Tsuba
![Tsuba](https://www.boker.de/media/image/d1/c2/9e/tsuba.jpg)
The tsuba is the hand guard of a samurai sword. It protects the hand from injuries and keeps the user's hand from sliding forward onto the blade. Swords and sabers have a similar guard. The tsuba is usually round or has an oval shape. It can be a simple iron or leather disc or an intricate design element with open-work decorations, gold plating and etched patterns.