A Brief History of the Development of Koshirae Koshirae derives
from the verb “koshirareru”, which is no longer in use nowadays.
Usually “tsukuru” is used instead; both mean “make, create,
manufacture”. More accurate is actually “Toso”, which means
sword-furniture: “Tosogu” are the parts of the mounting in
general, and “Kanagu” stands for those made of metal. “Gaiso”
are the “outer” mountings, as opposed to “Toshin”, the “body” of
the sword. Nihonto are classified by length and koshirae and the
combination of both. Swords over 2 shaku (1 shaku ” 30.3 cm, or
about 1 foot) from tip to munemachi (notch where the tang
starts) are daito, from 1 to 2 shaku are shoto, and under 1
shaku are tanto. The usual daito are the katana and tachi; shoto
are mostly wakizashi, and there is an infinite variety of tanto.
Borderline cases are kodachi (tachi shorter than 2 shaku) and
O-wakizashi (wakizashi of *almost* 2 shaku). Women used to carry
a tanto in the Edo period in a “brocade bag” in their obi; this
tanto for self-defens