Sword Size Guide — Differences Between Tachi, Katana, Wakizashi, and Tanto

Japanese swords are classified by blade length.

Tachi: Over 60cm. Deep curvature suited for mounted combat. Worn edge-down, suspended from the waist. Primarily Kamakura through Nanbokucho.

Katana (Uchigatana): Over 60cm. Less curvature than tachi, worn edge-up thrust through the obi. The standard from Muromachi onward.

Wakizashi: 30-60cm. Worn as companion sword alongside katana (daisho). For self-defense and indoor combat.

Tanto: Under 30cm. A small self-defense blade. Also used as women's kaiken.

For beginners, a katana of 65-70cm blade length is recommended — the most common and displayable form.