Naginata-Shaped Wakizashi: Form, Appraisal, and How to Distinguish Them from Naginata-Naoshi

What is a Naginata-shaped Wakizashi?

A naginata-shaped wakizashi (なぎなたがたわきざし) refers to a sword crafted to wakizashi size while deliberately incorporating the morphological characteristics of a naginata—in particular, the "one-sided blade formation," "slender curvature," and "long tang ratio." This is fundamentally different from a "naginata-naoshi" (なぎなたなおし)—a naginata repurposed as a wakizashi through regrinding and reduction.

While a naginata-naoshi is a "modified piece," a naginata-shaped wakizashi is "forged as a wakizashi from the outset"—though it is characterized by the fact that its design was deliberately conceived with the morphology of a naginata in mind.

A common question from readers is whether one can distinguish between a naginata-shaped wakizashi and a naginata-naoshi based solely on how they are labeled in shops or reference materials. In practice, judgment based on first visual impression alone is difficult, and the step of confirming the condition of the tang and the habaki (区) mentioned later is indispensable.

Detailed Morphological Characteristics

The following are representative morphological characteristics of a naginata-shaped wakizashi.

Cross-sectional blade form (construction): The most typical is "one-sided katahahazukuri" (かたきりはづくり), a variant of katahahazukuri, which features an asymmetrical cross-section with the ridgeline (shinogi) present only on one side of the blade. This follows the traditional construction method of a naginata. This contrasts with the standard wakizashi, which typically employs a "hirazukuri" or "shinogizukuri" construction.

Curvature position and depth: Naginata-shaped wakizashi tend to have a pronounced "kissaki-zori" (tip curvature), with the curve concentrated toward the blade's point. This derives from a shape design that presupposes the naginata's tip tracing a large arc during slashing motions.

Kissaki (point) shape: Most commonly features either a large kissaki or a shape characteristic of naginata curvature, projecting forward. This design achieves both thrusting and slashing capability.

Tang (nakago) shape: In naginata-shaped wakizashi, the tang is relatively long and may retain characteristics of a shape designed for a naginata's long haft. The finish of the tang (file marks) is also informative.

These characteristics alone are not conclusive; they must be assessed in combination for a comprehensive judgment. In particular, the cross-sectional blade form and tang shape are difficult to discern from photographs alone, so physical examination is recommended.

Appraisal Distinctions from Naginata-Naoshi

Distinguishing between a naginata-shaped wakizashi and a naginata-naoshi in appraisal is considered difficult even for experienced sword polishers and appraisers. However, several indicators exist.

Moto-haba to saki-haba ratio: In the case of a naginata-naoshi, since it is reground and reduced from an original naginata, the ratio of moto-haba (base width) to saki-haba (tip width) differs from that of a natural wakizashi, tending to narrow sharply toward the point. Since a naginata-shaped wakizashi is designed as a wakizashi from the start, this ratio appears natural.

Habaki shape: A larger habaki-okuri (the shift of the edge and spine habaki positions) suggests a likely naginata-naoshi. In a naginata-shaped wakizashi, the habaki remains near its original position.

Tang patina (nakago-sabi) and file marks (yasuri-me): In a naginata-naoshi, old patina layers from the original naginata may remain deep within the tang. Additionally, file mark patterns differing from wakizashi convention can indicate modification.

Hamon continuity: In a naginata-naoshi, the hamon may appear unnaturally interrupted during the regrinding process. In a naginata-shaped wakizashi, the hamon is continuous as originally designed.

All of these indicators require professional training, and one should avoid making a definitive judgment between naginata-naoshi and naginata-shaped wakizashi based on lay observation alone. In case of doubt, it is advisable to seek confirmation from a reliable appraisal body or experienced sword dealer.

Commission Forging of Naginata-shaped Wakizashi in the Edo Period

Commission forging of naginata-shaped wakizashi (wakizashi forged as naginata-form from the start) was particularly common from the mid-Edo period onward. During the peaceful era, practical demand for swords as weapons declined, while interest in "design diversity" increased.

There were instances of commissions for warrior-women's martial arts training and self-defense, and special orders from classical martial arts schools for training and kata practice. Records also document the sentimental motivation of commissioning a wakizashi resembling a deceased warlord's cherished naginata for later generations.

Behind such commissions lay a sword culture in which blades were not merely practical tools but "bespoke" pieces reflecting design intention and the patron's sentiments. The naginata-shaped wakizashi is one such representative example.

Among the renowned smiths of extant naginata-shaped wakizashi, multiple examples by Bizen-lineage and Edo-lineage swordsmiths from the late Edo period have been confirmed.

Modern Appreciation and Evaluation

Naginata-shaped wakizashi occupy a unique position in collecting. Due to their greater rarity compared to standard wakizashi and distinctive morphology, they tend to be regarded as curiosities among sword enthusiasts.

In appraisals by major examination bodies such as NBTHK, the determination of naginata-shaped wakizashi versus naginata-naoshi is sometimes noted. A designation of "naginata-naoshi" is not necessarily a negative evaluation, but rather an objective record of the blade's historical modification. However, when compared to a standard wakizashi by the same smith from the same period, a naginata-naoshi may receive a slightly lower evaluation from the perspective of hamon completeness.

In the sword market, confusion between "naginata-naoshi" and "naginata-shaped wakizashi" sometimes occurs, resulting in price valuation discrepancies. In this field, the presence of accurate appraisal certificates significantly affects transaction credibility.

Practical Points for Purchase and Ownership

When purchasing or owning a naginata-shaped wakizashi, it is reassuring to confirm the following points.

• Confirm the contents of the appraisal certificate: Always verify whether the certificate states "naginata-shaped wakizashi" or "naginata-naoshi." If the notation is ambiguous, contacting the issuing body is one option.
• Examine the tang and habaki in person: If possible, verify not just photographs but also the actual tang's patina, file marks, and presence or absence of habaki-shift.
• Inquire about provenance (history): Asking the dealer or previous owner about the piece's provenance, as far as they know, will be helpful for future re-evaluation or sale.
• Mind storage conditions: Like other Japanese swords, naginata-shaped wakizashi require storage in a humidity-controlled environment and regular maintenance.

While these are basic checks applicable to Japanese swords in general, not just naginata-shaped wakizashi, their importance is heightened for naginata-shaped wakizashi due to their specialized construction.