Wakizashi are considered a samurai's side arm and supplemental weapon. It is effective weapon when fighting in confined spaces as typical Japanese dwellings had low ceiling. Samurai warriors often sleep with their wakizashi and carry them even when inside castles, residences unlike the katana that they sometimes had to leave to a servant. The use of the wakizashi though was not limited to the samurai as merchants, craftsmen and other individuals sometimes carry it for protection. 

Ryan1237 is a beautiful wakizashi. The blade is full tang, made of hard 1095 high carbon steel, very strong and durable. The handle is wrapped with blue genuine rayskin and blue synthetic silk ito. The tsuba is iron. The sword is sharp, well-balanced and assembled tightly. The sword is fully customizable.