A type of Japanese sword, often called a "samurai sword" because of its historical associations with feudal-era Japan. It is characterized by its curved, slender, single-edged blade, circular or squared handguard (called the tsuba (guard)), and long grip to accommodate two hands (the hilt is often given a distinctive wrapping of silk known as tsuka-ito). The sword preceding the katana is called a tachi (weapon). The general difference between a tachi and a katana is how they are carried.