History The Wakizashi was the second essential half of the armament of the Samurai, the traditional Japanese noble warrior. The Wakizashi was a one and a half- to two-foot long, straight or slightly curved blade; it was carried as a back-up or alternative to the Samurai's primary sword, the longer and viciously curved Katana. The Katana/Wakizashi pair was more than just weaponry for the Samurai: the pair of swords represented his honor, his glory, and his success. A higher quality, more ornate weapon could only be afforded if the Samurai was paid better by his lord, and thus was thought of as a better warrior than the average. There was a quasi-spiritual relationship between the Samurai and his blades. The Katana and Wakizashi were held in the highest respect by their wielder; after all the blades represented the Samurai's livelihood and literally meant the difference between his life and death.  Use Although just as essential to a Samurai as his Katana, drawing one's Wakizashi in combat represented failure for the Samurai. It was basically the weapon of last resort, drawn primarily when one's Katana was broken or disarmed during a battle. In some unusual circumstances the Wakizashi would also be used if the quarters were too close for the giant Katana. The Wakizashi was primarily wielded one-handed. Its use, especially against a Katana (with superior reach and power), demanded quick strikes and lightning fast footwork. The wielder of a Wakizashi's primary goal is to stay out of the opponent's reach, and to dance around him, looking for openings to quickly slip inside, deliver a blow, and get back out of reach again (somewhat like European fencing).  More Bladed Weapons