Visual Glossary
For a detailed textual listing of the major parts and features of a Japanese sword, we encourage you to visit the excellent Japanese Sword Index which has a good listing and explanation. The diagram below will give most of the basics.
For the different styles of blade shapes and mountings, these can be viewed here.
Collectors are encouraged to learn the basic words for the various parts of the Japanese sword, as these are the common definitions used in English reference works on the subject.
