Saya is the Japanese term for the scabbard or sheath of a traditional Japanese sword. It is a protective covering that encases the blade when the sword is not in use..
Saya is the Japanese term for a scabbard, and
specifically refers to the scabbard for a sword or knife.
Saya are normally manufactured from very lightweight wood, with a
coat of lacquer on the exterior. The wood is light enough that great
care must be taken when drawing the sword...