小柄  Kodzuka Small Sword

What is Kodzuka in Japanese Katana terminology?

This is a small knife attached to the mounting (Koshirae) of a Japanese sword. Originally, it was a practical tool used for small tasks, but with the advent of the Edo period, its artistic value as a visible decoration became more important than its original purpose. Therefore, like the Kougai (hairpin), many masterpieces were created by metalworkers.