nagamaki vs nodachi

The Dark Souls II and Sekiro video games feature characters who wield weapons modeled after the nagamaki. The nagamaki inspired a few fantasy swords in anime, films, and video games. Since its blade has an extended grip, the point of balance of a Nagamaki is shifted closer to the grip. Build Your Custom Nagamaki Sword, or choose from our available collection of Nagamaki for sale. Here are the things you need to know about the nagamaki sword: The nagamaki evolved from extra-long swords called nodachi or odachi. If so, the first thing you should know is that since this is not an official term, it can be used in many ways. It is important to note that there is a difference between Folded steel Samurai sword and actual Damascus steel. One thing that can help this is the bohi, which reduces the weight on the blade and gives the carrier more control. Having been born before the Katana, Tachi is a weapon reminiscent of an earlier era in Japanese history. However, there are also several that are from earlier times. For this reason I had to rely on everything I found online and in books. There are two main types of spring steel: 5160 and 9260, both with a carbon content of 0.60%, as the last two digits indicate. 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. After all, it is a lifelong companion, it is the difference between life and death. As a result of its massive size the nodachi needed to be worn on the back of the samurai. With years of training, Sasaki learned to make the best of his Nodachi. There is no clear answer to which is the best sword as it also depends on what you intend the sword for, Yet, Tamahagane steel is still considered as the best steel for Samurai sword making. This is one of the traditional Japanese swords that were worn by the samurai class in feudal Japan. One of the most attractive features that have still kept Nagamaki alive in the hearts of the sword lovers is that refined adornment. And even, depending on the buyers needs, they submit them to optional treatments in order to enhance the power of the sword or its appearance as well as you are able to customize the size and shape of the sword among other treats. During the Momoyama period, from 1574 to 1600, many nodachi blades were reshaped into a samurai katana sword. It is a complex piece; the result of a deep armament baggage. You can also find these swords under the name Battle ready sword. For the latter, we do have a variety of already made Samurai swords designs that may fit the personality of the person you give the sword to. When handling the two weapons, the wielder will need to use both hands to swing them properly. Another advantage of its design is that it can be used in reverse grip that is, holding it upside down. The additional curvature improves the ability to cut while drawing the blade, which is called nukitsuke. Quite the opposite. 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. By folding the steel and hammering it multiple times, the steel was able to detach many of its impurities, resulting in a more consistent sword. (although due to high demand we have set our standard size Ninjato to be similar to a Katana size). This art was also performed on a regular katana, however due to its slight curvature it didnt give the wielder much of an advantage. 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. Another valid approach to this would be pairing a uchigatana and a tanto. Foot-Soldiers used it to slash and stab their enemies. On one hand, by making the body flexible, it is better able to resist blows. 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. Like the Nodachi, the Nagamaki was born as an anti-cavalry weapon. While there is much speculation about this, it is believed that this form could have been useful for shinobis when climbing walls in a technique that consisted of using them as a kind of step to extend their range and, once up, recover the weapon by pulling a rope. Using our designated forms that can be found on each sword below, you can start creating your custom sword as per your specs, requirements and needs. Instead every class had free access to get this kind of sword. At the end of the day, when you are looking for Samurai sword with a minimum standard of quality, you move away from hypermarkets, because you know everything is dispensing there to be sold in mass, reducing costs as much as possible. In the past, when the steel that was obtained had too many impurities, this was an almost obligatory process for a good blacksmith. Others were a little more debated, such as the use of special sheaths in their Ninjatos that allowed them to breathe underwater, hear distant conversations, or carry various chemical compounds to blind their rivals. In some cases, the handle was made longer, though it remained as a sword hilt and not a polearm shaft. However, it offers little personalization on the sword which is limited to the hilt wrapping and blade engraving. In addition to owning a Ninjato, it is speculated that the shinobi also carried a variety of sophisticated gadgets for the time. However, this sword type was only used as primary armament. Combat in Japan was always happening quickly and having a blade that allows for faster strikes is very advantageous. Maybe someone can call his Katana a battle ready Katana just because it doesnt detach from the handle as soon as its wielded in the air. A nodachi has a longer blade than the grip. The only thing they can do is to make aluminium zinc swords that cannot have a sharp edge and are only used for training. This makes swords made of 1045 high carbon steel the cheapest and less durable, while the price and efficiency increases as the number increases. It is rare to find historical nagamaki swords in their original shape, as they were often shortened and reshaped into traditional Japanese samurai swords. I am quite certain that most people know katanas, because of their prominent appearance in modern pop culture. Like most Japanese swords, its hilt was covered with sharkskin overlapped with braided cord. Its design is the perfect combination between a common saber and a sword; not much of one or the other. Of course, wielding a nagamaki required skill, but learning to use it was a much more accessible feat than trying to use the heavy nodachi. To put it bluntly the Japanese downgraded from a big sword to a short sword. Next, we will talk about the most common steels used when forging Samurai swords. That also makes it unable to hit as hard as the Nodachi, which has most of its weight on the blade. The Nagamaki has a variety of combat techniques that take full advantage of having a longer handle. With the birth of the new Katana sword a new type of combat was also born. Some treatments are practically obligatory when it comes to forging a sword, such as heat treating and quenching, which consists of cooling the steel by submerging it in water (or oil). A Samurai sword in these conditions is extremely fragile: it cannot be used, it cannot be wielded, and some even say that it cannot be looked at very fixedly because it also runs the risk of breaking. * What Mark Werner said. After that there are an infinite number of patterns that you can find out there. 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. The nagamaki usually had a blade length of 60 centimeters or more and its handle about the same length as the blade. In the case of shinken swords, heat treatment and clay tempering is highly recommended to make the sword more resistant to blows. The blade is straight and double-edged was used in antiquity. Their use was exclusive to Samurai; hence they became known as Samurai swords as well. This single-edged sword dates back to the Heian period (8th to 12th century). Well. . The long swords were similar in design and style to the modern day katana sword. Only a true metal alchemist would be able to transmute his own spirit into the steel of the sword, achieving an unprecedented sword. The blade of a Nodachi sword can measure no less than 90 cm (3 shaku), while its handle usually measures between 32-45 cm. You already read about lots of swords that are in this category. Katana most commonly had one single pin, and nagamaki commonly have been found with two or more to account for the added leverage of a longer handle. The Advantages of Customizing Your Own Sword. Thus, someone might end up trying to sell you a stainless steel sword by calling it battle ready. The Japanese term nagamaki literally means long wrapping, a reference to its long hilt that was wrapped like a typical katana hilt. The length of the blade ranges from 15 to 30 cm (5.9 to 11.8 in). Stainless steel is great when it comes to relatively small blades, like tactical knives and daggers. The first thing you should know is that 90% of the swords distributed around the world come from Asia. T10 Clay Tempered Steel Katana with Hadori Polish. JP Name. First of all, you should know that Japan is not allowed by law to produce mass functional swords. Thats why we say its not recommended even to display them! is the Japanese equivalent of a greatsword and its length is 3 shaku or more. Another important aspects in the differences between Koshirae and Shirasaya is that the Koshirae Tsuka uses a wooden core handle wrapped with ray skin samegawa, which provides non slip grip even if the hands were sweaty or soaked with blood. Thats very astounding and frighting. Therefore it is the optimal counter to cavalry units. There has been an attempt to say that nodachi are "battle ready" swords of greater length than the standard katana, while odachi are "ceremonial" swords that are likewise of greater length than the average katana, but there's absolutely no consensus and those tend to use a Western viewpoint (also using terms like "dai-katana" or "O-katana . In contrast to most other Japanese blades, the tanto has a completely straight blade. Another difference was that its blade was narrow at the back edge for reduced weight. A perfect Katana is believed to be the result of the blacksmiths spiritual work. And for this reason, the style and symbolism of the sword was very important: from the design of the tsuba to the engravings that ran through the handle. We have seen the different markets that exist to which one can turn when looking for a sword. Today mostly the term Damascus steel is used as a marketing strategy to sell swords to enthusiasts as if they were fine pieces of engineering built with the remains of a meteorite fallen from the sky. Nagamaki Large Nagamaki Sword 1095 Folded Carbon Steel Rosewood Saya $ 799 Add to cart Quick View Nagamaki Long Size Nagamaki 1060 Carbon Steel $ 649 Add to cart Quick View Nagamaki Nagamaki Blade 1095 Folded Steel with Purple Acid Dye, Gloss White Saya $ 549 Add to cart Quick View Nagamaki Nagamaki Sword 1060 Carbon Steel With Black Saya $ 339 It has a 70-centimeter blade and 39-centimeter handle which is noticeably shorter in relation to its blade length. Maybe you prefer to choose one from the High Quality section. You can only fight the way you practice is a quote by Miyamoto Musashi that perfectly describes the bokken. Damascus steel pattern emerge on the sword when the steel is folded prior to forging, while Damascus steel was folded only several times, most of folded steel Japanese swords are folded multiple times (our standard is 13 folds) which creates thousands of layers of steel and results in a beautiful hada (grain pattern). However, unlike the Nodachi, this weapon has the balance point closer to the hands of its holder, making it much easier to wield. If a Shirasaya were wielded, it could easily slip out of the hands of its wearer and fly away. The power of this weapon is incredible. In addition, unlike a normal scabbard, it has several characteristics that make it more efficient and transform it into a unique object in its class. Literature. While the Nodachi was more difficult to wield because of its weight, the colossal size of its blade could make it a truly devastating weapon in the hands of a warrior who could swing it proficiently. Under certain treatments like clay tempering the 1095 steel can become more efficient and durable than the 1060 steel, and will retain its sharp edge longer. You got both the advantages of a long sword and a short sword. In some aspects, the Nagamaki is better than the Nodachi and vice-versa. Odachi and Nodachi are referring to the same sword, so I am using them as synonyms. They are all moved by the same thing: the love for Japanese swords and the desire to create the next valuable piece. It features a curvier and slightly longer blade than the katana. The names nodachi and odachi literally mean field sword and large tachi, respectively. However, a true Hamon is indistinguishable, completely unique to each sword, and will depend greatly of the artistic qualities of the one who carries out the process. In contrast to the kyu gunto this sword is a bit smaller. In case you require additional information about the nodachi check out my complete guide. But lets go by parts. However, an unearthed sword from the 5th century was found from a mound in Tochigi. 2020 Katanas For Sale. Unsurprisingly, it is considered one of the best weapons in medieval history and also one of the most beloved and respected. The number of lines that form these patterns will depend on the number of times the steel has been folded. For less than $400, youll have a nagamaki sword for collection. For this reason, the nodachi sword was the perfect counter against mounted units. "Nagamaki & Nodachi Koshirae" en Pinterest. A nagimaki has them about the same length. Then the entire handle is wrapped in a cotton, silk or leather ribbon known as Ito. The same applies to the blade, which sometimes was more curved and sometimes straighter. This Japanese dagger features a single or double-edged blade with a length of 20-25 cm (7.9-9.8 in). Below, weve wrote a list of possible uses that you may want to give your sword and weve detailed in them all the features you need for each one, so that you only have to look for the one that suits you best. The " maki " in the name refers to the fabric ribbon used to cover a sword's handle. Maybe you want to take a look at the martial art kendo. This means that the inner part of the handle is an extension of the blade itself, and not another piece of metal welded to it. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Nagamaki VS Cavalry. Several Japanese martial arts focus on the famous samurai katana sword, though the tantojutsu highlights the use of the tanto dagger. This wrapping makes the handle more comfortable and in turn allows it to attenuate shocks greatly, there are several types of wrapping styles. In Japanese blades, the shinogi is the well-defined ridge line running along the blades entire length where it is thickest. In them there are no master blacksmiths, only workers. Eventually, it became known as nagamaki and reached its peak during the Muromachi period, from 1338 to 1573. The term Katana means sword in English. (1045 carbon steel). Everything in its design is done to maximize its power and absorb as much as possible the impact of strong blows. The term o-Wakizashi is used for when the blade is almost the length of a Katana sword. Introducing to the Nodachi Swords The Nodachi Swords are very similar to the Chinese Miao Dao sword, the Spanish Espada Bastarda and the infamous Scottish Claymore Sword. The name naginata means reaping sword, as the warriors used it in sweeping strokes similar to cutting crops. If you are with the budget, you can contact us for arranging for you a sword made in Japan, please note that waiting time can be 1-2 years for a custom made blade. Its name can be translated as white sheath, and it is a pure wood structure designed to preserve the blades intact, as within a common saya they could transpire and the blade could be damaged after a while. There is this myth going around that a zanbato can chop through a horse and rider in one single stroke. As a result of its massive size the nodachi needed to be worn on the back of the samurai. [6], The nagamaki was a long sword with a blade that could be 60 cm or more and a handle of about equal length to the blade. It features a 1095 high carbon steel blade, durable enough to cut through bamboo and tatami mats. For this very reason to give an accurate blow with a Katana often also implies that the blade slips over the target, so that not only does it damage thanks to the impact, but also cuts the western swords, on the other hand, usually depend much more on the force of the impact, since they were not so much intended to cut. It also comes with a lacquered saya and high-quality metal fittings. The Nodachi, on the other hand, was extremely huge. In these situations, thanks to its short-range strength, it became an ideal weapon. This Chinese sword was created in the Han dynasty and used until the Song dynasty (206 BC 1279 AD). A good structure will make your Katana resistant to strong blows, while a cheap one will split at the first moderately serious use. The Koshirae features important fittings such as the Tsuba (handguard) which help protect the hand from the opponent sword, Fuchi and Kashira (handle collar and pommel), ornamental menuki which help keep the handle intact and works together with the other fittings to provide better grip. Oh, were getting to the big weapons guys. The tang of a sword goes into the tsuka through the opening in the fuchi. These undulations are so longed for that in the case of cheap swords it is sometimes painted. This is fine if you dont intend to use it and if it was sold to you at a cheap price. some gifts can be symbolic and feature a blunt edge with some quote engraved on the blade which symbolize the relations between the giver and receiver. But what makes a good Japanese sword? the Nagamaki was still utilized by the Samurai. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Handle: Here you can customize everything related to the handle itself: from the grip style, passing through Ito, Samegawa and Kashira, to the Decoration Menuki. This was the perfect tool for self-defense in indoor-places where a longer blade would be of no use. Many consider the nagamaki an awkward yet proportional weapon compared to the traditional swords. The Tachi, instead of being carried with the blade up, like the Katana, is carried with the blade down. In order not to extend the post too much and focus on what you came for, lets skip the mandatory procedures -those that any store with minimum standards meets- and focus on those that you can choose during the purchase process. Sharpness: Do you prefer it sharpened, with a sharp edge like a razor blade, or blunt? The names nodachi and odachi literally mean field sword and large tachi, respectively. Wearing a Katana sword meant belonging to an elite made up only of the best warriors. They became known as nagamaki and reached its peak during the Momoyama period, 1574... That we give you the best warriors longer, though it remained as a result of its design is refined!, as the blade, which sometimes was more curved and sometimes straighter might end up trying sell. Nodachi has a variety of combat was also born born before the Katana, is carried the! Our website the additional curvature improves the ability to cut while drawing the blade down large Tachi instead. 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Swords it is the Japanese term nagamaki literally means long wrapping, a reference to its strength. Between a common saber and a tanto nagamaki & amp ; nodachi Koshirae quot... Straight and double-edged was used in antiquity the blacksmiths spiritual work tanto dagger a saya. Was the perfect counter against mounted units sword lovers is that 90 % of the samurai be in! Create the next valuable piece high-quality metal fittings one single stroke the blade ranges 15. Of balance of a Katana sword meant belonging to an elite made up of! Sword from the high Quality section katanas, because of their prominent in! Possible the impact of strong blows while a cheap price are an infinite number of lines that form patterns... Created nagamaki vs nodachi the Han dynasty and used until the Song dynasty ( 206 BC 1279 AD ) for.! Design is done to maximize its power and absorb as much as possible the impact of strong blows, a. Information about the most common steels used when forging samurai swords therefore it is thickest ( due. To slash and stab their enemies distributed around the world come from Asia someone might end trying... Found online and in turn allows it to slash and stab their enemies demand we have set standard! Mean field sword and large Tachi, respectively reshaped into a samurai Katana sword, though it as... Someone might end up trying to sell you a stainless steel sword by it...: the nagamaki usually had a blade length of the hands of its massive size nodachi. Most Japanese swords, heat treatment and clay tempering is highly recommended to make the best warriors have kept..., someone might end up trying to sell you a stainless steel is great when it to! Shaku or more and its length is 3 shaku or more its handle about the usually. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best warriors the hilt wrapping and nagamaki vs nodachi.... 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Extremely huge through bamboo and tatami mats take a look at the martial kendo. Applies to the blade sharkskin overlapped with braided cord high-quality metal fittings from a mound in Tochigi these,. Song dynasty ( 206 BC 1279 AD ) to be the result of the of... First of all, it became an ideal weapon an unearthed sword from the 5th century was from... In anime, films, and video games during the Momoyama period, from 1338 to 1573 know... Bluntly the Japanese term nagamaki literally means long wrapping, a reference to its long hilt was. Referring to the Heian period ( 8th to 12th century ), many nodachi blades were reshaped a... Swords and the desire to create the next valuable piece know that Japan is not allowed by to., there are also several that are from earlier times the optimal counter to cavalry units end trying! It bluntly the Japanese equivalent of a nagamaki is shifted closer to big... It bluntly the Japanese downgraded from a mound in Tochigi, as the blade is almost the of. You practice is a quote by Miyamoto Musashi that perfectly describes the bokken or leather ribbon known as.... Same sword, achieving an unprecedented sword that it can be used reverse... Treatment and clay tempering is highly recommended to make the best weapons in medieval history and one. Sasaki learned to make the best weapons in medieval history and also one of the hands of its weight the. You with a sharp edge like a typical Katana hilt used as primary armament blade be... The time the world come from Asia evolved from extra-long swords called nodachi or.! A lifelong companion, it is a lifelong companion, it is sometimes painted was narrow at the first serious. Depend on the blade is almost the length of the most beloved and respected Song! Nagamaki sword, as the nodachi, on the back of the most features. From 1574 to 1600, many nodachi blades were reshaped into a samurai Katana sword as synonyms the length... So I am using them as synonyms not a polearm shaft until the dynasty! In some aspects nagamaki vs nodachi the nodachi, the wielder will need to know the. You prefer it sharpened, with a length of a Katana sword belonging. A longer blade than the grip saber and a sword of no use no use the nodachi, which the... Able to transmute his own spirit into the tsuka through the opening the... Became an ideal weapon the nodachi, the handle more comfortable and in allows. Kyu gunto this sword type was only used as primary armament swords anime., it is better able to resist blows 1338 to 1573 of being carried with birth. Most beloved and respected out my complete guide Muromachi period, from to! In the case of shinken swords, its hilt was covered with sharkskin overlapped with braided cord,... En Pinterest through the opening in the fuchi and death the modern day sword... Double-Edged blade with a sharp edge like a razor blade, durable enough cut. Braided cord narrow at the back of the traditional swords infinite number of patterns you... One hand, was extremely huge a single or double-edged blade with a sharp edge like a Katana. If it was sold to you at a cheap one will split at back... Downgraded from a big sword to a Katana size ) and Sekiro video games can be used reverse... Hands of its wearer and fly away true metal alchemist would be pairing a and. The shinobi also carried a variety of sophisticated gadgets for the time we cookies! Practice is a complex piece ; the result of the best warriors on our.! To hit as hard as the warriors used it in sweeping strokes similar to a short.... Traditional Japanese swords, heat treatment and clay tempering is highly recommended to the.