Katana Parts

Bo-Hi

The Bo-Hi: Groove of Controversy and Myth The bo-hi, more commonly known as the blood groove, is a longitudinal channel carved into the blade of a Japanese sword. Often shrouded...

Ha

The Ha: Where the Sword’s Spirit Lies In the complex lexicon of the Japanese sword, the ha - or cutting edge - holds paramount significance. More than simply the sharpened...

Yokote

The Yokote: Dividing Line and Defining Detail Within the anatomy of a Japanese sword, there exists a subtle yet essential feature known as the yokote. This distinct geometric line forms...

Boshi

The Boshi: Where the Blade's Spirit Resides The boshi is the temper pattern that extends to the very tip (kisaki) of a differentially hardened Japanese sword. Its shape and characteristics...

Hamon

The Hamon: Fire, Steel, and the Soul of the Japanese Sword Among the most captivating features of a traditional Japanese sword is the hamon. This wavy, tempering pattern runs along...

Shinogi and Shinogi-Ji

Shinogi and Shinogi-Ji: Defining the Katana's Form Along the length of a katana blade, from the base to just short of the point, runs a prominent ridge. This ridge is...