard. The Shirasaya is a term that describes the wooden sheath and grip of the sword when it's in storage. The terms are the same, but one defines being in use and the other in storage. Koshirae isn't used any longer in current speech, as the term Tsukuru has replaced it. Tsukuri means to create, to make or to manufacture.

Lets explore a few of the most popular Japanese Sword Mounting pieces.

The Habaki

The Habaki is the piece of metal that wraps itself around the blade right above the Tsuba. The Habaki has two purposes. One is to hold the Tsuba in place, and the other is to keep the weapon inside the Scabbard or Saya. Sometimes through lots of use the Habaki can cause normal wear and tear on the sword, which will cause the owner to have to get a new Scabbard.

The Saya

Scabbard means Saya in Japanese, specifically in the defintion of a sword or knife. In laymens terms it is the handle of the sword. Normally these are constructed from very light wood, with a high lacquer finish. Since the wood is so light, you have to be very careful when you draw the sword, or it can slice right through the saya and slice one or more of your fingers, possibly even cut one off! One side of the Saya has a wooden knob attached to it so you can connect a braided cord known as the Sageo.

The Sageo

The Sageo is constructed with silk, leather or cotton. It is made to be put through the hole inside of the Kurigata, which is a hole in the Saya. Sword Masters use several different methods to wrap and tie the Sageo onto the Saya for display and cosmetic purposes.

The Tsuba

The Tsuba is located Right between the Habaki and right before the Saya or Scabbard. It's the guard that is round or once in a while you'll find it square, that is located at the end of the Scabbard. You'll see this a lot on Katana Swords. Weapon owners usually control the Sword by placing their right index finger on the Tsuba. It's also used to protect the hand since it prevents the hand from sliding into the blade when a thrust is given by the user. It is NOT made for the purpose of protection from an opponent strike.

Centuries ago, the Tsuba was made from stronger metal and was made more for combat. Later when the Japanese were in a period of peace, around 1600 to 1880 AD, the Tsuba was created more for decoration and made of gold and other metals which had no combat value.

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