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.

Ryan843 blade is made of folded steel and darkened. The tsuka is made of hardwood, wrapped with red genuine same and black synthetic leather ito. The tsuba, fuchi and kashira are made of alloy. The saya is made of hardwood, koiguchi, kojiri and kurigata are made of yellow buffalo horns.