wakizashi
Katana's smaller companion
A wakizashi is a short Japanese sword, traditionally worn alongside the longer katana by samurai.
The pair together—called daishō—marked samurai status.
The wakizashi's shorter blade made it useful for close-quarters combat and indoor fighting where the katana was unwieldy.
It was also the blade used for ritual suicide (seppuku).
Curved Japanese fighting blade
- tanto"So much" in scores
- bladeFlat cutting edge
- steelCarbon-hardened iron alloy
- scabbardProtective case for blades
sheath · edge · temper · forge · smithing · polish · sharpening · metalwork
Samurai honor system
- seppukuRitualized Japanese self-disembowelment
- katanaCurved Japanese fighting blade
- roninFeudal drifter-warrior
- daimyoJapanese feudal landowner
shogun · feudal · kenjutsu · iaido · retainer · dojo · sensei · armor
Ritualized Japanese self-disembowelment
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- traditionCustom passed through generations
- riteCeremonial act or practice
- purificationRemoval of contaminants
Of limited extent
- concealableAble to be hidden
- portableAble to be carried
- auxiliaryGiving additional support
- sidearmPersonal weapon carried holstered
backup · secondary · handy · lightweight · close-quarters · indoor · maneuverable · utility
katana
Curved Japanese fighting blade
scabbard · sheath · edge · temper · forge · smithing · polish · sharpening · metalwork · quenching
bushido
Samurai honor system
- seppukuRitualized Japanese self-disembowelment
- katanaCurved Japanese fighting blade
- roninFeudal drifter-warrior
daimyo · shogun · feudal · kenjutsu · iaido · retainer · dojo · sensei · armor · kendo
seppuku
Ritualized Japanese self-disembowelment
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- traditionCustom passed through generations
- riteCeremonial act or practice
purification · consecration · atonement · obligation · solemnity
short
Of limited extent
- concealableAble to be hidden
- portableAble to be carried
- auxiliaryGiving additional support
sidearm · backup · secondary · handy · lightweight · close-quarters · indoor · maneuverable · utility · versatile
valor
Courage in danger
fidelity · devotion · integrity · respect · duty · sacrifice · nobility · pride · allegiance · reputation