Kogai

Kogai has no blade and is constructed to be one long piece. Wari Kogai are 2 pieces that fit together to form 1 piece & can be used as chopsticks.  The kogai function is debated with proposed uses including: tool to fix samurai hair, cleaning ears & marking trophy kills.  Like kozuka, not all sword setups have one.  The kogai will sit in a pocket in the saya opposite the kozuka. Tsuba have slots where the kogai will pass through.  The following are some examples of mantis themed kogai.