Samurai typically carried both a wakizashi and a tanto as part of their armament, alongside the longer katana. The combination of these three swords, known as the "daisho," was a symbol of a samurai's social status and adherence to the samurai code of bushido.

The wakizashi and tanto served different purposes and were used in various situations:

1. Wakizashi: The wakizashi is a shorter sword than the katana, typically measuring between 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches) in length. It was worn alongside the katana and served as a backup weapon. The wakizashi was used for close-quarters combat, indoor fighting, or situations where drawing and maneuvering the longer katana would be impractical. It was a versatile weapon capable of quick and precise strikes.
2. Tanto: The tanto is a shorter sword or dagger with a straight or slightly curved blade, typically measuring between 15 to 30 centimeters (6 to 12 inches) in length. The tanto was primarily used as a personal self-defense weapon. It served as a backup weapon when the samurai's primary sword, such as the katana or wakizashi, was unavailable or impractical to use. The tanto allowed for quick and precise strikes in close-quarters combat.

The exact size and design of the wakizashi and tanto could vary, and there were regulations regarding their lengths and styles during different periods of Japanese history. However, the general practice was for samurai to carry both a wakizashi and a tanto alongside their katana as part of the daisho. The specific use of each sword depended on the situation, combat needs, and the preference of the samurai.