Metezashi: The Equestrian Warrior's Right-Hand Dagger and Its Role in Mounted Combat

What is Metezashi?

"Metezashi (馬手差し)" refers to a short sword or wakizashi worn on the right hip (mete side) by a mounted samurai. "Mete (馬手)" is a general term in horseback riding and martial arts referring to the right hand (right side), and became established as a term indicating the hand that holds the reins. It is used as the opposite term of "yunde (弓手)" = left hand.

It was common for mounted warriors to carry the following weapons on horseback:

• Bow and arrows: The primary long-distance attack weapon
• Tachi (太刀): The primary sword hung on the left hip with the blade facing downward
• Yundezashi (弓手差し): A short sword worn on the left hip (sheath on the left-hand side)
• Metezashi (馬手差し): A short sword worn on the right hip (sheath on the right-hand side)

This equipment of wearing short swords at both hips functioned as self-defense and a finishing weapon when dismounted during battle, and also as a close-combat auxiliary weapon with good maneuverability on horseback.

The terms "mete" and "yunde" themselves derive from the formal practices of kyūba no michi (弓馬の道), the art of archery on horseback. The division of roles on horseback—the right hand holding the reins and the left hand drawing the bow—became established as the names for left and right, and came to be used as terms indicating the positioning of equipment. Therefore, "metezashi" should first be understood not as a proper name referring to a specific individual blade, but as a designation based on the mounting position and purpose—"a short sword worn on the right hip."

Comparison of Metezashi and Yundezashi

Metezashi and yundezashi are mirror images in terms of mounting position.

Yundezashi (left side): Worn on the left hip like the tachi, but functions as a short sword. It is positioned so that it can be easily drawn with the right hand when using the tachi as the primary weapon.

Metezashi (right side): By being worn on the right hip, it can be easily drawn with the left hand even when only the left hand is free (when the right hand is holding a spear or bow). It also functioned as a last resort when the tachi or yundezashi were seized or broken.

This two-sword carrying system is believed to have been established from the late Muromachi period through the Sengoku period, when mounted warfare tactics became more refined. Although both are short swords, the yundezashi on the left hip has the character of being "supplementary to and backup for the tachi," whereas the metezashi on the right hip is a more practical piece of equipment with a different character—"a self-defense tool for emergencies when the dominant right hand is occupied." It is important to note that this asymmetrical division of roles differs in background from the combination of uchi-gatana and wakizashi (the so-called daishō) used by foot soldiers.

Physical Characteristics of Metezashi

The following points are noted as physical characteristics of metezashi-specific blades:

Blade length: Generally, short swords around one shaku (approximately 30 cm) are most common. This length was chosen considering maneuverability and ease of drawing on horseback. Some blades of wakizashi size (one to less than two shaku) exist, but the tanto class is considered the mainstream.

Construction (cross-sectional shape): Many tend to have sturdy construction emphasizing thrusting attacks, such as the yoroitōshi (armor-piercing) type. Hira-tsukuri (flat construction) or kiriha-tsukuri (side-edge construction) were commonly used.

Koshirae (fittings and mounting): The koshirae sometimes had saya-dome devices to prevent it from falling off during violent movements on horseback. The tsuka (handle) often had diamond-shaped samekawa (ray-skin) wrapping or thicker thread wrapping so the hand would not slip when drawing.

Sheath and sageo design: The saya of metezashi sometimes featured unique construction in the obi-tasumi or sageo (hanging cord) knotting to withstand the movement on horseback. These fine details are thought to have combined both the functionality of a practical piece of equipment and the decorative nature of showing samurai prestige.

Tactical Role of Metezashi

Historical records showing how metezashi was actually used in battle are limited, but its use can be inferred from several documents and picture scrolls.

Self-defense after dismounting: When struck by arrows or long spears while mounted and thrown from the horse, the metezashi became the first means of self-defense in situations where there was no time to draw the tachi. Especially when wearing armor, the drawing motion of the tachi was restricted, making the immediate use of a short sword crucial.

Finishing blows in kumiauchi (close combat grappling): In battles where warriors engaged in "kumiauchi," the technique of inserting a blade through gaps in armor was required. A short sword-class metezashi was a suitable weapon for this finishing blow.

Kubi-tori (head-taking): Short swords were also used for "kubi-tori," the taking of heads as proof of service. Short swords were better suited for detailed work than large tachi, and metezashi was active in this practical purpose as well.

What these situations have in common is that they all occur in extreme circumstances where "there is no room to swing a tachi, or the tachi itself cannot be used." It is reasonable to understand that metezashi was not a primary weapon used frequently in daily use, but rather a defensive tool carried as a backup for emergencies.

Extant Examples of Metezashi and Its Significance as a Collector's Item

Very few swords are explicitly inscribed as "metezashi," and swords recorded as "metezashi" through transmitted documents are rare, though they exist in museums and private collections.

The following points should be noted when collecting and appreciating metezashi:

• The morphological category of metezashi was established in the late Muromachi through Sengoku periods, so strictly speaking, it does not apply to earlier eras
• Swords inscribed with "metezashi" are extremely rare; judgment is made based on morphological features, koshirae characteristics, and transmission records
• Metezashi and yundezashi are sometimes made and transmitted as "a pair (ittui)" due to the bilateral symmetry of the equipment, and possessing a complete matching pair is considered ideal for research and appreciation

Note that NBTHK (Nippon Bijutsu Tōken Hozonkyōkai) certificates of authentication certify the era, quality, and authenticity of the blade itself, and the designation by use "metezashi" is not necessarily explicitly stated on the certificate. When considering a purchase, it is important to compare the blade's era and taihaihai recorded on the certificate with the style of the attached koshirae and transmission information, and to verify the consistency between the two. Additionally, since the metal fittings and sheath may have undergone repairs or later additions, it is also essential to discern whether it is an original ichigu or was later combined.

Modern Reevaluation

With advances in research in the fields of "armor making" and "period costumes" that aim to reproduce the equipment of Sengoku generals in detail, the existence of metezashi has also been reevaluated.

In historical cosplay, period festivals, and reenactment events held in regions associated with Sengoku warlords, the recreation of "complete equipment of mounted warriors" including metezashi has increased, and awareness among sword enthusiasts has also grown. Furthermore, collection focusing on the craftsmanship of sheaths and koshirae as decorative sword accessories has been conducted, and metezashi occupies a unique collection value as a sword type at "the intersection of functional beauty and samurai culture."

Due to the small number of extant examples, a blade with clear transmission as metezashi is positioned not merely as a short sword, but as material that tells the story of the mounted warrior's entire equipment system. By viewing it from multiple perspectives—comparison with yundezashi, the design of the koshirae, and the circumstances of transmission—one can discern both the tension of practical equipment and the aesthetic sensibilities fostered by samurai culture, which is the unique appeal of appreciating metezashi.