Pop Japan

The Habaki or blade collar usually functions as an anchor for the Tsuka (sword hilt), Seppa (washers), and Tsuba (guard). It is mounted over the nakago and stops at the munemachi (back notch) and the Hamachi (cutting edge notch).

It helps in locking the tsuba in position, sometimes with the aid of seppa or spacers, and also locks the blade into the saya, holding it in place so the katana will not easily slide out.

Pre-1600 blades, also known as koto, are usually using a habaki made out of gold while the later ones can be seen with silver habaki.

Tags: bladesmith, habaki, katana, blade collar, tsuka, seppa, tsuba, koto, silver habaki