A shirasaya is a plain wooden Japanese blade mount consisting of a saya scabbard and tsuka hilt, used when a blade was not expected to see use for some time and needed to be stored. They were externally featureless save for the needed mekugi-ana to secure the nakago tang, though sometimes sayagaki blade information was also present. The need for specialized storage is due to the fact that prolonged koshirae mounting harmed the blade, owing to factors such as the lacquered wood retaining moisture and encouraging corrosion.

True shirsaya swords are not intended for actual combat, as the lack of a tsuba guard and proper handle wrappings were deleterious; as such they would likely never make their way onto a battlefield. However, there have been loosely-similar hidden mountings, such as the shikomizue. Also, many blades dating back to earlier Japanese history are today sold in such a format, along with modern-day reproductions.

Traditional Shirasaya Katana single Sword

List Price: $35.00
Sale Price: $14.55

This classic favorite offers the avid swordsman a 27 3/8" carbon steel blade with heat temper finish. The handle and scabbard are hardwood construction with Shirisaya symbols emblazoned on each. 37" overall...

O-Ren Ishii?s Sword Shirasaya Black

List Price: $28.00
Sale Price: $34.95

The Shirasaya is a term used for swords that were mainly intended for decoration, or had been unfinished. Almost never would you see these swords in the field of battle due to their lack of guards. But what that lack in that area they well more than make up for it in style...

Natural Lacquered Shirasaya Sword

List Price: $24.00
Sale Price: $12.70

Shirasaya swords are swords that were more for decoration than for use. This will surely add a great deal to your collection. The blade has been forged of 26 1/2 inches of stainless steel. The handle and scabbard feature a lacquered wood burned finish, with a Japanese Character burned into the handle...