What is Koshigatana in Japanese Katana terminology?

"Koshigatana" (腰刀) refers to a short sword without a handguard ("Tsuba") that is worn at the waist. Due to its ease of wear, it was highly valued for personal protection. Moreover, it was also used in close combat on the battlefield. After knocking an enemy off their horse and pinning them down, the Koshigatana was used to decapitate the enemy. This weapon was not only practical for self-defense but also played a crucial role in warfare, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness.