A graceful sword with a deep curve, the tachi is characterized by its beauty of form.

This sword shape was a mainstay during the Heian and Muromachi periods.
The shape was suitable for use by warriors on horseback.

This sword shape was prominent between the Muromachi and Edo periods.
Designed to suit warriors on foot.

During the Edo period, a samurai usually carried a katana and a wakizashi at the waist. The katana was called a daito(large sword), and the wakizashi a shoto, (small sword).
The two together were referred to as daisho.

A smaller sword mainly worn on the body, less than 2 feet in length.
There is also a variety called hira-zukuri, which lacks the ridged pattern on the side of the sword blade (the shinogi).

When forging a daisho (large and small) sword set, both swords are designed with the same features and hamon(blade patten), making them look striking when displayed together.

The hira-zukuri form demonstrates a fluid elegance.
Worn about the waist with a tachi sword or katana.

In the past, women also wore smaller daggers called kaiken.
Short swords are about 24cm in length, but some, called sunnobi daggers, are a little over 30cm.