Saito Hajime(February 18, 1844 - September 28, 1915) was a Japanese samurai of the late Edo period, who most famously served as the captain of the third unit of the Shinsengumi. He was one of the few core members who survived the numerous wars of the late shogunate period.

His original position within the Shinsengumi was assistant to the vice commander. His duties included being a kenjutsu instructor. Despite prior connections to Aizu, his descendants dispute that he served as a spy. His role as an internal spy for the Shinsengumi is also questionable; one common example being that he is said to have been instructed to join Ito Kashitaro's splinter group in 1867, to spy on them. However, this is disputed by Abe Juro, who did not believe he was a spy. It is probable that he also monitored other intelligence and enemy activity. His controversial reputation comes from accounts that he executed several corrupt members of the Shinsengumi; however, rumors vary as to his role in the deaths of Takeda Kanryusai and Tani Sanjuro.

In the reorganization of the ranks in late 1864, he was first assigned as the fourth unit's captain. At Nishi Hongan-ji in April 1865 he was assigned as the third unit's captain. Saito was considered to be on the same level as the first troop captain Okita Soji and the second troop captain Nagakura Shinpachi. Together with the rest of the Shinsengumi, he became a hatamoto in 1867. After the outbreak of the Boshin War (1868-1869), Saito took part in Shinsengumi's fight during the Battle of Toba-Fushimi and the Battle of Koshu-Katsunuma, before withdrawing with the Shinsengumi's survivors to the Aizu domain.

Due to Hijikata Toshizo being incapacitated as a result of the injuries sustained at the Battle of Utsunomiya Castle, Saito became the commander of the Aizu Shinsengumi around May 26, 1868 under the name Yamaguchi Jiro (which he had used since late 1867). After the Battle of Bonari Pass, when Hijikata decided to retreat from Aizu, Saito parted with Hijikata and continued to fight with the Aizu army until the very end of the Battle of Aizu. This parting account was recorded in Kuwana retainer Taniguchi Shirobei's diary, where it was recorded as an occurrence also involving Otori Keisuke, whom Hijikata requested to take command of the Shinsengumi; thus the said confrontation was not with Hijikata. However, questions regarding this parting remain, especially considering the conflicting dates.

Saito, along with the few remaining men of the Shinsengumi who went with him, fought against the imperial army at Nyorai-do (a small temple near Aizuwakamatsu Castle), where they were severely outnumbered. Aizuwakamatsu Castle fell, Saito joined a group of former Aizu retainers who traveled southwest to the Takada Domain in Echigo Province, where they were held as prisoners of war. In the records listing the Aizu men detained in Takada, Saito is on record as Ichinose Denpachi.

Texts cited from Wikipedia

Recommended Tsuka and Blade Lengths for General IAIDO Practice
Height (cm)		150	155	160	165	170	175	180	185	190	195	195 +
Recom. Blade length (Shaku)		2.2	2.25	2.3	2.35	2.4	2.45	2.5	2.55	2.6	2.65	2.7	2.75	2.8
Recom. Blade length (cm)		66.6	68.2	69.6	71.2	72.7	74.2	75.7	77.3	78.8	80.3	81.8	83.3	84.9
Recom. Tsuka length (Sun)		7.5	7.5	8	8.5	8.5	8.5	9	9	9	9.5	9.5	9.5	10
Recom. Tsuka length (cm)		22.7	22.7	24.2	25.8	25.8	25.8	27.3	27.3	27.3	28.8	28.8	28.8	30.3
* Please note that this is a recommended chart only. Please ask your Sensei for further advice. In general, female practitioners are recommended to choose a blade length 0.05 Shaku shorter than men.

If three candidates from Shinsengumi members were to be picked as the most skilled swordfighter, Saito Hajime would perpaps be announced at first. In Shinsengumi, Saito Hajime was said to be an introvert and a mysterious person; a common description of his personality says he "was not a man predisposed to small talk" however, the sword he owned was Kijinmaru Kunishige, known as the Ogre's knife.

Fuchi/Kashira of this Kunishige Koshirae is made of blackened brass with gold-colored inscription of sanscrits. A cotton Tsuka cord is bound over Tsukasame. Menuki set features sanscrits which represents Acala(the destroyer of delusion and the protector of Buddhismand) and Vairocana(a Buddha who is the embodiment of Dharmakaya). Saya is available among black matte finishKuroishime), black gloss finish(Kuroro) and brown matte finish(Chaishime). Cotton Sageo is also included.

A sand-cased, extra-reinforced zinc/aluminum alloy blade provides the superb balance for the dynamic air-slashing move. Hamon reproduces Gunome O-midare created by Kunishige. Each parts are uncompromisingly hand-assembled by the Japanese sword craftsman, who is expert in making the genuine Japanese sword, Shinken.

The blade is available up to 2.45 shaku.  Weight without Saya is approximately 800 gram(for 2.45 shaku). Proudly made in Japan.