Japanese

Definition

The notches dividing the blade proper from the tang. The notch on the blade side is called hamachi; that on the mune side is known as the munemachi.

Japanese

Definition

A "greatly shortened" nakago. The o-suriage nakago is formed from the part of the blade (originally), while suriage nakago is more just reshaped. In this case the signature is usually lost, unless orikaeshi-mei or gaku-mei have been performed.

Japanese

Definition

The tang of the sword; that part of the blade, below the machi, which is inserted into the hilt (tsuka). It is finished by hammering or filing, and often bears a carved signature. The hilt is attached by means of a peg (mekugi) inserted through a special hole (mekugi+ana) in the nakago.

Depending on the condition of nakago the following terms can be applied:

• ubu (生ぶ) - for original, unshortened nakago
• suriage (磨上) - for mildly shortened nakago
• o-suriage (大磨上) - for greatly shortened nakago