the fittings. Seppa can be ornate or plain. Habaki The is a piece of metal encircling the base of the blade of a Japanese sword. It has the double purpose of locking the tsuba (guard) in place, and to maintain the weapon in its saya (scabbard). The importance of the habaki is seen in drawing the katana from the scabbard. It is drawn by grasping the scabbard near the top and pressing the guard with the thumb to emerge the blade just enough to unwedge the habaki from inside the scabbard in a process called . The blade, being freed, can be drawn out very quickly. This is known as , , or . This is obviously an extremely aggressive gesture, since a fatal cut can be given in a fraction of a second thereafter (see iaidō). It is similar in connotation and effect as drawing back the hammer of a handgun, chambering a round on a pump-action shotgun, or pulling back and releasing the charging handle on other firearms. The expression "tanka o kiru" is now widely used in Japan, in the sense of "getting ready to begin something", or "getting ready to speak", especially with an aggressive connotation. The habaki will cause normal wear and tear inside the scabbard, and either a shim or a total replacement of the scabbard may be needed to remedy the issue as it will become too loose over time. Removing the habaki and oiling it after cutting or once every few months is recommended. See also List of National Treasures of Japan (crafts-swords) Tsuba in the collection of Wolverhampton Art Gallery, England Notes References Further reading The Craft of the Japanese Sword, Leon and Hiroko Kapp, Yoshindo Yoshihara ; Kodansha International; The Samurai Sword: A Handbook, John M. Yumoto ; Charles E. Tuttle Company; The Japanese Sword, Kanzan Sato ; Kodansha International; Japanese Swords, Nobuo Ogasawara ; Hoikusha Publishing Co, Ltd. External links History of the Development of Koshirae Habaki – On Japanese Swords Martial Arts Weapons and Training – The Sageo and How to Wear Your Katana Nihonto Antiques – Step by step guide to tying a Sageo (photos). Usagiya Sword Shop – Step by step guide to tying a Sageo (photos). TakumiWarrior Sword Shop – Exploration of Japanese Tsuba Designs (photos). Mountings Samurai weapons and equipment