The part of the body of blade that fits into the Tsuka (handle) is called Nakago (core), which sometimes has an inscription of the name of the maker, called Mei.
刀身の、柄に収まる部分は茎（なかご）と呼ばれ、茎には時として製作者の名前が刻まれ、銘と呼ばれる。