A small katana is commonly referred to as a "wakizashi." The wakizashi is a traditional Japanese sword that is shorter in length compared to the katana. It typically has a blade length between 12 and 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters). The wakizashi was historically worn by samurai as a companion sword to the katana, and it served various purposes, including close-quarters combat and ceremonial use. The wakizashi has its own distinctive design and is an integral part of the daisho, the paired set of swords traditionally carried by samurai.