Quick answer: A wakizashi (脇差) is a Japanese short sword with a blade between one and two shaku long, roughly 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm). It sits between the tantō (under 12 inches) and the katana (over 24 inches). Samurai wore it paired with the katana as the daishō, and it was the sword kept at hand indoors. Today, collectors buy a wakizashi as a companion to a katana, as a compact display piece, or as the start of a matched set.
The wakizashi is often called the most underrated Japanese sword. It is shorter and lighter than a katana, but it is a full sword, not a knife, with the same clay-tempered steel, hamon, and fittings. This guide covers what a wakizashi is, how it compares to other Japanese swords, and how to choose one.
What does "wakizashi" mean?
The name combines waki (side) and sashi (to thrust through, as in a belt). It describes how the sword was worn: thrust through the sash at the wearer's side. The katana was the primary sword, and the wakizashi was the companion that stayed with its owner when the longer sword was set aside, such as indoors.
Wakizashi vs katana vs tantō
Japanese swords are classified mainly by blade length (nagasa), measured in shaku. One shaku is about 11.93 inches (30.3 cm).
| Tantō | Wakizashi | Katana | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blade length | Under 1 shaku (under ~12 in / 30 cm) | 1 to 2 shaku (~12–24 in / 30–60 cm) | Over 2 shaku (over ~24 in / 60 cm) |
| Typical MoonSwords blade | 12.6 in (32 cm) | 20 in (51 cm) | 28 in (71 cm) |
| Grip | One hand | Mostly one hand | Two hands |
| Historical role | Dagger, close quarters | Companion sword in the daishō | Primary sword |
| Best for today | Desk or shelf display, gifting | Pairing, compact display, small spaces | Centerpiece, practice, cutting |
For a broader comparison that includes the tachi, see our collector's guide to Japanese sword types.
The wakizashi and the daishō
The daishō ("big-little") is the matched pair of katana and wakizashi. Wearing the pair became a visible marker of samurai status, and matched daishō often shared fittings and decorative themes across both swords. We explain why the mounts, not the blades, carried most of that meaning in 250 years of Edo daishō, and the history behind the pairing in why samurai carried two swords.
How to choose a wakizashi
1. Decide what it is for
- Completing a daishō: Match the fittings (tsuba, menuki, saya color) or the theme of a katana you already own.
- Standalone display: A wakizashi fits on a shelf, mantel, or desk stand where a full katana would crowd the space.
- A first Japanese sword: It is lighter, easier to store, and generally less expensive than a comparable katana.
2. Pick the steel
- T10 steel is our most-used steel. It is a high-carbon tool steel that holds a keen edge and shows a clear clay-tempered hamon. See the T10 steel guide.
- T8 steel is a slightly lower-carbon, more affordable option that still takes clay tempering.
- Damascus steel shows a layered grain pattern along the blade and is the choice when the steel itself is the artwork.
3. Check the fittings
Look at the handle wrap underlay (real ray skin is the traditional premium choice; fish skin is a lighter alternative), the tsuba material, and the saya finish. If you are not sure what each part is, our guide to the parts of a katana applies to the wakizashi too.
4. Confirm it is full tang and clay tempered
A real wakizashi should have a full tang secured with a mekugi peg and a differentially hardened edge. Every MoonSwords wakizashi is hand-forged, full tang, and clay tempered.
MoonSwords wakizashi compared
Most of our wakizashi share the same proportions: a 20 in (51 cm) blade, a roughly 10.6 in (27 cm) handle, and about 30.7 in (78 cm) overall in the saya. The differences are steel, fittings, and design.
| Wakizashi | Steel | Handle underlay | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shiraki 白木 | T8 | Solid wood (unwrapped look) | Minimalist, natural grain |
| Hayabusa 隼 | T10 | Fish skin | Sleek, compact, falcon theme |
| Sōryū 双龍 | T10 | Fish skin | Twin dragon theme |
| Seima 聖魔 | T10 | Real ray skin | Darkened blade, crimson accents |
| Ryūmori 龍守 | T10 | Real ray skin | Dragon guardian theme |
| Kokuryū 黒龍 | T8 | Ray skin | Black dragon theme |
| Sochiku 素竹 | T10 | Real ray skin | Bamboo theme |
| Oni-gitsune 鬼狐 | T10 | Real ray skin | Fox spirit theme |
| Shōryū 昇龍 | T10 | Real ray skin | Ascending dragon theme |
| Tōga 涛牙 | Damascus | Real ray skin, cow horn | Wave theme, 20.8 in blade |
See current pricing and availability in the full wakizashi collection.
Caring for a wakizashi
Care is the same as for a katana. Wipe the blade after handling, apply a thin coat of oil, store it in the saya in a dry room, and check the mekugi before each handling. Avoid storing it in a sealed plastic case or a humid basement, where moisture can cause rust on high-carbon steel.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a wakizashi?
A wakizashi blade is traditionally 1 to 2 shaku, about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm). Most MoonSwords wakizashi have a 20 inch (51 cm) blade and measure about 30.7 inches (78 cm) overall in the scabbard.
What is the difference between a wakizashi and a katana?
Length and role. A katana has a blade over 2 shaku (about 24 inches) and is used with two hands. A wakizashi is shorter, usually used with one hand, and was the companion sword worn with the katana.
Is a wakizashi a real sword or a knife?
A wakizashi is a real sword. It is forged and tempered like a katana, with a hamon, a full tang, and a complete set of fittings. The tantō is the knife-length Japanese blade.
Can I buy a wakizashi to match my katana?
Yes. Pairing a katana and wakizashi with similar fittings or themes creates a daishō display. Contact us with the katana you own and we can suggest a matching wakizashi.
Is a wakizashi good for a first sword?
For many collectors, yes. It is lighter, easier to store and display, and usually costs less than a comparable katana while offering the same craftsmanship.