Wakizashi: Short sword Samurai worn. Originally, the term "wakizashi" was used to mean any sword worn on the side of the main sword. Later, the term was used to denote the group of swords which were shorter than the main sword of the samurai, and as a result, "wakizashi" acquired the meaning of the side sword, because a side sword was shorter than the main sword by its nature. The wakizashi was usually worn together with the katana to make a Daisho or pair by the samurai or swordsmen of feudal Japan. It was, essentially, a shorter katana that could be wielded with one hand and came at handy when, at many times, the katana’s length was a disadvantage. The first usage of a wakizashi dates back to the period between 1332 and 1369. For example, Oda Nobunaga (織田 信長, 1534–1582) wore a daishō pair of uchigatana: a Katana with a Wakizashi. This reflects the common practice of wearing a wakizashi as the side sword of a katana. The wakizashi was also used to perform seppuku. Most wakizashis are between 12 to 24 inches.
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