"Tosogu" refer to the various metal fittings found on a Japanese sword. Below a Chisagatana style mount is shown with the most common fittings. The Koiguchi, Kurikata, and Kaishizuno are often made of black horn.

The Tsuba is often referred to as the hand guard.
The Tsuba is the "center" piece of the sword. It can be highly ornate or very simple. There are many features, some of which can be included or not. The historical variations in design and decoration are astounding.  The Seppa-Dai is an area that is mostly obscured when the sword is mounted. It gets covered by the seppa. Histu-ana are holes that allow a Kogai or Kozuka to pass through as the sword is sheathed.  These are often seen with gold or shakudo plugs installed. Any of the ana can be ommited from a design save for the nakago ana of course.

Measureing a blade to determine the size of the primary fittings.


The Habaki is The heart of a good sword. The hows and whys of it's construction are very important to achieve an attractive long lasting mount.
Below are some terms I use when discussing Habaki.

Just a few of the many Tsuba shapes...