Paul Chen Replica Wakizashi Functional Sword

During the Muromachi period (1568-1603), the introduction of the pairing of the Katana (the curved sword) and Wakizashi was introduced. The Wakizashi, or the shorter companion blade to the Katana, was about 18 inches long. Only the warrior class - the Samurai - was allowed to wear the two swords, which remained a custom for the next several hundred years until abolished in the 19th century. This Wakizashi is the companion piece to the Golden Oriole Katana (1018-GT), with matching fittings and blade construction. Supplied with protective cloth bag and traditional maintenance kit. BLADE LENGTH: 20 ¾" HANDLE LENGTH: 7 1/4" OVERALL LENGTH: 28" WEIGHT: 1lb 8oz

The daishō, is a Japanese term referring to the traditional swords of the samurai. The daishō is composed of the katana and the wakizashi. The etymology of this word becomes apparent when the terms daitō, meaning big sword, and shōtō, meaning small sword, are used; daitō + shōtō = daishō. The katana, the longer of the two swords, was typically employed in man-to-man combat. The wakizashi made an effective main-gauche or close-combat weapon.

The daishō were limited exclusively to the samurai class and were a symbol of their rank. They came into fashion during the Muromachi period. Prior to this, the bow and horse were considered marks of the samurai class and the sword of lesser consequence. It was during this period, too, that the katana switched from a slung weapon with edge down (known as a tachi) to one thrust into the sash with the edge up. This change allowed for a much faster overhead draw while on foot.

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Hanwei Golden Oriole Wakizashi Sword SH1019Regular price: $459.99Sale price: $399.99