• The early Ko Tosho design
• From the 14^th century in Japan
• A worthy addition to any collection
• Will fit most Katana
• Built for functionality and use

Watch our video on our Tsuba Collection at Enso

Iron Ko Tosho Tsuba Guard Description

Katana Tsuba Guard are predominately round but many different shapes do exist, from Squares to the outline of the design on the Tsuba itself. Katan Tsuba Guard weren’t meant to protect the hand from strikes but more to protect the user from sliding their hand onto the blade when it’s thrusted. Tsuba are not only for Katana but are seen on Wakizashi, Tanto and Naginata. Most Katana Tsuba Guard will be around 7.5cm to 8cm in diameter, and the weights will vary , originally to affect the balance of the sword and the desires of the user but nowadays dependant on the design and therefore the amount of metal in the Katana Tsuba Guard.

From 14^th century till 17^th century most Katana Tsuba Guard were for functionality only, so quite basic in there look and design. Onwards from there as japan had long periods of peace the Katana Tsuba Guard became more and more ornate and decorative. So much so that they are even known to be made from gold. Nowadays people collect Katana Tsuba Guard due to the massive variety in styles and designs, as well as buying them to change on their Katana altering the look and balance of their Japanese Sword.

All Katana Tsuba Guard sold at Enso Martial Arts Shop are reproductions of original Katana Tsuba Guard.

Ko Tosho means old swordsmith. These Iron Ko Tosho Tsuba are styled on the early Tsuba which had functionality in mind. Much more simple than the very ornate Tsuba from the Edo Period. Much thicker and heavier. It ‘s though that Iron Ko Tosho Tsuba were made from leftover material from Samurai swords, so from steel rather than iron.

Advice from the shop on a Iron Ko Tosho Tsuba Guard

"All Tsuba are beautiful in my eyes and this one has a super simple sleek design.”

Doug Swift - Owner of Enso Martial Arts Shop

Sizing of the Iron Ko Tosho Tsuba Guard

All Katana Tsuba Guard are similar in size and weight, this Iron Ko Tosho Tsuba Guard is:

• Weight = 143g
• Diameter = 81mm or 3 2/12 inches
• Thickness =  5mm

If you’re not sure on what is best for you. please contact us at our shop to discuss your best choice, call (0117) 9425832 or email [email protected]

Shipping your Iron Ko Tosho Tsuba Guard

We have a few different options for posting your items at Enso Martial Arts Shop. Prices vary depending on the overall order, weight, size etc. The checkout page will automatically workout the possible options for you. 

We can send your item(s) in the following ways:

Courier Tracked - Order before 1pm, we can pack and post the same day to be with you the next working day, this is not a weekend service. It is fully tracked and we will send you the tracking number when we process your order.

Hermes - In our experience an extremely slow service, we cannot guarantee it will arrive. It isn't an option on the website for good reason, so if you want this pitiful service and your parcel thrown into a random hedge near your house, if you're lucky, just to save about £2 then simply call us on 0117 942 5832 and we can process your order over the phone. 

UPS Worldwide - For anywhere outside the UK, we can post the same day but delivery times are dependent on the destination. Approximate delivery times are as follows: 

• Europe: 2-3 working days
• USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand: 3-4 working days
• All other destinations: 4-7 working days