self-defense sword
A sword carried for personal protection. Often associated with historical or martial contexts; compare 守り刀, which can refer to a protective charm sword.
See also: 守り刀
彼は旅の間、護身刀を腰に差していた。
He wore a self-defense sword at his waist during the journey.
Compound of 護身 (self-defense) and 刀 (sword). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but the term likely arose in contexts where carrying a weapon for personal safety was common.