Wakizashi Sword for Sale, Authentic Japanese Companion Blades in Carbon Steel

The wakizashi (脇差) is the defining companion sword of the samurai, worn at the left hip alongside the katana as part of the legendary daisho pairing. More than a backup weapon, the wakizashi was the blade a samurai kept closest in the most intimate and dangerous situations: indoor combat where the full-length katana was impossible to draw, close-quarters confrontations where speed mattered more than reach, and the ceremonial moments that defined the samurai code of honour.

At Japanese Swords, every wakizashi sword for sale in our collection is crafted in genuine carbon steel, hand-finished, full-tang, and built to the same standard as our katanas. Whether you are completing a daisho pair, adding a exceptional piece to your collection, or looking for a shorter blade for martial arts practice, you will find the right wakizashi here.

What Is a Wakizashi?

The word wakizashi translates as “side insertion”, a direct reference to how it was worn, tucked into the belt at the samurai’s left side. With a blade typically between 30 and 60 cm (12 to 24 inches), the wakizashi sits between the tanto and the katana in length, sharing the katana’s curved, single-edged geometry while offering significantly greater manoeuvrability in confined spaces.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), the Tokugawa shogunate formalised the wearing of the daisho as the exclusive right and duty of the samurai class, making the katana and wakizashi together the official symbol of samurai status. Merchants, artisans, and commoners were prohibited from wearing the katana but could carry a wakizashi for self-defence, giving the blade a unique social significance that extended beyond the warrior class.

The wakizashi served multiple purposes in feudal Japan: as a sidearm sword and backup weapon when the katana was unavailable; as an indoor combat blade in tight spaces such as corridors and rooms where a full-length sword could not be drawn or swung effectively; and as a ceremonial weapon used in seppuku and other rituals central to the samurai code of honour.

Wakizashi Variants, from Ko-Wakizashi to O-Wakizashi

Not all wakizashi are the same length. The blade’s versatility across different combat situations led to the development of two recognised variants:

  • Ko-wakizashi (“small wakizashi”): blade length below 45 cm, closer to the tanto in size. Faster to draw, easier to conceal, and particularly suited to close-quarters fighting. Sometimes worn by women of the samurai class as a self-defence weapon.
  • Chu-wakizashi (“medium wakizashi”): the standard form, blade length between 45 and 52 cm. The most common wakizashi, balancing speed and reach in a versatile all-purpose companion blade.
  • O-wakizashi (“large wakizashi”): blade length approaching 60 cm, close to a short katana. Maximises reach while remaining manageable indoors. A natural choice for those who want a shorter functional blade without sacrificing cutting power.

Many of our wakizashi blades also feature a bohi, the narrow groove running along the flat of the blade that reduces weight, improves balance, and produces the characteristic whistle of a sword in motion.

The Daisho, Completing the Samurai’s Pair

The daisho (大小, literally “large-small”) is the paired combination of katana and wakizashi that defined the samurai’s armament and identity from the Edo period onwards. Worn together, the two blades complemented each other perfectly: the katana for open combat and long-range engagement, the wakizashi for close-quarters, indoor situations, and as a backup when the katana was sheathed or unavailable.

The most celebrated practitioner of two-sword fighting was Miyamoto Musashi, whose Niten Ichi-Ryu (“two heavens as one”) style elevated the simultaneous use of katana and wakizashi into a complete martial art. His legendary duels and his treatise The Book of Five Rings cemented the wakizashi’s status not just as a backup blade, but as an equal partner to the katana in the hands of a master.

Owning a matched daisho is one of the most striking ways to display Japanese sword craftsmanship. Browse our full range of katanas to find a matching blade, or contact us if you are looking for a specific pairing. A tanto can also complete a three-sword set alongside the daisho.

Who Is a Wakizashi For?

  • Collectors: the wakizashi is one of the most historically significant Japanese blades to own. Displayed alone it is a striking piece; displayed alongside a katana as a daisho pair, it becomes an exceptional centrepiece that tells the full story of the samurai’s armament.
  • Martial artists: the wakizashi is used in several Japanese martial arts disciplines, including iaido, kenjutsu, battodo, ninjutsu, and kendo. Its shorter length makes it ideal for practising draw techniques in confined spaces and for partner drills requiring a secondary blade.
  • First-time buyers: the wakizashi’s shorter blade makes it more approachable than a full-length katana while offering the same construction quality and the same authentic Japanese sword experience. It makes an exceptional first Japanese sword and an equally exceptional gift.

Wakizashi vs Tanto, Which Short Blade Is Right for You?

Both the wakizashi and the tanto are shorter than the katana, but they are designed for different purposes and carry different characters:

  • The wakizashi (30 to 60 cm) shares the katana’s curved geometry and cutting-focused design. It is a fully functional short sword, capable of the same slashing and cutting techniques as a katana at reduced range.
  • The tanto (under 30 cm) is thicker, straighter, and optimised for thrusting and piercing rather than cutting. It is a dagger in function as much as a sword.

If you want a shorter functional sword for display, martial arts, or as a katana companion, the wakizashi is the right choice. If you want the most compact and precise blade in the Japanese tradition, explore our tanto collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a wakizashi and a katana?The wakizashi has a shorter blade (30 to 60 cm) compared to the katana (60 to 73 cm), making it faster to draw and more effective in confined spaces. Both share the same curved, single-edged geometry and are built with the same construction standards. The katana is the primary combat sword; the wakizashi is the companion blade, worn together as the daisho pair.
What is a daisho?The daisho is the traditional pairing of a katana (long sword) and a wakizashi (short sword), worn together by samurai as a symbol of their status and martial readiness. The word means “large-small” in Japanese, referring to the two complementary blade lengths.
Is a wakizashi legal in the UK ?Yes, it is legal in the uk, provided it is produced using traditional methods of making swords by hand. All wakizashi swords sold by Japanese Swords are produced using the Marugitae (丸鍛え) forging method, hand-polished and hand-assembled, and sold strictly to collectors and martial arts practitioners.
Can a wakizashi be used for martial arts practice?Yes. The wakizashi features in several Japanese martial arts including iaido, kenjutsu, battodo, kendo, and ninjutsu. Our unsharpened wakizashi are ideal for partner drills, kata practice, and draw technique training. Our sharp versions are for experienced practitioners and collectors.
What is a ko-wakizashi?A ko-wakizashi (“small wakizashi”) has a blade length below 45 cm, making it shorter and faster to draw than a standard wakizashi. It sits between the tanto and the full wakizashi in length, and was historically carried as a concealed self-defence weapon.
What steel are your wakizashi blades made from?All wakizashi in our collection are made from genuine carbon steel with a minimum of 1060 high carbon steel. Full-tang construction throughout. No stainless steel, no zinc alloy.
Does a wakizashi come with a saya?Yes, every wakizashi in our collection includes a lacquered wooden saya, matching sageo cord, and a certificate of authenticity. The blade is delivered complete and ready to display or use.

Browse the full wakizashi collection above and find the companion blade that speaks to you. Complete your daisho with one of our katanas, add a tanto for a three-sword set, or read our guide to choosing a Japanese sword if you are still deciding.