Wakizashi antique 古代の脇差

Here you will find short blades, Wakizashi 脇差.

Wakizashi are short swords wielded with one hand.
With a blade length of 30 to 60 cm, these swords appeared during the great wars of the Muromachi period (1333-1573). They were particularly valued for their handiness in close combat.

Then, during the Edo period, an edict required Samurai to wear a Daisho (Wakizashi and Katana). Merchants, who were not allowed to carry a Katana, often armed themselves with a Wakizashi for their own protection. This is why rich and elaborately decorated mountings are often found.