Wazamono
/ˌwɑːzəˈmoʊnoʊ/noun
A Japanese sword classified as exceptionally sharp or skillfully made.
Did you know?In Japanese sword terminology, wazamono became associated with formal cutting tests and ranked blades, turning a weapon’s performance into a kind of linguistic reputation.
Etymological Timeline
Old Japanese
Japanese
waza
“Technique, skill, craft, or deed”
Old Japanese
Japanese
mono
“Thing, object, or person”
Medieval Japanese
Japanese
waza + mono
“A thing characterized by exceptional skill or workmanship”
Edo Period
Japanese
業物 (wazamono)
“A notably sharp sword, especially one recognized for cutting ability”
20th–21st Century
English/Japanese
wazamono
“A Japanese sword classification used in English-language sword scholarship and collecting”