There are more than a dozen shapes of Japanese swords, several of the more common shapes are presented here. More detail can be located in the references.

This style does not have a shinogi (ridge line). This style is often seen in ko-wakizashi (shorter) and tanto.

This style is seen in very old blades and some later period blades when made in the older styles. The ridge line is very close to the edge.

This style has hira-zukuri on one side and kiriha-zukuri on the other side.

This style is a double edge sword with the ridge line running the length of the blade. The blade can be curved and is different above and below the ridge line. This style is most often seen in tanto.

This is the most common style. The ridgeline is close to the mune (top of the blade) and there is another line near the kissaki (tip) running parallel to the ridge line called yakote. Most katana and wakizashi have this form.

This style has no yokote line and is seen in wakizashi and tanto.