Wakizashi

Overview
"The wakizashi (meaning "side insertion") is a traditional Japanese sword with a shōtō blade between 30 and 60 centimetres (12 and 24 in), with an average of 46 cm (18 in). It is similar to but shorter than a katana, and usually shorter than the kodachi ("small sword"). The wakizashi was usually worn together with the katana by the samurai or swordsmen of feudal Japan. When worn together the pair of swords were called daishō, which translates literally as "large and small". The katana was often called the sword or the long sword and the wakizashi the companion sword. Being smaller and sleeker than the Katana, the Wakizashi is ideal for slipping in and hitting the weak or undefended body parts of the infected."