Habaki

The Habaki has two important functions. 1) It is the anchor for the Tsuka (Hilt or Handle), seppa (washers) and Tsuba (guard). It is mounted over the nakago (tang) and stops at the munemachi (back notch) and the hamachi (cutting edge notch.) 2) It forms a tapered friction point to hold the blade in the saya (scabbard).

As a loose rule on blades with older habaki; gold habaki are usually found on koto (pre 1600) blades, and silver habaki are found on later blades.

They are either one or two piece.

Gold Foil Habaki

A copper habaki wrapped in gold foil.

Silver Foil Habaki

A copper habaki wrapped in silver foil.

Copper Habaki

Shakudo Habaki

Shakudo is an alloy of copper with 4-10 percent gold. When treated with chemicals, it darkens to an indigo or black.

Carved Silver Habaki