This glossary is intended to provide a basic vocabulary to beginning sword collectors and practitioners.  Please forgive any inaccuracies. Terms are listed alphabetically. Feel free to add or edit any information by e-mailing us at hello@swordsoul.com

Aikuchi – A type of Tanto, a subgroup, without a Tsuba or Kurikata.

Batto – The drawing of a sword for action/combat.

Bokken – A wooden Katana used for practice in class, preferably Japanese white oak.

Bo-Hi – Sword grooves. Used either for decoration or to cover up flaws in the sword. Sometimes called a "blood-groove". Lightens sword, and makes the sword sing or whistle when swung.

Bonji – Buddhist Sanskrit characters on a sword, usually representing a deity or prayer. Also used to cover flaws sometimes.

Boshi – The continuation of the Hamon through and around the Kissaki. The Kissaki is an important characteristic in identifying swords for appraisal or Kantei.

Bu Jin – "People of the Samurai Spirit." A philosophy of honor, respect, and contemplation of life's mysteries developed in both women and men, and the people who lived by the Samurai code. Jin is compassion. Bu is the martial or military way.

Budo – The Martial ways, the principle way of the warrior. Fighting and defensive ways.

Bugei – The military arts, including the use of the sword.

Buke – Military person, Samurai.

Bukuro – Sword bag, usually made of fine cotton, silk or both, some antique bags are made of woven hemp.

Bushido – The Way of the Warrior. A code of ethics and moral principles for Samurai. The first works were by Yamaga Soko (1622-85) in Bukyo (The Warrior Creed) and Shido (The Warrior's Way). A contemporary version was written about a hundred years ago by Inazo Nitobe entitled Bushido, The Warriors Code. Bushido is similar to Chivalry.

Chiburi – The act of slinging blood off the blade before re-sheathing. Looks almost like a salute.

Choji – A clove-shaped type of Hamon with numerous varieties and styles.

Choji Oil – Traditional clove oil used to clean and preserve a sword blade. Choji Oil helps prevent rust and won’t go rancid like most vegetable oils.

Chokuto – Prehistoric straight single edge sword, often found in burial mounds.

Daisho – A matched pair of long and short swords, meaning "big/small".

Daito – Long sword Katana carried over shoulder rather than in Obi or slung at the side.

Do – 1. The way. 2. The mid-section or stomach target in Kendo.

Fuchi – Tsuka collar resting before the Seppa. Usually matched to the Kashira as a set.

Fukure – A type of sword flaw where air pockets have created a dark blemish. Sometimes accompanied by a Ware.

Gendai – Blades made post-WWII through today, also known as Gunto.

Gimei – A fake signature on Nakago, usually a copy of a famous sword smith to increase the sword's value.

Gokaden – The 5 traditional schools of sword smiths during the Koto period.

Gunome – A wavy type of Hamon with regular and irregular peaks.

Ha – The cutting edge of the sword; the sharp edge.

Ha-machi – The notch where the Ha descends into the Nakago. This notch is used to set the Habaki in place. Is moved up when the blade is shortened.

Habaki – One or two-piece blade collar around the Nakago, above the tsuba, used to secure the blade into the scabbard or saya. The habaki fits securely into the notches of the Ha and Mune-Machi's. Made from a variety of metals, usually copper, brass, silver and sometimes gold-plated.

Hachimaki – A long piece of cloth wrapped around the head to keep out sweat during fighting or training; a worn bandana.

Hada – The grain in the sword produced by the method of hammering and folding the steel during forging. Many varieties often associated with specific schools. Hada is an important characteristic in Kantei.

Hadari – Left, or left-hand side.

Hakama – Pleated pants worn by martial artists, usually associated with sword practices.

Hako – A box-type of Hamon. Numerous varieties.

Hamadatsu – Also called Kwaiken. A small woman's knife, usually fully tempered, used for protection and Jigai.

Hamidashi – A shorter Wakizashi or larger Tanto with a smaller guard. Often Hira-Zukuri in shape.

Hamon – Heat temper line that outlines the Yakiba. An endless variety of types and shapes often associated with certain schools. To begin with hamons were mostly straight in design, then becoming more wavy and elaborate as time passed, a very important indicator in Kantei.

Hara-Kiri – The name of the lateral cut across the belly used during Seppeku. Often mistaken for Seppeku itself.

Hira-Zukuri – A type of Sugata with no Shinogi or Yokote, a flat surface. Often seen in Tantos and smaller Wakizashis.