Sageo – Cord or Braid attached to the Kurikata of the Saya used to secure it to the Obi or Hakama when worn.

Sakazuno – Obi-hook on the Omote side of some Wakizashi and Tanto Saya.

Saku – Kanji character used after a maker's name. Literally means, "Made" or "Made this". As in "Kane Nori Saku". Sometimes combined with Kore.

Samé – The belly portion of sting ray skin used on top of the wooden Tsuka and below the Ito to improve grip.

Saya – Scabbard for the sword.

Saya-Ate – A challenge, scabbard striking. Hitting one's own scabbard against another's. Considered a grave insult worthy of dueling to the death.

Seiza – Respectful/Formal kneeling position; considered non-threatening in social situations.

Seppa – A pair of washers used between the Habaki and Tsuba and Tsuba and Fuchi there are many varieties, sizes and widths.

Seppeku – The ritual act of taking one's own life by using a Hara-Kiri cut to slice one's stomach open from left to right, then finishing with an upward turn. Usually accompanied by a Kaishuken, or a Second, who would behead the person after to relieve suffering or if he should falter, to save honor. Usually performed with a purified Wakizashi or Tanto in Shirasaya.

Shikomi-Zue – Cane sword. Often called a bamboo walking stick.

Shinai – Bamboo practice sword.

Shin-Gunto – WWII Army sword in military mounts.

Shinogi – The straight ridgeline on either side of the blade from the Mune to the beveled Ha.

Shinogi-Zukuri – The most common type of Sugata in all periods after Heian. A Shinogi and Yokote characterize it.

Shin-Shinto – Literally "New New Sword" period. Swords made after the Shinto period from about 1868-1926AD.

Shinto – Literally "New Sword" period. Between Koto and Shin-Shinto periods; about 1530-1867AD.

Shira-Saya – Plain, natural wood scabbard and Tsuka used to store a blade and Habaki when not in Koshirae, helps protect the blade from rust.

Shobu-Zukuri – A Sugata type similar to Shinogi-Zukuri except that it has no Yokote. Found most often in the Muromachi period, mostly on Tanto and Wakizashi.

Shoto – Short sword; Wakizashi.

Showa-to – Japanese swords produced from 1926 through 1945.

Sori – Curve. Many varieties.

Suburi – A practice/warm-up exercise with the Suburito involving leaping forward and back in time with striking with the Suburito.

Suburito – Large, heavy wooden sword used for sword training. Rumored to be first created by Miyamoto Musashi from a boat oar before a duel.

Sugata – Shape of the blade. There are many different sugata another important characteristic in Kantei.

Sugu (ha) – Straight Hamon. Sometimes called Suguba or Suguha. Many varieties. Used mainly during Koto times.

Suriage – A blade that has been shortened; a blade that has had its Nakago, Mune and Ha-Machi's altered to shorten the blade. Can greatly decrease the value of the blade.

Tachi – 1. A long sword usually over 27 inches with a great curve. Has it's own unique types, shapes, fittings, & history. Used primarily by warriors on horseback to cut down the enemy from above. 2. Standing sword techniques, as in Tachi-waza.

Tameshigiri – Cutting test for a sword done on Bamboo, Tatami or even condemned criminals. Sometimes tested by professionals who record the event on the Nakago. To test the cut of the blade not the swordsperson.

Tanto – Dagger, usually under 10 inches. Many varieties and shapes.

Togi – Professional sword polisher.

Tsuba – Hand guard for a sword. Many varieties and schools, often appraised separately from the rest of the blade.

Tsuka – Wood handle of the sword covered by Same' and Ito.

Tsuka-Maki – The art of wrapping the Tsuka with Ito. Several styles.

Ubu – An unaltered (not shortened) sword or Nakago.

Uchiko – Powder used to remove acid and old oil from the sword blade when cleaning, comes wrapped in silk and cotton shaped like a ball on a stick.

Ura – The side of the Katana facing the body when worn. Opposite of the Omote. Often considered the BACK of the sword. Opposite for a Tachi.

Wakizashi – Medium length sword around 15 inches usually worn in conjunction with the Katana. Also called Shoto. The wakizashi is not removed, as the Katana is, during formal meetings.

Ware – Stress crack. A type of flaw, usually accompanied by a Fukure, forming a long crack along the blade. Can be considered FATAL and render the blade worthless.

Watari-Kashi – A Samurai hired on a temporary basis. Considered above Ronin.

Waza – Techniques or system of techniques. Sword forms; Kata.

Yakiba – The Tempered surface along the edge of the blade between the Ha and Hamon. Outlined by the Hamon.

Yari – Spear.

Yasurime – File Marks on the Nakago used to grip the Tsuka for security. Many types and varieties. Often disappears from older blades, obscured by the Patina (rust).

Yokote – Demarcation line separating the blade from the beginning of the Kissaki.