The small samurai sword is called a "wakizashi." The wakizashi is a traditional Japanese sword that is shorter in length compared to the longer katana. It is considered one of the two main swords traditionally worn by samurai warriors, the other being the katana. The wakizashi typically has a blade length between 30 and 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches), although the exact measurements can vary. It was often worn together with the katana as a pair, and the combination of the two swords is known as "daisho," symbolizing the social status and warrior identity of the samurai. The wakizashi was used both for combat and as a backup weapon when the longer katana was unsuitable or impractical.