The Fuchi - Parts of a Japanese Katana

The fuchi is the metal bordering piece between the swords tsuba (guard) and tsuka (handle). The fuchi finishes the starting point of the handle wrap while capping the end of the wooden tsuka. The fuchi can be a very simple metal band but in higher end sensai grade katana the fuchi can be a work of art made by master artisans. The theme on the fuchi will normally compliment the kashira (cap) that is on the other end of the guard. Often matched sets these two pieces together are called fuchi-kashira.