反り柄 Sorizuka / Curved Handle

What is Sorizuka in Japanese Katana terminology?

Also known as ""bent handle"". This refers to a handle with an extreme curve, similar to the handle of a Kabuto-wari Tachi (helmet-splitting sword), the prototype of which can be seen in ancient China. The sword handle that was introduced during the Korean expedition by Toyotomi Hideyoshi is called ""Komaizuka"". In the late Edo period, when retro-style sword fittings were made to imitate the Tachi of the Kamakura period, styles with a curved handle were also seen.