The Nagasa of the Katana

The Nagasa describes the length of the Katana blade.

Measuring the Nagasa :

We start the measurement from the back of the Habaki to the tip of the blade in a straight line. As with many measurements the tradition uses the Shaku to measure (11.9"). The blade of the Katana must be at least 2 Shaku or more than 28".

It is imperative to take this measurement from the mune-machi and not from the Tsuba as some vendors may do. Indeed, this gives two different measurements and therefore also modifies the balance point.

Below you can find a table to help you choose the size of your blade according to your own size!

Height

5' 1"

5' 2"

5' 3"

5' 4"

5' 5"

5' 6"

5' 7"

5' 8"

5' 9"

5' 10"

5' 11"

6' 0"

6' 1"

6' 2"

6' 3"

6' 4"

6' 5"

6' 6"

Length Range (shaku)

1.95-2.10

2.00-2.15

2.00-2.20

2.05-2.25

2.10-2.25

2.10-2.30

2.15-2.35

2.20-2.40

2.25-2.45

2.25-2.50

2.30-2.50

2.35-2.55

2.35-2.60

2.40-2.60

2.45-2.65

2.45-2.70

2.50-2.70

Length Range (inches)

23-25"

24-26"

24-27"

25-27"

26-28"

26-29"

27-29"

27-30"

28-30"

28-31"

29-31"

29-32"

30-32"

For most of our blades we offer 28" cm, but you can make a custom request for a larger or smaller blade. However, the choice of the size of the blade is more related to the practice as with Iaido for example.