Collection: Authentic Japanese Wakizashi

Delve into the mythical world of the legendary Samurai with our authentic Japanese wakizashi collection. Revel in each blade’s genuineness, marvel at their artistry, and relish the colorful history they speak. These swords – skillfully crafted to be as deadly as the katana and other Japanese Samurai swords – aren’t just relics of the past. They are a testament to the Japanese’ enduring traditions, especially the Samurai warrior spirit.

The Wakizashi: A Symbol of Honor and Versatility

Among authentic Japanese swords, the wakizashi often takes a backseat to its more famous counterpart – the katana. Equally deadly, this sword can pierce through an opponent’s heart, inflict a mortal wound, or tame disgruntled souls with its appearance.

Although the wakizashi doesn’t figure prominently in battles, except in close-quarters combat, it is central to many Samurai rituals venerating the Bushido or the Samurai warrior code. Hence, it has become symbolic of a Samurai’s honor. 

From a Trustworthy Sidearm to an Honored Companion Sword

Swordsmiths developed the traditional Japanese wakizashi as early as the 15th century as a companion or backup sword to the katana. It improved the warriors’ fighting efficiency, especially in tight engagements.

The Edo Period saw the wakizashi take on a more serious role, becoming the required companion sword of the katana. You were not a Samurai if you didn’t have the daisho – a katana and wakizashi combo. 

How Traditional Japanese Swordsmiths Make Wakizashi

Creating a hand-forged Samurai wakizashi is no small feat. It demands countless hours of hard work and dedication to forging satetsu-sourced tamahagane steel into a blade slightly shorter than a katana.

Folding the steel multiple times gave the wakizashi incredible strength. Tempering a handmade wakizashi sword imparted unique patterns and embellishments that gave the sword its distinct beauty and a colorful story. 

The wakizashi has the following attributes.

• A 12- to 24-inch single-edged, curved sword
• First produced during the Muromachi Period
• Features ornate fittings (i.e., hilt or tuska and hand guard or tsuba) and mountings (i.e., scabbard or saya).

Wakizashi, Ceremonies, and Rituals

Custom Japanese wakizashi swords are more than companion weapons for the legendary katana. They hold a special place in the Samurai culture’s ceremonies and rituals. Restoring one’s honor in the face of defeat meant performing seppuku. The ritual required a wakizashi, not a katana.

The Wakizashi In the 21st Century

This Samurai sword is vital in promoting Japanese culture, especially its rich warrior heritage. It’s crucial in many Hollywood adaptations, anime, TV shows, and other media. 

Enthusiasts and collectors continue to revere the sword for its historical and cultural value, including as a work of art. It’s the bridge connecting the 21st-century world to a glorious past.

How to Choose a Genuine Wakizashi

Picking the best wakizashi for sale requires appreciation of the sword’s unique attributes and a few other considerations, including the following.

Proof of authenticity

You can buy real wakizashi online or from reputable samurai stores, provided they offer valid documentation certifying the sword’s authenticity by recognized Japanese institutions to accompany each sword. Just because a store labels itself as an “authentic wakizashi shop” doesn’t mean all its offerings are genuine.

Tang inscriptions

Mass-produced wakizashis don’t have the swordsmith’s signature (name and period of sword creation) on the tang. Real Samurai Wakizashi swords do. 

Overall quality

We recommend asking a sword expert to accompany you in evaluating a wakizashi. They can inspect the different components and elements, including craftsmanship. It’s a foolproof way to buy genuine Japanese wakizashi. 

At Tokyo Nihonto, we honor the Samurai spirit by giving customers only high-quality authentic wakizashi swords, complete with verifiable documentation and thoughtfully wrapped to preserve the sword’s value. When you buy genuine wakizashi online, we will send the sword to your doorstep so you can revel in the mysticism and legend of the mighty Samurai.