Rugged Tanto

継続は力なり

Perserverance is also a power.

Steeped in Tradition

Epic Armoury’s Rugged Tanto is a 55 cm LARP dagger inspired by the weapons of feudal Japan. Its 37 cm straight blade has a single-edge, shaped to slash or pierce with perfection. The tanto is meant to be paired with a katana or wakizashi, and serves as a backup weapon in close quarters.

This Rugged Tanto is made of soft EVA foam and is coated in a thick layer of protective latex. Each dagger is hand painted, decorated to look like steel and textured brass without the danger of wielding a real sharpened blade. This particular product features a rectangular crossguard that protects the 15 cm ergonomic grip wrapped in a leather cord. The pommel is sculpted as a flexible ring, ideal for attaching small trophies or ribbon to match your house colours. The leather cord continues up the blade to create a short ricasso.

Special care has been taken to ensure our LARP weapons are safe. This Rugged Tanto was constructed around a solid fibreglass rod core and a flexible kevlar tip to prevent punctures. It’s latex finish require some maintenance to maximize its use and your wellbeing.

Dating Back to the Heian Period

• Traditionally used by samurai of feudal Japan
• Designed to be drawn from the sheath quickly
• Paired with a katana or wakizashi by samurai to display social power and personal honor
• A smaller version of this knife would be used by women, hidden in their obi for self-defense

Your Dai Katana was handed to you by your master, many years ago. It had been a bittersweet moment for you, because while it meant you had overcome all obstacles in your training, it also meant that it was time to set out on your own.

You find the handle comforting, your hand finding its usual well-worn grip. As a traveling samurai--a ronin--your sword is your only consistent companion.

You look beyond the campfire where a fresh fish now cooks, sizzling in the heat, looking to the flickering shadows along the treeline. You have the sense that tonight you and your sword may once again be tested as you hear the unmistakable snap of a twig, your grip on the sword tightening in anticipation.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Dai Katana is a latex-hybrid sword featuring a distinctive Asian appearance with a squared guard. The sword is 100 cm long from tip to pommel, with a 70 cm slender, single-edged blade. The long detailed handle accommodates two hands and a firm, comfortable grip while on the battlefield. The handle is 20 cm long, cast and painted to look like fabric bound in menuki-style.

Whether you are a honorable samurai or sneaky ninja, this Dai Katana is our highest quality gear due to its impressive durability and detail. The blade is made from closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, while the handle is a polyurethane foam cast that allows for greater detail and no maintenance. This hybrid model sword will make you confident in the safety and appeal of your weapon on the battlefield.

HISTORY

• Traditionally used by samurai of feudal Japan
• Designed to be drawn from the sheath quickly to accommodate combat that required fast response times
• Paired with a “tanto” or “wakizashi” by samurai to display social power and personal honor

Your Nodachi was handed to you by your master, many years ago. It had been a bittersweet moment for you, because while it meant you had overcome all obstacles in your training, it also meant that it was time to set out on your own.

You find the handle comforting, your hand finding its usual well-worn grip. As a traveling samurai--a ronin--your sword is your only consistent companion.

You look beyond the campfire where a fresh fish now cooks, sizzling in the heat, looking to the flickering shadows along the treeline. You have the sense that tonight you and your sword may once again be tested as you hear the unmistakable snap of a twig, your grip on its handle tightening in anticipation.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Dai Katana is a latex-hybrid sword featuring a distinctive Asian appearance with a squared guard. The sword is 140 cm long from tip to pommel, with a 105 cm slender, single-edged blade. The long detailed handle accommodates two hands and a firm, comfortable grip while on the battlefield. The handle is 24 cm long, cast and painted to look like fabric bound in a diamond patterned menuki-style.

Whether you are an honorable samurai or sneaky ninja, this Nodachi is our highest quality gear due to its impressive durability and detail. The blade is made from closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, while the handle is a polyurethane foam cast that allows for greater detail and no maintenance. This hybrid model sword will make you confident in the safety and appeal of your weapon on the battlefield.

HISTORY

• Nodachi means “field sword” in Japanese
• Required extensive training to be used correctly
• Considered a symbol of skill and status, made to look dangerous in the hands of elite troops
• Typically used for ceremonies, duelling and calvarymen due to its long blade size

This bestselling Epic Armoury Maintenance Silicone is used for maintenance of Live Action Role Playing foam weapons and equipment covered with latex and/or varnish.

Directions for use:

Latex equipment must be coated with a thin layer of silicone at all times. This prevents the surfaces from drying out, and will prolong the lifespan of your latex equipment. Always check your latex equipment before and after each use. Spray the silicone directly onto your latex product and work it into the entire surface (avoiding leather handles) either with a piece of cloth or using a flat hand. If necessary, wipe off any excess with a dry cotton cloth. Always store your latex equipment in a dry and dark place.

Silence. Perfect silence.

You use the silence as a cloak of armour, masked in the darkness with the help of your Mempo, waiting for the perfect opportunity. You ready your throwing knives, ready to launch your deadly attack when the lord finally emerges from inside the keep. One quick flick of your wrist and the lord breathes his last, you knife hitting its mark...and you vanish, leaving their guards bewildered and afraid.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Mempo is a leather half-mask inspired by early Asian soldiers. This mask protects the face from the bridge of the nose to the chin. Four ventilation slits allow proper airflow through the mask’s mouth, designed to be comfortably worn for long periods of time. Secure the mask to your face by tying two long cotton-weave cords around the head.

Made from 3mm thick vegetable-tanned full-grain leather, Epic Armoury’s Mempo is designed to add a great layer to your fantasy or historic costume. With the best quality materials, this mask is built to withstand extensive abuse with regular leather care.

HISTORY

• Worn by Japanese and Chinese infantry and cavalry from as early as 200 BC
• Used to balance and secure top-heavy helmets, often decorated to give the wearer an extra fierce look

Shredder would have bought them from us if it wasn't for those damn Turtles!

NOTE: Gloves worn by model are sold separately to the bazubands. These are the Epic Armoury Leather Gloves - Suede.

You’ve been eyeing those gleaming, beautiful Bazubands for weeks. They are still available at the same craftsman’s stall, set on display for all those to see. You keep imagining how those bracers are befitting a warrior, intimidating and skilled. If you wore them, maybe you would become just a little more like a hero.

Unfortunately, you can’t afford such master crafting. The asking price is more than you could make in a year! But you simply can’t stop thinking about them...maybe that craftsman would be interested in an incredibly enthusiastic apprentice?

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Polished Steel Bazuband is an elegant piece of armour designed to protect your forearms. The Bazuband is a compromise between the discomfort of gauntlets and the mobility of demi-gauntlets, providing comfort and the freedom of movement you desire. Paired with your own leather glove, these robust steel plates efficiently protect the back of your hand, thumb, and underarm while strong chainmail connect the plates to ensure unbridled--but protected--movement.

The Bazuband is fully usable with other Epic Armoury metal products, giving you the freedom to customize your character’s costume. Made of 1 mm thick mild steel and vegetable-tanned leather straps and fittings, this armour piece is built to withstand the abuse of a LARP or reenactment with regular leather and metal armour care.

Gloves sold separately

HISTORY

• Originated in the Asia Minor during the 12th- to 14th-centuries
• Specifically designed to protect the wrist to the elbow
• Also known as naruchi (Russia and Eastern Europe) and dastana (India)

The best made armour is crafted by the most skilled smiths, the leather worked with such precision and care that the wearer can move unhindered, but still protected on the battlefield.

You have commissioned a leather crafter to create a pair of Samurai Bracers for you. Before she is paid you want to be certain it is properly made armour, and so you conduct a test. With the bracers properly tied to your arm, you perform a series of sword drills, faster than the eye can properly see.

The bracers are perfect.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Samurai Bracers are a set of leather vambraces designed to protect the forearms and hands in combat. Made from full-grain leather, these bracers have been sculpted to comfortably follow the shape of the arms. The leather has been hardened and the edges curved to add structural strength that will ensure added protection and longevity.

Comfortably secure the Samurai Bracers by lacing the leather cords on the underside and tightly wrap the heavy cotton fabric around the wrist. Attach the handguard by gripping the cotton cord around the knuckles. Inspired by Asian traditional armour, these bracers are perfectly matched with other products from Epic Armoury’s Asian Universe.

HISTORY

• Hand and arm protection are one of the oldest forms of armour, due to its importance in combat
• This particular style might also be referred to as a demi-gauntlet, due to its limited finger protection

The armour of the true warrior is in his heart.
But having something over that often helps.

The best made armour is crafted by the most skilled smiths, the leather worked with such precision and care that the wearer can move unhindered, but still protected on the battlefield.

You have commissioned a leather crafter to create Samurai Armour for you. Before she is paid you want to be certain it is properly made armour, and so you conduct a test. With the chestplate properly tied to your torso, you perform a series of sword drills, faster than the eye can properly see.

The armour is perfect.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Samurai Armour is a leather cuirass designed as part of the Asian Universe. Inspired by traditional samurai, this cuirass is laminar armour made from long horizontal full-grain leather plates. With attached leather tassets, shoulderguards, and a cotton foundation, this armour uses overlapping plates to provide protection and excellent mobility. Each plate is tied together and adjusted using sturdy canvas cords.

This Samurai Armour has been shaped and molded to feel particularly stiff like steel, but can be put on as easily as a surcoat with adjustable long cotton straps at the flanks. This armour offers great movement on its own or can be worn with chain armour or other Epic Armour leather or metal works, giving you the freedom to create any samurai inspired character that you want. With regular leather care, you can expect this Samurai Armour to last a long time.

Available in colours Red and Black; and size Medium/Large.

HISTORY

• This armour would be considered a type of kiritsuke iyozane dou, or simulated large scale lamellar
• Considered a type of dou, in Japanese, and was a major component of Japanese armour
• Thigh guards hanging from the cuirass were called kusazuri
• Shoulder armour was called sode, often made from iron and leather plates
• Would have often been worn with chain armour (or kusari)
• Long cotton cords would be tied into decorative knots

As the last snow fell to the ground, our warrior took a deep breath. His meditation had once again been filled with dark thoughts and he hadn't been able to find peace… yet. He released a long sigh and watched the steam escape from his body in contact with the cold. As the village woke up, he too, would get to work. He hadn't always been welcomed, let alone considered a samurai. But he had known, with time and devotion, to prove his worth. Slowly unfolding his legs from his seiza, he took his Japanese katana that he had placed in front of him and put it back in its sheath. It was with astonishment that he had learned on his arrival that the word Samurai means "one who serves" and although he had long been their prisoner of war, living among such different people had taught him more than through his twenty years in service to the king. Treated at first as an inconvenient guest, however, he had never received so much hatred and contempt as in his former life. His katana grew heavier for a breath… His old life. The warrior smiled slightly and shrugged, as if to convince himself that he was no longer attached to that past. He was now a Samurai, devoted to the perfection of his art and perhaps, one day, he would even find his peace.

The katana is a Japanese thrusting sword whose cutting edge is also used. It is a lethal weapon but also a work of art representing the soul of the samurai who wears it. This latex weapon will be the centerpiece of a Japanese-inspired character and will command respect whether you're a proud samurai or a fallen Ronin

As with all of our Athena products, this model includes:

• A soft and robust reinforced point designed for the estoc;
• A solid structure ready to parry
• A counterweight in the handle for unparalleled maneuverability;
• A 2 year warranty 
• LATEX-FREE and waterproof varnish
• Safe foam fake weapon designed for LARP combat, cosplay, theater and film.

Product may differ slightly from the selected image.

The Athena line, from Nemesis Workshops, is a mass produced line of high quality LARP weapons.

Athena is a new thermoforming manufacturing process that we have developed in order to offer high quality products at the cutting edge of technology. 

Thanks to this new process, Nemesis has taken the quality of their products to a higher level. Safer due to reinforced tips, durable due to quality materials and foam fusion during thermoforming, incredible balance due to the weighting system in the handles, flawless blades due to high precision molds, and daggers ready to parry due to a more robust fiberglass rod.

While katantas were known to be more efficient and deadly, some situations were unsuitable for these weapons. This is why swords such as the tanto and the wakizashi were created. More practical, they could be hidden and be used in tight spaces. They also didn’t restrict the movements of the one using it, which was perfect for a hasty retreat.

Seldom used as a main weapon, the tanto was often used as a secondary weapon in a two-weapon fighting style, or when a katana would be impractical.

Workshop

The Tanto II is the natural evolution of the first generation of this Squire sword. Always made of safe Calimacil foam, this weapon will give you years of good use thanks to its unrivalled durability. The guard of the sword is now steel-coloured and the handle is brown. The blade stays silver-coloured to make a unique and incredibly realistic weapon.

Characters

Characters inspired by eastern culture will appreciate this weapon. Noble samurais can wield it as a secondary weapon, ninjas have been known to use it while hidden in the shadows, and smaller characters such as Hobbits and Goblins, can wield them as full-length katanas.

Founded in 2004 in the cold windswept plains of the eastern Canada, Calimacil set out from its inception to become a world-class supplier of high-end LARP and historical re-enactment foam weapons. Our lavishly decorated designs are inspired by the martial lore of history, legends and stories taken directly from the dreamscapes of heroic fantasy. Our products are manufactured by an eager band of artisans made of passionate LARP players, martial arts practitioners and hardcore gamers. Playing is a fundamental part of the company's ethos as it focuses our creative energies and drives us to create new exciting weapons models. best foam weapon to play with.

The best made blades are forged by the most skilled swordsmiths, the metal worked with such precision and care that the edge can cut through flesh so cleanly that a person might not even know they have been cut.

You have commissioned a swordsmith to craft you such a Wakizashi. Before he is paid you want to be certain it is a properly made blade, and so you conduct a test. You produce a silken sheet, allowing it to descend lightly onto the Wakizashi’s edge. The sheet is cut cleanly, not a thread mismatched.

The blade is perfect.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Wakizashi is a latex-hybrid short sword favoured by both deadly ninja assassins and samurai alike. The sword is 60 cm from tip to pommel with a 40 cm straight, single-edged blade, hand painted to look like real metal. A small oval crossguard protects the 20 cm handle, cast and painted to look like fabric bound in menuki-style.

Whether you are a samurai or ninja, this Wakizashi is our highest quality gear due to its impressive durability and detail. The blade is made from closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, while the handle is a polyurethane foam cast that allows for greater detail and no maintenance. This hybrid model sword will make you confident in the safety and appeal of your weapon on the battlefield.

HISTORY

• Traditionally used by samurai of feudal Japan
• Paired with a katana by samurai to display social power and personal honor

The ashigarus stormed inside the wealthy samurai's home, quickly rummaging through personal affairs for loot and supplies. They were rogue soldiers, treacherous men-at-arms devolved into mere bandits. They knew the samurai was away, for it was he they abandoned when they deserted. His home must have seemed like the perfect target to raid. There were three of them, armed with spears and matchlock guns. They couldn't have picked a worse house to break in. In a storm of silk and flowing dark hair, the woman of the house jumped into the room. She had been stalking them since they entered the domain, slowly observing their movement while she was preparing her ambush. She was a noble wife of the samurai caste, an okugatasama, and it was her solemn duty to defend her home from these lowly thieves. Inside the walls of her home, their long polearms were clunky and cumbersome, while she was armed with a short tanto, the well-crafted blade nimble and deadly in her trained hands. She had been sparing with her sisters and her household's servants for years; she was no defenceless dove.

The samurai wife nimbly dodged a spear trust from the most vigilant ashigaru before slipping past his reach and quickly ending him, striking the inside of his arm, past his breastplate. A crimson tide announced her she hit true, and she dived toward the next bandit, who was still fumbling with his gun, quickly giving up using the complicated black powder weapon to simply try to club her to death with the wooden shaft. She proved faster, and dodged low, striking the ankle before pushing him in the chest with her open hand, all her weight behind the strike. She watched him fall over and crawl helplessly in a puddle of his own making, too injured to stand. The last man stared at her a moment, hesitant, before abandoning his comrade and running out of the house, stuffing jewelry in his pockets as he escaped. The woman calmly leaned to grab the matchlock gun in her hand, and with a huntress's calm, she leaned the canon against a window frame, aiming and finishing what she started, a cloud of smoke partially hiding from her the collapsing body of the coward.

The tanto, also referred to as a kaiken, was part of the traditional arsenal used by the Japanese samurai warriors and also for self-defence. This short latex blade is the perfect dagger equivalent for Japanese inspired characters, may they be sneaky ninjas, noble samurais, powerful shoguns, or adventurous ronins in LARP.

As with all of Athena products, this model includes:

• A soft and robust reinforced point designed for the estoc;
• A solid structure ready to parry
• A counterweight in the handle for unparalleled maneuverability;
• A 2 year warranty 
• LATEX-FREE and waterproof varnish
• Safe foam fake weapon designed for LARP combat, cosplay, theater and film.

 Product may differ slightly from the selected image.

The Athena line, from Nemesis Workshops, is a mass produced line of high quality LARP weapons.

Athena is a new thermoforming manufacturing process that we have developed in order to offer high quality products at the cutting edge of technology. 

Thanks to this new process, Nemesis has taken the quality of their products to a higher level. Safer due to reinforced tips, durable due to quality materials and foam fusion during thermoforming, incredible balance due to the weighting system in the handles, flawless blades due to high precision molds, and daggers ready to parry due to a more robust fiberglass rod.

Tsuba not included

Like all the kids in his city, Sashi wanted to become a samurai. Before one of them, his eyes became full of stars and he thought of the encounter for days. Like any other kid, never he would have dared to take to one, so important next to his little person. Like everyone, he dreamt day and night about what he could accomplish later in life.

What took him appart from the other boys his age was his iron will. While they played, every moment he had was used for combat training, protocol lessons and martial arts practice. By 15, while they helped their parents in the fields, he was accepted as a pupil of a samurai. He would have the honour of learning from him the ancient arts. Before being a samurai himself, he could not wield the katana; his master’s wakizashi was all he needed.

Workshop

The wakizashi II is the natural evolution of a historical weapon. Made from Calimacil foam, this weapon introduces a new, thinner blade, but safe and durable as always. This blade is steel-coloured ans has silver accents for a perfect illusion. The white handle is wrapped with black ribbon while the pommel and guard are golden, for a touch of nobility and details.

Character

Historical weapon of the East, the wakizashi is a great addition to any noble warrior or pure follower of the emperor. Normally used as a secondary weapon in two-weapon fighting style, it can nontheless be used alone when needed, or as a primary weapon for smaller characters such as some mythical creatures of lore.

Founded in 2004 in the cold windswept plains of the eastern Canada, Calimacil set out from its inception to become a world-class supplier of high-end LARP and historical re-enactment foam weapons. Our lavishly decorated designs are inspired by the martial lore of history, legends and stories taken directly from the dreamscapes of heroic fantasy. Our products are manufactured by an eager band of artisans made of passionate LARP players, martial arts practitioners and hardcore gamers. Playing is a fundamental part of the company's ethos as it focuses our creative energies and drives us to create new exciting weapons models. best foam weapon to play with.

Traditional weapon of the Samurai, ninjas and other Oriental-based characters. Its quickness and balance make it one of our most popular models.Like all our swords, this model includes:-A soft and resisting tip made for thrusting- Sturdy and flexible reinforcements along the whole length of the blade- A counter weight in the handle for enhanced handling- One year limited warranty against workmanship defects

Please allow 2-3 months for all Atelier Nemesis weapons as they are made to order and shipped from Canada

Nemesis Workshops (also known as Ateliers Nemesis) has specialized for 15 years in the design and manufacture of weapons for LARP and Cosplay. In addition, we manufacture props, costumes, creatures, sets and promotional products for film, theatre, corporate, as well as various types of immersive entertainment activities (GN/LARP).

Our reputation for excellence has earned us worldwide recognition in these fields. Our high-end weapons for recreational combat are sold and distributed in more than a dozen countries. Our expertise in composite materials, as well as our passion for challenge, has allowed us to create and design many costumes, creatures, accessories and puppets for a myriad of different environments.

From acrobatic performances to stunts, from large-scale shows, from the excessive to the realistic or the fantastic: Nemesis Workshop approach is to design products that meet everyone’s requirements and to be inspired by your dreams to make them come true. From sketch to realization, we offer a great flexibility of manufacturing means to ensure development, in addition to fast production for almost all accessories and costumes to meet the specific needs of our customers.

Beyond our creative talents and production capabilities, we have formed over the years an efficient and talented network of craftsmen. Thus, we have at our disposal a creative team ready to carry out large-scale projects that may require complementary skills. Our varied clientele is composed of individuals, merchants, distributors, theatre companies, film and video game producers, advertising agencies, photographers and corporate companies working in the event industry.

The tanto was usually worn by the revered Samurai, and also be a natural choice for any oriental characters.

Stalks used for the structure being of a small diameter, this weapon cannot serve to block another weapon.

Like all our knifes, this model includes:

• A soft and resisting tip made for thrusting
• Sturdy and flexible reinforcements along the whole length of the blade
• Moulded rubber handle for easy and solid grip
• One year limited warranty against workmanship defects

Please sllow 2-3 months for all Atelier Nemesis products as they are made to order and shipped from Canada.

Nemesis Workshops (also known as Ateliers Nemesis) has specialized for 15 years in the design and manufacture of weapons for LARP and Cosplay. In addition, we manufacture props, costumes, creatures, sets and promotional products for film, theatre, corporate, as well as various types of immersive entertainment activities (GN/LARP).

Our reputation for excellence has earned us worldwide recognition in these fields. Our high-end weapons for recreational combat are sold and distributed in more than a dozen countries. Our expertise in composite materials, as well as our passion for challenge, has allowed us to create and design many costumes, creatures, accessories and puppets for a myriad of different environments.

From acrobatic performances to stunts, from large-scale shows, from the excessive to the realistic or the fantastic: Nemesis Workshop approach is to design products that meet everyone’s requirements and to be inspired by your dreams to make them come true. From sketch to realization, we offer a great flexibility of manufacturing means to ensure development, in addition to fast production for almost all accessories and costumes to meet the specific needs of our customers.

Beyond our creative talents and production capabilities, we have formed over the years an efficient and talented network of craftsmen. Thus, we have at our disposal a creative team ready to carry out large-scale projects that may require complementary skills. Our varied clientele is composed of individuals, merchants, distributors, theatre companies, film and video game producers, advertising agencies, photographers and corporate companies working in the event industry.

This item has been discontinued

The best made blades are forged by the most skilled swordsmiths, the metal worked with such precision and care that the edge can cut through flesh so cleanly that a person might not even know they are dead.

You have commissioned a swordsmith to craft you a Wakizashi. Before he is paid you want to be certain it is a properly made blade, and so you conduct a test. You produce a silken sheet, allowing it to descend lightly onto the Wakizashi’s edge. The sheet is cut cleanly, not a thread mismatched.

The blade is perfect.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Wakizashi is a high-quality latex short sword favoured by both deadly ninja assassins and samurai alike. The 40 cm straight blade is single-edged, handpainted to look like real metal. A small oval crossguard protects the 15 cm handle, which is bound in menuki-style using durable leather.

Made from durable closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, you can feel confident that your LARP weapon will provide the safety and appeal you want when crafting your Asian-inspired kit.

HISTORY

• Traditionally used by samurai of feudal Japan
• Designed to be drawn from the sheath quickly to accommodate combat that required fast response times
• Paired with a katana or wakizashi by samurai to display social power and personal honor

The best made blades are forged by the most skilled swordsmiths, the metal worked with such precision and care that the edge can cut through flesh so cleanly that a person might not even know they are dead.

You have commissioned a swordsmith to craft you a Tanto. Before he is paid you want to be certain it is a properly made blade, and so you conduct a test. You produce a silken sheet, allowing it to descend lightly onto the Tanto’s edge. The sheet is cut cleanly, not a thread mismatched.

The blade is perfect.

DETAILS

Epic Armoury’s Tanto is one of the smaller latex weapons in the Asian Universe collection. Inspired by a historical weapon of Japan, the Tanto goes perfectly with a samurai’s set of swords. The 26 cm is straight with a single-edge, meeting a small oval crossguard that protects the 10 cm handle wrapped in split-leather.

Made from durable closed cell foam around a fibreglass core and finished with a strong latex coating, you can feel confident that your LARP weapon will provide the safety and appeal you want when crafting your Asian-inspired kit.

HISTORY

• Traditionally used by samurai of feudal Japan
• Designed to be drawn from the sheath quickly to accommodate combat that required fast response times
• Paired with a katana or wakizashi by samurai to display social power and personal honor