Kozuka

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Kozuka (Kogatana) and Kogai.

Kozuka ( jap. 小柄 , literally "little hand") - often falsely Kozuga written - mostly serves as a label for the In eaters of Japanese swords. In fact, Kozuka only refers to the often artistically designed handle of the accessory knife. The actual knife is called a kogatana ( 小刀 , literally: "small sword" / katana ).

Tsuba with openings for Kozuka and Kogai

The Kozuka was probably used by the Japanese warriors as an all-purpose knife in the field, for example for skinning and cutting up game or as an aid in making arrows . Kozuka were also thought to have been used as throwing knives .

In addition to the Kozuka , the kogai (sword needle) was often carried along. Kozuka and Kogai are mostly inserted through specially designed openings in the tsuba (sword blade ) - which are called Kozuka-Hitsu ( 小 柄 櫃 ) or Kogai-Hitsu ( 笄 櫃 ) - into a special recess in the Saya (scabbard) of the sword. Sometimes Kozuka was carried in a side pocket attached to the Saya . Saya , which Kozuka and / or Kogai can hold , are difficult to manufacture and therefore very expensive.

Kozuka are popular collectibles these days. Often Kozuka , i.e. only the handles, are actually collected or traded.

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