Yes — traditional katana are designed to have their koshirae (mountings) replaced while keeping the original blade. A full retsuka-maki (handle re-wrap) done by a competent togishi will give you a fresh hilt on an heirloom blade. For the complete vocabulary of every katana part, continue with our katana anatomy guide.. So sort of a history question but I was just wondering, why is it that katana didn't develop pommels? It seems like every other type of sword ever made from every culture had them. I know katana have kashira and their tangs are wider, but why did they go that route with the stingray skin unlike everyone else?

KATANA W/ CHINESE DRAGON HEAD POMMEL
KATANA W/ CHINESE DRAGON HEAD POMMEL
Katana Nomenclature Sword Guide
Katana Nomenclature Sword Guide
What are ideal dimensions of a katana
What are ideal dimensions of a katana
Katana blade and pommel have started loosening any tips to
Katana blade and pommel have started loosening any tips to
Jian Sword Vs Katana Comparison of Two Legendary Swords Katana
Jian Sword Vs Katana Comparison of Two Legendary Swords Katana
Kashira Katana Pommel Katana
Kashira Katana Pommel Katana
Why Do Katanas Break So Easily? SwordsKingdom
Why Do Katanas Break So Easily? SwordsKingdom
A Japanese katana sword, with plain pommels, shagreen and cord
A Japanese katana sword, with plain pommels, shagreen and cord
Balaur Arms Introducing the Asian Line Kult of Athena
Balaur Arms Introducing the Asian Line Kult of Athena
Kashira Katana Pommel Katana
Kashira Katana Pommel Katana
A Japanese katana sword, with plain pommels, shagreen and cord
A Japanese katana sword, with plain pommels, shagreen and cord
Parts Of A Katana Sword Amazing Information About Katana
Parts Of A Katana Sword Amazing Information About Katana
Types, Features and Uses of Medieval Swords
Types, Features and Uses of Medieval Swords
Ronin Katana Irish Two Handed Long Sword Ring Pommel Euro
Ronin Katana Irish Two Handed Long Sword Ring Pommel Euro
A Japanese katana sword, with plain pommels, shagreen and cord
A Japanese katana sword, with plain pommels, shagreen and cord
How Long is a Katana? Blade and Handle Sizes Explained
How Long is a Katana? Blade and Handle Sizes Explained
Kashira Katana Pommel Katana
Kashira Katana Pommel Katana
This image showcases a closeup view of a Japanese katana
This image showcases a closeup view of a Japanese katana
Parts Of A Katana Sword Amazing Information About Katana
Parts Of A Katana Sword Amazing Information About Katana
A Japanese katana sword, with plain pommels, shagreen and cord
A Japanese katana sword, with plain pommels, shagreen and cord
A Japanese katana sword, with plain pommels, shagreen and cord
A Japanese katana sword, with plain pommels, shagreen and cord
Replica Katana W/ Dragon Headed Pommel Property Room
Replica Katana W/ Dragon Headed Pommel Property Room
18 Types of Pommels on Medieval Swords
18 Types of Pommels on Medieval Swords
Katana Vs Sabre Which is stronger? Katana
Katana Vs Sabre Which is stronger? Katana
Sword Pommel Types and Functions
Sword Pommel Types and Functions
Katana blade and pommel have started loosening any tips to
Katana blade and pommel have started loosening any tips to
How to Display a Katana A Guide on Showcasing Tradition
How to Display a Katana A Guide on Showcasing Tradition
Kashira The Pommel Cap of a Japanese Sword
Kashira The Pommel Cap of a Japanese Sword
A Japanese katana sword, with bi metal cast pommels, shagreen
A Japanese katana sword, with bi metal cast pommels, shagreen
ThRu ExPrEsSiOnS An Artblog Swords
ThRu ExPrEsSiOnS An Artblog Swords

Koshirae (拵え) refers to the ornate mountings of a Japanese sword (e.g. katana) used when the sword blade is being worn by its owner, whereas the shirasaya is a plain undecorated wooden mounting composed of a saya and tsuka that the sword blade is stored in when not being used.. Learn what the kashira is on a Japanese katana, how it differs from a pommel, and why collectors value kashira made with nanako, iroye, and relief metalwork.