Choosing Koshirae — Finding the Right Mounting for Your Blade

Koshirae (mountings) are the exterior fittings that dress a sword, playing a crucial role in enhancing its beauty.

Shirasaya vs. koshirae: Shirasaya is a plain wood scabbard for storage. Koshirae are decorative mountings for use and display. Ideally, own both.

Uchigatana koshirae: The most common type, featuring kurigata, kaeri-tsuno, and kojiri fittings. Worn thrust through the obi. Paired with Edo-period and later katana.

Tachi koshirae: Designed to suspend a tachi from the waist. Distinguished by ashi-ganamono (suspension fittings). Used for Kamakura through Muromachi tachi.

Han-dachi koshirae: A hybrid form between tachi and uchigatana, combining formality with practicality.

Match the era: Pairing a Kamakura tachi with Edo-period uchigatana mountings is inappropriate. Choose koshirae that suit your blade's era and status.

We can assist with koshirae consultation and commission arrangements.