Nakago Shapes
NAKAGO (中心 or 忠)
Tang shapes on Japanese Swords
The tang or the part of the Japanese blade that goes into the handle (tsuka) or pole is called a nakago. There are several shapes (gata) that vary in length, curvature, thickness. Many are indicative of a school, Den or smith. Below are examples of some of these.
Sakibari (先張り), kakubari (角張り) or shippari (尻張り)
Refers to a wide nakago with almost parallel edges. Seen mainly on Bizen blades.
Kijimomo-gata
Pheasant thigh shaped tang.
Funagata (舟形)
Refers to a short and stubby nakago, in the shape of a ship bottom, that bulges strongly outward on the ha side, or edge. Seen commonly on Soshu style tanto.
Furisode-gata
A tang that resembles the long sleeve on a young woman's kimono.
Gohei-gata (御幣形)
A nakago shape with paired steps on each side (mune & ha). This name refers to the strips of white paper hung at the enterance of Shintō shrines. Seen in the works of Ise no Kami Kuniteru.
