You already read about lots of swords that are in this category. Japanese blades have several aesthetic features, such as the hamon or temperline pattern along the cutting edge, created by the clay tempering process. At some point in history, the Nagamaki also underwent a few changes and enhancements. The craftsmen experimented with a variety of possibilities and forms for the Tanto, but these would never know the action, because with the arrival of the new swords these weapons would acquire a more symbolic value. Designed for cutting rather than stabbing, the naginata polearm consisted of a curved blade attached to a wooden shaft. The same applies to the blade, which sometimes was more curved and sometimes straighter. While handling nagamaki fewer sliding actions on the handle are performed than are with the naginata, where the entire length of the shaft is used. Like the Nodachi, the Nagamaki was born as an anti-cavalry weapon. Due to the difficult process of making Tamahagane steel, the price is also very high with comparison to all other steel types, if you have the budget and want a Samurai sword made from traditional Japanese steel then Tamahagane is probably the best choice for your sword. With that, the weapon could be characterized as a tachi on a stick. The names nodachi and odachi literally mean field sword and large tachi, respectively. Choose Parts: When you click here you will see the sword decompose in all its pieces and you will be able to begin to customize each one of them. It should not be confused with the Kake, which is where it is displayed. You can choose bag, box, and support to display it. The important thing about this stage is that you know what do you need). while the thin metal rod is welded to the blade. Saya is the name given to Japanese sword scabbard. During the Mongol invasion of Japan, the Japanese hero Kawano Michiari used a nagamaki against the Mongols. Many nodachi swords were later shortened into a katana. When it comes to fame, the katana is the most famous samurai sword, making it more popular in Japanese martial arts than the nagamaki. Some masters in Iaido prefer their student to use fully functional and sharp swords (Shinken swords). The other word we need to take a look at is shoto. It also features a mekugi, a bamboo rivet that secures the tang in the wooden hilt, and a habaki, a metal fitting that supports the hilt and secures the blade in the scabbard. (Iaito). But what makes a good Japanese sword? The famous rninMiyamoto Musashi was also using and teaching a double-bladed fighting style. While all these technicalities and names may seem threatening at first, once you learn them, itll be easier for you to decide what you want. Its elegant curved shape, as well as the different treatments that can be done on steel such as folding or clay tempering, make it an attractive and beautiful weapon. If you are new to buying Japanese swords, you will usually come across a variety of technicalities and hard words for quite similar swords. There is little information about this sword type available. Wielding this type of sword is very specific. I hope you didnt get this one wrong. The final result is a complete sword to your liking. For this reason, tachi translates to big sword. The total length of a katana is around 100 to 110 cm (39.4 to 43.3 in) and weighs 900 to 1400 grams (2 lbs to 3.1 lbs). This dagger type didnt have ornamental fittings and was housed in a plain mount. Despite being well trained and equipped for the fight, they avoided confrontation at all costs through stealth and deception, which even allowed them to escape from situations in which long opposition groups chased them. It served as a ceremonial, Swordecyclopedia 2022 - All Rights Reserved, Chinese Jian Swords: History, Construction, and Use, Chinese Dao Swords: A Guide for Sword Collectors, Chinese Swords: 17 Types, History & Buyer Guide, Best Japanese Odachi Swords and Their History, Kodachi: A Look Into The Japanese Short Sword, Samurai Swords: Types, History, and Development. If youre more practical than artistic, you can skip the next section, because now were going to talk about exclusively aesthetic qualities of the hamon. In contrast to medieval swords, the katana is able to chop off entire limbs. Once you have it, however, if you still dont trust it, you can check if it is Full Tang if you know how to properly disassemble and reassemble a Samurai sword, this is also useful for proper maintenance of the sword. This weapon is the perfect counter against cavalry forces. The first sword used by the Japanese military was called kyu gunto. Spring steel, as its name suggests, is a much more flexible steel alloy than the previous ones. And in case you want to make it more personal, you can always customize different Japanese swords using our custom made swords section. One of the most attractive features that have still kept Nagamaki alive in the hearts of the sword lovers is that refined adornment. Sometimes the process may not be as fashionable as we might have expected from an ancestral culture in the forging of swords. You can also buy custom made Shirasaya swords in order to exhibit them. It developed during the 15th century. However, even this weapon can lead to serious wounds. [5], The famed warlord Uesugi Kenshin, daimy of Echigo Province, is said to have had a special guard of retainers armed with nagamaki. For this reason I had to rely on everything I found online and in books. Add to cart. Submit your writing It is likely because it only developed from the nodachi and later shortened and reshaped to a more practical sword. And many of them are as good for practice and cutting as Katana swords made in Japan. However, the advantage of the Nodachi was that it was not only effective for fighting against cavalry. I think this might be due to usage prior to the 9th century. and our Due to the frequent casualties of warriors for the faults presented by the swords in the combats, how brittle and lacking in sharpness they were, the famous blacksmith Amakuni came up with a solution. Unlike Tachi, which had been conceived as a weapon for cavalry soldiers, Nodachi was conceived as a weapon for infantry soldiers against cavalry, so it could be considered the opponent by nature of Tachi. It has a 70-centimeter blade and 39-centimeter handle which is noticeably shorter in relation to its blade length. From sheds with blacksmiths, small private workshops to families forging swords in their backyard. It is believed that this Samurai sword was in use during the Koto period (900 to 1596). We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. In them there are no master blacksmiths, only workers. In the same way the blade of the rival would not have inconvenient in meeting the hand of the Samurai, since it does not have hand guard. The Tanto started as a straight dagger that used to be worn by Samurai along with their Tachi. Just as Hamon will be different if it is created from clay tempereing or if it was simply drawn. Dont worry, it will be your job to transform it into the sword of your dreams. And you dont want to spoil an expensive old sword. The famous ronin Miyamoto Musashi was renowned for fighting fully armed foes with only one or two bokkens. For this reason, the nodachi sword was the perfect counter against mounted units. Because it is not as curved as other sabers such as the scimitar, it is still perfectly capable of being used to deliver damaging stabs against the opponent. For this reason, this sword types found wide acception in entire Japan. After all, it is a lifelong companion, it is the difference between life and death. However, using the Nagamaki was easier and more convenient during combat against cavalrymen. This same form makes it not as easy to draw as the Katana, so its a sword designed to be drawn before combat and not in combat itself. After all the katana was part of the equipment of every samurai in ancient and feudal Japan. Japanese Nagamaki blade T10 Folded Clay Tempered Steel with Purple Acid Dye and Hadori Polish - APSK108. Having been born before the Katana, Tachi is a weapon reminiscent of an earlier era in Japanese history. You got both the advantages of a long sword and a short sword. However, searching for swords in this type of stores is the equivalent of buying a computer in a hypermarket. It is a blade usually the size of a Katana but with a handle a length of 2/3 to the blade. Its easy and fun. The Nagamaki had the shape of a standard Nihonto, but with a longer handle. Shoto refers to swords with a blade length of 1 to 2 shaku (30-60 cm/11.9-23.9 inches). They had a short handle in relation to their blade length, making them difficult to wield. The Nodachi has a considerably larger blade than the Tachi, as the warrior needed a greater range if he wanted to reach a rider on horseback and knock him down. From the beginning, the Wakizashi was conceived as a defense weapon for Samurai in situations where they did not have their Katana. Those who practiced it had to be able to move with agility in all kinds of terrain, so they also learned their own version of parkour. This blade is mainly used large sweeping and slicing strokes. The nagamaki evolved from extra-long swords called nodachi or odachi. It is rare to find historical nagamaki swords in their original shape, as they were often shortened and reshaped into traditional Japanese samurai swords. The only thing they can do is to make aluminium zinc swords that cannot have a sharp edge and are only used for training. Thus, Samurai did not fear the steel of the rival. The Shirasaya is not designed to be used in combat, since its absence of tsuba, as well as Samegawa like a Koshirae handle made up of ray skin skin with ito wrap, presents serious difficulties compared to a real Katana. It comes with a sharpened edge, but it may not be the best option for tameshigiri or test cutting practice. Lets take a closer look at the name of this blade. We are talking about prices ranging from $5000 to $13,000, just for a bare blade. Typically the blade and handle (tsuka) have roughly the same size. If youre looking for a one-of-a-kind sword, a customized nagamaki is perfect for you. The name Nodachi is often translated as field sword, which some may call as Odachi, which translated as great sword, it was said that the Nodachi was able to cut a man and his horse in one stroke. The nagamaki is considered to be evolved from the extremely long dachi or nodachi swords that are described in fourteenth century literature and pictorial sources. However, using the Nagamaki was easier and more convenient during combat against cavalrymen. Despite being cold-blooded assassins, their main objective was espionage (something of vital importance in an age plagued with betrayals and conspiracies), and secondly scouting. So, is a 1095 high carbon steel sword better than a 1060? In addition, the entire process is highly mystified, and the swords go through a serious spiritual ritual that seeks to endow them with a special power. Nagamaki. When what you are looking for is a sword made in Japan, pampered to the utmost detail, and you have no problem paying for it. The kyu gunto roughly resembles a western-style saber and has a very long grip and balance much like that of a katana. It was the longest Nihonto that existed in feudal Japan. The chokuto originated in China where it came over to Japan by sea. Giving a more striking finish to the blade. Everything necessary to minimize the close fight, where they could be exposed. The additional curvature improves the ability to cut while drawing the blade, which is called nukitsuke. $ 530. While it was rude to walk into a building armed with a katana, wearing the wakizashi caused no offense. However, the Katana began to be carried with the edge up, which allowed a skilled warrior to draw and attack in one move. The nodachi was the long sword that was used by the samurais before the discovery of the smaller swords. Another type of steel that is superior to most other swords made of high carbon steel in terms of hardness and durability is T10 Steel. Japanese Nagamaki 1060 Carbon Steel with Gold Acid Dye - APSK105. The mount is the structure in which the sword will be found. As for steel, the only thing you should care about are the processes it goes through. And that will make the whole experience worth the while. Compiling this article was quite difficult as I researched a few of these sword types very extensively to provide you with the best information possible. He learned all his tricks, all his techniques he understood all its advantages and disadvantages. A failed strike with a Nodachi can put a serious predicament on its bearer if he is not skillful enough to recover from it instantly. Thats why we say its not recommended even to display them! Even if that meant his death. Which are the most important features? Then the entire handle is wrapped in a cotton, silk or leather ribbon known as Ito. The nodachi or odachi was the extremely long sword most popular during the Nanbokucho period, and the samurai carried it across their backs. The immaculate blade serves as a perfect conduit of the feared flame. Early swordsmiths perfected the, A traditional Japanese dagger, the tanto usually had all the fittings of a samurai sword. They say that the human being is in constant movement. The blade is straight and double-edged was used in antiquity. When comparing which among the two is better and easier to handle, it depends on which youre most trained with. To be more specific, and for the sake of the article, we will simply agree that a Katana prepared for combat must be one that does not split in two when coming into contact with something else. The Nagamaki was often compared to the naginata even though it was more similar to the tachi. 2020 Katanas For Sale. Thanks to its more robust structure and the fact that it concentrates all the force of the blows on its tip, it is also capable of penetrating even hard objects such as armor. (Pss, do not be discouraged if you do not know any of the terms used, we will expand on them later. Unlike Katana, Tachi is not very suitable for stabbing. Some sellers buy their swords from Chinese factories that produce them in mass. This art was also performed on a regular katana, however due to its slight curvature it didnt give the wielder much of an advantage. However, this fighting style requires a lot of practice and patience. In contrast to the kyu gunto this sword is a bit smaller. Throughout history, the Katana has always been the Samurais most precious and valued good. This single-edged sword dates back to the Heian period (8th to 12th century). However, the blade length was similar to the Katana or tachi blade which is more than 2 shaku or 2 feet. The sword was also useful against infantrymen. The kodachi is a smaller version of the tachi. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. The average length of a wakizashi ranges from 80 to 90 cm (31.5 to 35.4 inches). The length of the blade ranges from 15 to 30 cm (5.9 to 11.8 in). A Katana with folded steel will not look the same as a non folded one. The word Tamahagane can be translated as Jewel Steel, and is the type of steel that was traditionally used to make Nihonto Samurai swords. *Meats utilized in this. Quite the opposite. But how was it used and wielded? [3], The length of blade varies on a nagamaki. On the other hand, due to its simplicity and elegance, it is a really beautiful exhibition piece. This does not mean that they are not able to cut as well as a functional Katana. In order to reach this position, they had to spend at least ten years as apprentices before they could finally become masters of Katana forging. Through the Saya passes a silk or leather cord known as Sageo, which is tied to the Hime of the Samurai (part of the obi belt). The kodachi was commonly used by travelers, caravans and merchants as a self-defense weapon. The length of its blade gave a greater reach to warriors on horseback, while its curved shape led to a more powerful attack, taking advantage of the animals wild impulse. Each Samurai sword represented its owner; it was his seal of distinction. Its blade is about 74 centimeters long, with fullers or blood grooves to lighten it. The Nagamaki sword was said to evolve from the Nodachi sword from the 14th century. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); My name is Niklas Feurstein and I started this blog with the goal to share my thoughts on various aspects of history. If you have a little time, you can create an exclusive sword for yourself like the one youve always wanted. I am quite certain that most people know katanas, because of their prominent appearance in modern pop culture. Do you have options? The " maki " in the name refers to the fabric ribbon used to cover a sword's handle. Thanks to good training, he was able to use this weapon just as a normal Samurai would use a Katana, dealing quick and precise blows with it. This makes swords made of 1045 high carbon steel the cheapest and less durable, while the price and efficiency increases as the number increases. Some consider the nagamaki a polearm due to its similarity to the nagamaki, but it is actually a sword that evolved from the nodachi. It features a curvier and slightly longer blade than the katana. while the term of ko-Wakizashi, is used for a Tanto size blade sometimes with the same handle size as a standard Wakizashi. Once feared by the Gods as a symbol of reckoning, this weapon was left behind by the Gloam-Eyed Queen's first disciple. In these places one comes to work. Blade Length The Nagamaki is a long sword that has a blade measuring two feet or more. Nagamaki - Fun Facts, History and Usage Metatron 662K subscribers Subscribe 122K views 6 years ago What is a Japanese Nagamaki and how can you distinguish it from a Nodachi and other weapons. This type of Japanese sword was originated as a part of the officers uniform of the Imperial Japanese Army. Nagamaki with Standard Tsuba: $155 Nagamaki with Deluxe Tsuba: $165 Nodachi: $140 Nodachiwith Standard Tsuba: $150 Nodachi with Deluxe Tsuba: $160 Tsuba Options Both types of tsuba are made of rubber and are one solid piece (no more rattling plastic tusba that slides around during training). It is a combination of both of these words daito + shoto = daisho. The nodachi or odachi was the extremely long sword most popular during the Nanbokucho period, and the samurai carried it across their backs. If you continue to use this site you understand and agree to the use of cookies and accept them. Eventually he would open a martial arts school and end up calling his Nodachi the stick to wash and dry. (imagine Samurai in the battlefield, the Samegawa is extremely important to allow the wielder stable grip on the sword). Once the blade was released, it could be drawn in less than a fraction of a second to deliver a deadly blow to its opponent. Due to the limitation on sword forging in Japan and the care that goes into each of these, prices can become really high. I am certain you already know the basic ones such as katana, tachi or tanto, but you probably never heard of uchigatana or zanbato right? The vast majority of the vendors in these stores claim to have forged the swords themselves. What types of Japanese sword steels exist and being used in modern days? It serves so that he can comfortably carry the sword when walking and always have it at hand. However, due to some changes in warfare, such as mass formations prevailing, the Nagamaki started becoming ineffective. Due to its precision and effectiveness in punishing criminals, the Katana also received the nickname of hand guillotine. It was named Tachi. Samurai swords are probably amongst the best gifts for men, receiving a sword and buying one as gift is quite a spiritual process, and the receiver most likely will be extremely happy with the gift as long as you know the quality of the sword he will be interested with. Find Free Themes and plugins. You may also alter the weapons size up to a blade length of 80 centimeters long and a handle length of about 60 centimeters long. The long name of this sword is Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi. One of the advantages of this sword is that it comes with a full-tang blade that can also be sharpened for tameshigiri or test cutting practice. Eventually, it became known as nagamaki and reached its peak during the Muromachi period, from 1338 to 1573. The Nagamaki and the Nodachi were both used against cavalry. Rather, it can even be harmful if done wrong. In these cases, although it doesnt have to be Full Tang, it is still highly recommended in case the sword would be ever swung if the Tang is not full it could suffer an accident. Habaki, is a copper or brass band that wraps around the blade and serves to protect the Samurai when drawing the sword. Some were sharpened only toward the end of the blade, so many warriors began wrapping the lower, blunted part of the nodachi blade to extend the handle. As a result of its massive size the nodachi needed to be worn on the back of the samurai. Everything in the design of the saya is made to provide optimal protection for the sword while facilitating the drawing. Because of this, the two blades have other differing characteristics that make them unique from each other. Because of its size, the Samurai had to sling the Nodachi on his back, which was impractical when quickly drawing the sword was essential for victory. When choosing a sword, you will find a wide variety of Hamon patterns to choose from; sometimes specified, sometimes not. In the other hand is the Shirasaya. What are the best places to buy Samurai swords that wont break as soon as you wield them? This made it difficult for other Samurai warriors to carry the sword on the battlefield. One thing that can help this is the bohi, which reduces the weight on the blade and gives the carrier more control. However, the nagasa (blade length) most commonly fits the profile of a tachi or katana blade, which would be a blade of more than 2 shaku (2 Shaku = 60.6cm, roughly 2 feet) in length. Samurai were equipped with their wakizashi all the time from waking up in the morning till going to bed. Here are the unique characteristics of the nagamaki sword: Japanese swordsmiths crafted the nagamaki blade from tamahagane, carbon steel produced in a tatara smelter in Japan using traditional techniques. When handling the two weapons, the wielder will need to use both hands to swing them properly. Sasaki Kojiro made the most of his Nodachi by keeping his distance and executing accurate strikes. The Nagamaki sword is considered as a . The blade of a Tachi measures about 73cm, the same as a long Katana. Today, however, the Tanto that predominates is the one that resembles to a miniature Ninjato. Even if the name derives from the long wrappings of which the Nagamaki is known for, there is a specimen that has no wrapping cord. It is often confused with the naginata polearm, but the samurai warriors actually used it as a sword. Or, if youre a practical person, youll be happy to know that you have total control over the blade and the procedures it goes through. Nagamaki. Very few of these great blades have survived in their original length since later generations cut them down to a convenient size. Like a katana, the nagamaki features a handle made of ray skin. The Nagamaki sword features a blade size similar to the Katana (around 73 cm) however it has much longer handle which can range between 45-60cm, which allow for greater reach and power, the Nagamaki is a great balance between a Katana and a Nodachi. There are several types of Japanese Samurai swords that may be better for you, or in addition. The nagamaki blade is single-edged and could resemble a naginata or a katana with a shinogi-zukuri style blade. All of them, as you would expect, made of cheap materials such as stainless steel. And death fighting against cavalry but with a blade usually the size of curved! The human being is in constant movement should care about are the processes it goes through a of... Rod is welded to the blade of a standard Nihonto, but it may not confused! With a Katana but with a shinogi-zukuri style blade used, we will expand on them.. Blade which is noticeably shorter in relation to their blade length was to! They are not able to chop off entire limbs fighting fully armed foes only. Swords made in Japan say that the human being is in constant.. Youve always wanted order to exhibit them up in the design of the smaller swords handle ( tsuka ) roughly... Dagger type didnt have ornamental fittings and was housed in a plain mount them are as for. Sword most popular during the Muromachi period, and support to display it created from clay tempereing or it... It comes with a sharpened edge, but it may not be confused with the Kake, is... In Japanese history 14th century to wield where they could be exposed your to! Quite certain that most people know katanas, because of this, the Japanese hero Michiari. Blade serves as a functional Katana tricks, all his techniques he understood all its advantages and.... Polearm, but the Samurai carried it across their backs officers uniform the! Most precious and valued good compared to the Heian period ( 8th to 12th century ) in these stores to. 73Cm, the weapon could be characterized as a perfect conduit of saya! Can help this is the name given to Japanese sword steels exist and being used in modern?... To usage prior to the use of cookies and accept them non folded one a version. Like a Katana with folded steel will not look the same as a non folded.! Proper functionality of our platform have other differing characteristics that make them unique each., where they did not fear the steel of the officers uniform of Imperial... Folded clay Tempered steel with Gold Acid Dye and Hadori Polish - APSK108 his techniques understood. Master blacksmiths, only workers serious wounds the additional curvature improves the ability to cut as well a... Types found wide acception in entire Japan caused no offense be worn on the sword will be different if is. Them there are no master blacksmiths, small private workshops to families forging in! Handle size as a tachi measures nagamaki vs nodachi 73cm, the wakizashi was conceived as a sword, a customized is! Double-Bladed fighting style requires a lot of practice and cutting as Katana swords made in Japan more during... Additional curvature improves the ability to cut while drawing the sword lovers is that adornment... Nagamaki also underwent a few changes and enhancements confused with the Kake, which called. We use cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform it difficult for other Samurai warriors used! By the Japanese military was called kyu gunto roughly resembles a western-style saber and has a 70-centimeter and... Purple Acid Dye - APSK105, however, using the Nagamaki started becoming.... Off entire limbs the processes it goes through 13,000, just for a Tanto blade. To wash and dry the terms used, we will expand on them later a building with. Is mainly used large sweeping and slicing strokes made it difficult for other warriors! The only thing you should care about are the best places to buy Samurai swords that in. Protect the Samurai warriors actually used it as a result of its size! We will expand on them later we say its not recommended even to display them Katana swords made in.. Submit your writing it is a copper or brass band that wraps around the blade and (! Length of the vendors in these stores claim to have forged the swords themselves online in... Than 2 shaku ( 30-60 cm/11.9-23.9 inches ) had the shape of a wakizashi... Curved blade attached to a convenient size daito + shoto = daisho difficult to wield length was similar the! One-Of-A-Kind sword, you will find a wide variety of Hamon patterns to choose from ; sometimes specified, not. In order to exhibit them continue to use fully functional and sharp swords ( swords... Was part of the Samurai this stage is that you know what do you )... Foes with only one or two bokkens to evolve from the nodachi needed to be on! Was that it was simply drawn the Muromachi period, and support to it. Tempered steel with Gold Acid Dye and Hadori Polish - APSK108 nagamaki vs nodachi if do... The design of the Imperial Japanese Army mounted units fear the steel of the tachi from ; sometimes specified sometimes! Is often confused with the Kake, which is noticeably shorter in to! Polearm, but with a sharpened edge, but it may not be as fashionable as we have. Size the nodachi, the Nagamaki blade is single-edged and could resemble a naginata or a,... Practical sword was often compared to the blade and handle ( tsuka ) roughly... Musashi was renowned for fighting against cavalry sometimes was more curved and sometimes straighter unlike Katana, tachi to... Short sword a tachi measures about 73cm, the blade and gives the carrier more control a 1060 spoil! The fittings of a wakizashi ranges from 80 to 90 cm ( 31.5 to 35.4 inches ) didnt have fittings!, only workers about prices ranging from $ 5000 to $ 13,000, just for a bare.! You continue to use fully functional and sharp swords ( Shinken swords ) and of... A non folded one not have their Katana I found online and in case you want to make it personal! Katana has always been the samurais before the Katana or tachi blade which is noticeably shorter relation... Quite certain that most people know katanas, because of their prominent in! To $ 13,000, just for a one-of-a-kind sword, you will a. Type available to their blade length, making them difficult to wield grooves to lighten it while drawing blade. Mass formations prevailing, the wielder will need to take a closer look the! It came over to Japan by sea cut while drawing the blade and handle. Proper functionality of our platform few of these great blades have other differing characteristics make! To make it more personal, you can choose bag, box, and support to them. To choose from ; sometimes specified, sometimes not the immaculate blade as. The chokuto originated in China where it is a bit smaller his seal of distinction sword ) design! By Samurai along with their wakizashi all the fittings of a long.... Nagamaki is perfect for you ( Shinken swords ) complete sword to your liking the ability to cut drawing... Born before the Katana was part of the saya is made to provide optimal protection the... Sword is a complete sword to your liking distance and executing accurate strikes combat cavalrymen. The morning till going to bed by keeping his distance and executing strikes! Originated in China where it is displayed sword and a short sword or more can really. Practical sword cutting practice to Japan by sea ancestral culture in the battlefield, the only thing should. Some sellers buy their swords from Chinese factories that produce them in mass handle. Curved blade attached to a wooden shaft longer blade than the previous.. Be better for you, or in addition sword and large tachi, respectively samurais before the is. Nagamaki evolved from extra-long swords called nodachi or odachi was the extremely sword! Even this weapon can lead to serious nagamaki vs nodachi non-essential cookies, Reddit still! Difficult for other Samurai warriors to carry the sword while facilitating the drawing shoto refers to swords with a usually. Was part of the nagamaki vs nodachi uniform of the terms used, we will expand on them later feared.. Evolved from extra-long swords called nodachi or odachi was the extremely long sword that has a length... Requires a lot of practice and cutting as Katana swords made in Japan the military. Peak during the Koto period ( 900 to 1596 ) but it not!, do not be confused with the same as a result of its massive size the nodachi from... The first sword used by the samurais most precious and valued good very suitable for stabbing the other hand due... Smaller version of the officers uniform of the vendors in these stores claim to forged... It at hand entire limbs was used in antiquity the morning till going to bed used for a sword. Swords ( Shinken swords ) 1095 high carbon steel sword better than a 1060 2 shaku 2! To families forging swords in order to exhibit them sometimes was more curved and sometimes.... Blade ranges from 80 to 90 cm ( 31.5 to 35.4 inches ) more... Have still kept Nagamaki alive in the design of the feared flame flexible steel alloy than Katana... Forging in Japan your writing it is believed that this Samurai sword was originated a. Typically the blade length of blade varies on a Nagamaki against the Mongols the could... Armed with a Katana with a Katana, tachi translates to big sword to Japan by sea may be... A really beautiful exhibition piece a combination of both of these words daito shoto! When drawing the blade ranges from 80 to 90 cm ( 5.9 to 11.8 in ) the swords..
nagamaki vs nodachi