And if the warrior saw himself against a horse, he would be in a better position to go out of range and injure the extremities of the animal, or reach the very rider. Nonetheless, in the hands of experts, the bokken could become a deadly weapon as well. The ninja would have had a variety of combat techniques to use the Ninjato with maximum efficiency. 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. And exactly that brings me to the next training weapon type. These, though experienced, lack the skills necessary to make real Samurai swords or the time to devote to each one the required attention. The famous rninMiyamoto Musashi was also using and teaching a double-bladed fighting style. However, searching for swords in this type of stores is the equivalent of buying a computer in a hypermarket. Being initially thought as a saber for cavalry, it possesses a greater curvature along the whole blade than the Katana. Only a true metal alchemist would be able to transmute his own spirit into the steel of the sword, achieving an unprecedented sword. Also, because of its small size, it was used by many Ninja instead of the mystical Ninjato. When putting those into the craft the result is unquestionably strong sword. In contrast to most other Japanese blades, the tanto has a completely straight blade. The chokuto is a straight single-edged sword. The handle of a Katana is a complex piece, the result of years of perfecting the creation of swords. . As soon as you start, two options will appear: SAYA ON/OFF: With this option you can see your sword with and without the scabbard. These four are the most common youll find in stores. Usually the lowest carbon content found on functional samurai swords is 0.45%. The chokuto originated in China where it came over to Japan by sea. No, the Shirasaya is not made for combat. What factors should you consider before buying one? The shin gunto was used from 1935 until 1945. The term daito literallymeans big sword. Now comes the hour of truth; to seek them out. Long handled katana with unique 1H and 2H moveset, implementing cut . As always I beg you to use your common sense and dont get influenced by those exaggerated myths. Some sellers buy their swords from Chinese factories that produce them in mass. the longer handle is for leverage. Habaki, is a copper or brass band that wraps around the blade and serves to protect the Samurai when drawing the sword. or scroll down to get a sneak peek on the future of Samurai swords customization. Eventually he would open a martial arts school and end up calling his Nodachi the stick to wash and dry. Quite the opposite. Sure. (Usually made of buffalo horn). This type of mount is completely opposite to the previous one, in the way that while the Koshirae is intended for regular use of the sword, the Shirasaya is used to hold the sword for long periods of inactivity. Furthermore, the tanto can either be single or double-edged. For more information, please see our Resulting from their massive size of over 150 cm (59 inches). Nonetheless, it is very special. 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. One thing that can help this is the bohi, which reduces the weight on the blade and gives the carrier more control. Nonetheless, this should be everything you need to know about the types of Japanese swords. If a Shirasaya were wielded, it could easily slip out of the hands of its wearer and fly away. Daito isnt a sword per se, instead it is a class of swords which have a blade length of 2 shaku or more (60+ cm/23.9+ in). As we mentioned before, although this process used to be necessary to eliminate impurities, today it is a purely aesthetic procedure. If you have a little time, you can create an exclusive sword for yourself like the one youve always wanted. Stainless steel is great when it comes to relatively small blades, like tactical knives and daggers. Modern reproductions made outside Japan often feature high carbon steel blades though they are not crafted from tamahagane. 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). [7], All traditional Japanese swords are fitted very snugly to their hilts and held in place with a mekugi, a bamboo peg which is fit through a hole in the tang called a mekugi-ana. When choosing a sword, you will find a wide variety of Hamon patterns to choose from; sometimes specified, sometimes not. And even if you want it to have Bohi or not. The zanbato features an extremely large blade. If you want to channel your inner samurai, this nagamaki sword is a perfect alternative to the katana. The other word we need to take a look at is shoto. This is very interesting as this sword was developed in the late 12th century. Most commonly the bokken has the shape of a katana. This results in a wide variety of Hamon to choose from. The Japanese katana typically had a blade length of over 60 centimeters and its hilt about 20 to 25 centimeters long. Not only for reasons of etiquette, but also for the comfort of the warrior at the time of combat. and if talking about folded steel for Samurai swords, it is important to note that the folding process on modern steel which is already pure, does not add any efficiency for the sword, moreover it is important that the folding is being done properly to prevent air sockets which can cause damage to the blade when it come in contact with a target while cutting. The main advantage of the Nodachi against conventional swords is that its blows are much more powerful, so that someone who possesses another sword cannot simply block one of its blows, has to dodge it or otherwise deflect it. All of them, as you would expect, made of cheap materials such as stainless steel. First of all, you should know that Japan is not allowed by law to produce mass functional swords. Distinguished for its long handle, the nagamaki was one of the weapons of low-ranking samurai in feudal Japan. When comparing which among the two is better and easier to handle, it depends on which youre most trained with. After that there are an infinite number of patterns that you can find out there. As a consequence of this process, a series of patterns known as Hada appear along the body of the blade, similar to those of wood grain -not to be confused with those of Hamon. If you are going to buy in these hyper markets, the best thing is to limit yourself to buying cheap products, which cant disappoint you. A warrior could be asked to deliver his Katana in a formal place, but often he could keep his trusted Wakizashi. (although due to high demand we have set our standard size Ninjato to be similar to a Katana size). Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Other Sites. The Ko Katana can be referred to as Chisa Katana. When it is sheathed, it looks like a single wooden staff. Wearing a Katana sword meant belonging to an elite made up only of the best warriors. Do they really work? In order to avoid injury, the shinai is created from tied bamboo splints. The use of a Katana and a Wakizashi together is known as daisho, although the same term is also used for the earlier combinations consisting of Tachi and Tanto. This is actually quite a strong mount when done correctly, and allowed for easy dismount of the bare blade for maintenance or inspection. 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. It is a combination of both of these words daito + shoto = daisho. The kodachi was commonly used by travelers, caravans and merchants as a self-defense weapon. And you dont want to spoil an expensive old sword. Even if you hang it on the wall of your house you will live with the fear of it falling off. Although the most common thing is to show it half-drawn. They are usually exhibited in houses, as a symbol of power and elegance, or in dojos. This art was also performed on a regular katana, however due to its slight curvature it didnt give the wielder much of an advantage. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. It is not that Nagamaki was not an effective weapon, but the score when compared to Odachi or Katana was pretty less. In terms of appearance, the ninjato features a straight blade. Shes particularly interested in the rise and fall of empires, accounts of war and conquest, and ancient and classical history. Injuries from a bokken strike are familiar to the ones of clubs for example compound fractures, ruptured organs, and other such blunt force injuries. The kyu gunto roughly resembles a western-style saber and has a very long grip and balance much like that of a katana. While stainless steel finds many applications in todays society, such as knife making, short blades, tools other types of accessories, under no circumstances stainless steel should be used to make Japanese swords. Since its blade has an extended grip, the point of balance of a Nagamaki is shifted closer to the grip. Throughout Japans history, the sword has evolved to suit the fighting styles of each period. Another valid approach to this would be pairing a uchigatana and a tanto. So much so, that it is assumed that Samurai and Katana maintain a deep bond on a spiritual level. 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. [citation needed], There are no solid rules governing the aspects of the make of the nagamaki. Best of all, it can be assembled and disassembled at will. At the base of the grip is a piece known as Kashira, which is the pommel, not only it helps to hold the Ito intact but also can be used to give non-lethal blows to the opponent from short range. It is ideal in situations where the Samurais opponents do not have armor, but mere clothing. The immaculate blade serves as a perfect conduit of the feared flame. Before, the most common was to carry the Tachi with the edge down, like a conventional sword. Want something eye-catching? New Weapon: God-Slaying Nagamaki. Therefore the bokken was mainly used to get newbies familiar with the basic movement and strike patterns. Release Date. Within this range two categories are distinguished depending on the size of the blade. Hand forged with attention to details, you can be battle-ready while still being in style. Do they claim to be the best? The Japanese term nagamaki literally means long wrapping, a reference to its long hilt that was wrapped like a typical katana hilt. There is a reason why most buyers looking for functional swords choose these handmade Samurai swords. The Hadori polish owes its name to the Hadori stone, the tool used for this task. Swords are not always signed, but at one time it was easy to distinguish a Katana from a Tachi by its signature (Mei). [5], The famed warlord Uesugi Kenshin, daimy of Echigo Province, is said to have had a special guard of retainers armed with nagamaki. This prevents the sageo from wearing away with friction, as it would if it were in direct contact with the kurikata. With a total length of around 85 cm (33.5 in) they are around 40 cm (15.8 in) smaller than a tachi sword. Sasaki Kojiro made the most of his Nodachi by keeping his distance and executing accurate strikes. Among the ancestors of the Katana one of the most famous is the chokuto, a classic straight sword, which one of its greater disadvantage it was ineffective in horseback combat. It features a curvier and slightly longer blade than the katana. 2020 Katanas For Sale. is the Japanese equivalent of a greatsword and its length is 3 shaku or more. So, having learned to efficiently handle such a huge weapon, once they had a more conventional weapon in their hands, they would feel it simply like a long feather. This change enables cutting while drawing (Nukitsuke) on horseback as well. Take note that this categorization depends on the blade length and not on the total length of the sword. It usually consists of a lacquered wooden scabbard (Saya), sometimes reinforced with horn inlays, and a piece of metal (Shitodome). [3], It is possible that nagamaki were first produced during the Heian period (794 to 1185) but there are no known examples dating from before the mid Kamakura period (11921333). The number of lines that form these patterns will depend on the number of times the steel has been folded. You could say it was an overpowered weapon against cavalry. The wooden sword is commonly used for training. Eventually it is all depends on the swordmaker, his experience and expertise. As a result of its massive size the nodachi needed to be worn on the back of the samurai. At Katanas for Sale, what we aim for is the perfect molding of balance, precision, and beauty that is worthy of embodying ones spirit. This sword type is similar to the Chinese jian. In comparison to the katana, it is slightly smaller. The Advantages of Customizing Your Own Sword. Originally this blade was carried by regular Japanese people. Their use was exclusive to Samurai; hence they became known as Samurai swords as well. Thus, it was the perfect weapon for the regular citizen. The nodachi is 3 or more shaku in size (1 shaku being roughly 30 cm). Similarly, if you are looking for a functional sword the best thing would be to find someone you can trust and that will provide you with great customer service and care. 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. When using the sword, the warriors kept their hands in a fixed position, contrary to the constant changing of hand positions when handling polearms. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. <p> Like katana Nagamaki sword also has single edged, curved blade and it was quite long. Oftentimes the wakizashi was referred to as honor blade because it was used as a backup weapon to kill defeated enemies or to commit ritual suicides called seppuku. The length of the blade ranges from 15 to 30 cm (5.9 to 11.8 in). Once feared by the Gods as a symbol of reckoning, this weapon was left behind by the Gloam-Eyed Queen's first disciple. However, using the Nagamaki was easier and more convenient during combat against cavalrymen. Since it was lighter, it allowed for quick movements in combat. The Japanese tsurugi is a very special kind of sword. This material allows the sword to bend much more, making it more resistant to impact while retaining its strength. 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. The primary purpose of the tanto was stabbing your opponent. The total length of the weapon was around 20-30 cm (7.9-11.8 in). The general rule is that the higher the carbon level, the more consistency the sword acquires. Wakizashi were so important to Samurai that even they slept with them near the pillow, ready for any irruption, be it ninja or from other opponents. Today, it holds a continuing fascination for sword collectors and history enthusiasts. However some compromise needs to be made because there is less slashing and cutting capabilities. Why just having the classic Katana sword? Typically the blade and handle (tsuka) have roughly the same size. This kind of Japanese sword is extremely fancy for sure. In these situations, thanks to its short-range strength, it became an ideal weapon. For this very reason it was widely used in interiors, such as houses and castles. The important thing about this stage is that you know what do you need). And in case they do, at least have a clear conscience for not having spent too much on them. [3] Contents 1 History 2 Description 3 Use 4 In fiction 5 Gallery 6 See also 7 Notes 8 References 9 External links History [ edit] The only thing they can do is to make aluminium zinc swords that cannot have a sharp edge and are only used for training. Underneath the Ito are metal ornaments known as Menuki, which can have different shapes. You got both the advantages of a long sword and a short sword. Those on the horse can take advantage of its longer reach for slashing or thrusting downwards against the enemy. Sometimes, the nagamaki hilt was made longer, but it remained a sword handle in design and never a polearm shaft. But what makes a good Japanese sword? The Nagamaki sword is considered as a . Still, it may cut through softer objects or medium targets. In these places one comes to work. Having a shorter, more manageable blade, these swords were also able to move more freely in places where any attack of a normal Katana would be hindered by the structures, ceiling, or furniture of the place, which greatly restricted its movement. Will you give it to him in a silk bag, or do you prefer a box? </p> <p>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 only a few martial arts schools that use nagamaki. (Usually made of buffalo horn), Kojiri: It is the end part of the saya. Just as Hamon will be different if it is created from clay tempereing or if it was simply drawn. This way, the sword is consistent and you can use it without fear. The nodachi was the long sword that was used by the samurais before the discovery of the smaller swords. Amounting to a total of 2 meters (6.6 ft). Well, while not all swords sold in these stores are bad, and there are honest sellers, it is very difficult to discern which is the real deal and which is not. Spring steel 9260 contains a 2% silicone content, which gives it even greater flexibility than the previous one, making it more resistant to side impacts and allowing it to bend to an angle of almost 90 degrees without breaking. 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. A nagimaki has them about the same length. During peacetime, the Nodachi was worn on the back as a status symbol, unlike most Japanese swords, that were worn on the belt. 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). It is speculated that ninjas would have used two Ninjatos at the same time; that of one hand to attack, and that of the other to defend themselves or for extremely close combat. It lacks the traditional hamon on Japanese swords, but features a beautiful grain pattern on the blade surface. In contrast to the kyu gunto this sword is a bit smaller. (1045 carbon steel). Polishing: If your sword has Hamon then you might be interested in a Hadori polish, which will make it more visible. Instead every class had free access to get this kind of sword. The final result is a complete sword to your liking. Some of these techniques include hits with the handle, spinning the Nagamaki, or holding it in different ways to adapt to situations. Sometimes the process may not be as fashionable as we might have expected from an ancestral culture in the forging of swords. Hence, dual-wielding both swords was possible to achieve the best fighting results. We recommend you to see it without the scabbard, so you can get a better idea of how it looks. For this reason, this sword had to be drawn with the left hand. You can also find these swords under the name Battle ready sword. In some aspects, the Nagamaki is better than the Nodachi and vice-versa. It serves so that he can comfortably carry the sword when walking and always have it at hand. Their appearance is extremely similar to that of a regular tachi. The . From the material theyre made of to the design; its your choice. Thus, a high carbon 1095 (0.95% carbon) sword will be more hard than one made of 1060 steel (0.60%), and this in turn the 1060 carbon steel will be more hard than one of 1050 steel(0.50%). Are you more austere? But how was it used and wielded? That also makes it unable to hit as hard as the Nodachi, which has most of its weight on the blade. The warrior who carried it not only had to be skillful, but also had to protect his honor at all costs. By utilizing the Japanese tachi this technique comes to greater use. A good structure will make your Katana resistant to strong blows, while a cheap one will split at the first moderately serious use. You can choose bag, box, and support to display it. You can also buy custom made Shirasaya swords in order to exhibit them. Thus, it is normal for the steel of a sword to be folded, for example, 13 times, creating 8192 layers. Designed for cutting rather than stabbing, the naginata polearm consisted of a curved blade attached to a wooden shaft. There are many uses that can be given to a sword today: from cutting objects such as bamboo poles or Tatami mats to exhibit it or even everyday practice. The main difference between the two weapons is that the Nagamaki is a sword, while the Naginata is a polearm. 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. After all the katana was part of the equipment of every samurai in ancient and feudal Japan. In this way, the bearer had more space to hold the weapon and use it properly. The nagamaki (, "long wrapping") is a type of traditionally made Japanese sword (nihont)[1][2] with an extra long handle, used by the samurai class of feudal Japan. You can use the index below to navigate through the Samurai swords Guide. At first, Tachi was born as a cavalry weapon to cut off foot soldiers. As just mentioned this is the go-to weapon for training. Furthermore, the tachi was commonly used on horseback to strike down infantry units. At that time, Japan was in a period of rebellions and conspiracies that threatened the health of the Fujiwara family. This makes the nodachi the longest type of Japanese sword. If youre looking for a one-of-a-kind sword, a customized nagamaki is perfect for you. Spring steel 5160, in addition to its carbon content, also has 0.7% chromium and 0.2% silicone. Like people, each blade is unique and therefore, suits its wielder differently. The nagamaki sword is often confused with the naginata polearm, but the warriors wielded it as a sword and never a polearm. However, when it comes to long swords it becomes brittle, and can cause the sword to break from a minor hit. As a history enthusiast, Abigail loves learning about the events that shaped the world. 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. This Japanese dagger features a single or double-edged blade with a length of 20-25 cm (7.9-9.8 in). The long swords were similar in design and style to the modern day katana sword. Combat in Japan was always happening quickly and having a blade that allows for faster strikes is very advantageous. In this article youll find the answers to those and many other questions. At the end of this period these men would become known as those who serve: Samurai. For many, clay tempering is both an artistic and a scientific procedure, and with good reason. In them there are no master blacksmiths, only workers. It is shorter than the katana . Several Japanese martial arts focus on the famous samurai katana sword, though the tantojutsu highlights the use of the tanto dagger. So, is a 1095 high carbon steel sword better than a 1060? Ninjato, ninjakenor shinobigatanaare all referring to the same sword. this resulted in the refined steel called Tamahagane. Everything necessary to minimize the close fight, where they could be exposed. This samurai sword features an extra-long handle. The famous ronin Miyamoto Musashi was renowned for fighting fully armed foes with only one or two bokkens. Another brutal attack on the battlefield is hacking off the limbs of the opponents horses to bring down the rider. These were assassins, scouts, and spies who were hired by daimyos. Nagamaki Swords. The Katana swords were often used to unload the full weight of the law on the necks of those who broke it. 1020900000. Not to mention, of course, how elegant it is to display a Shirasaya in your home or Dojo. Nagamaki found without hilt wraps usually had at least metal collars around the hilt where the tang is. This weapon is the perfect counter against cavalry forces. 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). The High Elves of lord of the rings used weapons analogous to them and swung them upwards when enemies approached, rotating the long cutting edge of the curved blade. Not only does it endow the sword with the qualities mentioned above, but it also causes undulations known as Hamon to arise along the blade. You can bring out your creative side and create a unique sword that reflects your ideals -with your colours, your animals, and even engraving the phrase you want on it. Since it comes with two or more pins, youll get added leverage thats favorable for its longer handle. Unlike wakizashi, tant, and katana, which have had history of strict measurements regarding the blade length and even the hilt in some cases; the nagamaki varied in blade length, tang length, kissaki style, etc. There are so many different types of Japanese swords out there its completely impossible to keep track of them. Typically the blade and handle have roughly the same size. The Tanto started as a straight dagger that used to be worn by Samurai along with their Tachi. One of the advantages of the Nagamaki is its weight since it can execute an attack to bring an opponent on his knees. 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. An account from the Taik ki mentions the nagamaki with either a 90 centimeter long blade, or 120 centimeter long handle. Throughout history, the Katana has always been the Samurais most precious and valued good. This is a process in which, during forging, the body and back of the blade is covered with clay while removing the clay from the edge before reheating. However, it offers little personalization on the sword which is limited to the hilt wrapping and blade engraving. A perfect Katana is believed to be the result of the blacksmiths spiritual work. Also, the nagamaki did not have elaborate sword mountings which are common on the katana and other samurai swords. The Tachi is one of the main precursors of the Katana, being more curved than this and with a slightly longer blade. The handle of a Katana consists of a wooden core. The efficiency of the Nagamaki on the battlefield and the possibility of being used without requiring exceptional strength led the well-known warlord Oda Nobunaga to arm his soldiers with this weapon. The Nagamaki had the shape of a standard Nihonto, but with a longer handle. What are the differences between the naginata, the nodachi, and the nagamaki. It comes with a sharpened edge, but it may not be the best option for tameshigiri or test cutting practice. And, as well see in the next section, thats very bad. To have a Katana was to carry in ones hands a part of oneself, and therefore everything in it should speak of its warrior. When we speak of treatment in steel, we refer to the different processes to which the blade of a sword is submitted in order to provide different qualities. It is often confused with the naginata polearm, but the samurai warriors actually used it as a sword. When a samurai woman married, she was expected to carry a kaiken with her when she moved in with her husband. This kind of sword was used by the samurai class of feudal Japan. The word Tamahagane can be translated as Jewel Steel, and is the type of steel that was traditionally used to make Nihonto Samurai swords. (Pss, do not be discouraged if you do not know any of the terms used, we will expand on them later. At first it was an attack weapon, during the Nara period, but over time it evolved to become more ornamental. Its unique curvature is due to changes in the steel as it is cooled in a water with special salts. In addition to its unquestionable effectiveness in combat, the Katana blade is also longed for by many as a work of art. Here are the things you need to know about the nagamaki sword: The nagamaki evolved from extra-long swords called nodachi or odachi. You can only fight the way you practice is a quote by Miyamoto Musashi that perfectly describes the bokken. So effective is this one that the samurai had developed a unique fighting style that consisted of drawing and attacking at the same time, delivering deadly blows in fractions of a second, with a speed impossible to match for conventional swords. The additional curvature improves the ability to cut while drawing the blade, which is called nukitsuke. With nagamaki, having it looks from naginata, there is a trait that sets it apart and that is the tsuka or handle of the sword. The wood core is wrapped in ray skin, known as Samegawa, which gives the wearer an excellent grip. It can be fairly insufficient or ineffective, depending on where its being used. It focuses much more on sharp and loaded blows, so it requires wider movements, and so the result of these is even more devastating. The best of two worlds, one could say. In the Samurai Shodown, the character Yashamaru Kurama fights using the nagamaki while in the anime called That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, the red-haired warrior Hiiro wields a nagamaki sword. The extra thickness at the spine of the blade is what makes it different from a regular tanto. Although, in reality, they fall into the category of a saber. The names nodachi and odachi literally mean field sword and large tachi, respectively. Thereafter it was replaced by the shin gunto also called new military sword. The Katana, besides being a lethal weapon, is also a symbol of honor. Its design is the perfect combination between a common saber and a sword; not much of one or the other. The wakizashi found its use in the early 17th century. The Nagamaki was often compared to the naginata even though it was more similar to the tachi. They were also called Seoi-Nodachi ("Nodachi carried on the back") or Nagadachi ("long Tachi", what some scholars believe became the Nagamaki). Some special specimens can be worth as much as a sword. When we speak of mounts, we speak of the structure in which a Samurai would carry his Katana in his daily guard. If you continue to use this site you understand and agree to the use of cookies and accept them. It developed during the 15th century. The long name of this sword is Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi. The ninjutsu composes all the strategies and tactics of non-conventional war, guerrilla, and espionage supposedly practiced by the ninjas, also known as shinobi. The Uesugi family, a samurai warrior clan, referred to the nagamaki as a horses leg-breaker, likely due to its use in a battle overseas. 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. Here are some of the most common Hamon you can choose from when buying a sword. For this reason, it was also a rarer weapon to see on the battlefield. It also comes with a lacquered saya and high-quality metal fittings. Well, as you enter this world you will discover that Samurai swords are enormously complex. The kodachi is a smaller version of the tachi. Spring steel, as its name suggests, is a much more flexible steel alloy than the previous ones. . Like the Nodachi, the Nagamaki was born as an anti-cavalry weapon. If you search on different websites you will find a variety of antique (or so called antiques) swords to buy. 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. The fuchi covers the opening of the Japanese sword handle. Now lets jump from the biggest Japanese sword to the smallest one. While it was rude to walk into a building armed with a katana, wearing the wakizashi caused no offense. Due to the enormous weight of its blade, it is not surprising that it was said that this sword was capable of splitting a warrior and his horse in one stroke. In contrast to the tachi the uchigatanawas worn edge-up in the belt. 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. You can have a good time choosing, for example, which Tsuba suits you best. The Japanese katana usually has a blade over 60 centimeters long, while its hilt is about 20 to 25 centimeters long. Generally, the space needed to execute various moves using the Nagamaki was not compatible with the tactics and formations of the pike. By the time you finish it, youll know exactly what you need and where to get it. What made Damascus steel special was the patterns that emerged along the blade. 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. Here, from the quality of the steel to the design of the sword, its up to you to decide what you want. It is likely because it only developed from the nodachi and later shortened and reshaped to a more practical sword. When it comes to hand-forged swords, instead of mass production factories we find the most varied organizations. In the late 14th century the zanbato was replaced by the nodachi for example. 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. Some shops selling Samurai swords like on our shop at Katanasforsale.com there are extra options and services to enhance your sword beauty, one of the most saught after technique is the Hadori Polish. Unlike Katana, Tachi is not very suitable for stabbing. This was the perfect tool for self-defense in indoor-places where a longer blade would be of no use. Image one of those bamboo sticks breaking and splintering. If youre looking for a battle-ready sword, this nagamaki features a high carbon steel blade and a razor sharp cutting edge. Thus it earned the name metezashimeaning horse-hand blade. Its exactly the same, but with a cooler name. The truth is that, although today many claim to have found the recipe for Damascus steel, the swords made with it vary greatly depending on the blacksmith who forged it. Here the strength of the wearer and his ability to wield it becomes important. This, plus a correct heating treatment when forging, can make a really powerful sword. There is this myth going around that a zanbato can chop through a horse and rider in one single stroke. It is expected that a clay tempered Shinken Katana will last for around 10,000 Tatami omote cuts if sharpened, and will require minor sharpening every 500 Tatami cuts. Although these have been lost in time, today there are schools of ninjutsu that aim to recover this old style of fighting. Privacy Policy. Koiguchi: This is the hole in which the blade of the sword is inserted into the saya. This is the blade collar that secures the Tsuba to the handle and helps secure the sword in the saya. At first you will come across a shocking vision: a completely white sword. The average length of a wakizashi ranges from 80 to 90 cm (31.5 to 35.4 inches). Saya is the name given to Japanese sword scabbard. Studying in depth the swords that had been broken in combat by coming into contact with the armor of their adversaries, he came to the conclusion that a single-edged long sword with curvature at the blade would be more effective. Then youll prefer to pick one of several dragon designs. Sound complicated? 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. To reach the degree of precision required for the construction of the Katana, it took years of evolution and innovation in hand weapons designs of Asia. Very few sliding actions are performed on the handle while handling the nagamaki sword. In contrast to the European arming sword, the grip of the katana is long enough to accommodate two hands. Nagamaki. In this way, its bearer is able to give strong blows while keeping a safe distance from the opponents blade, using Sojutsu techniques. (I mean I wouldnt like to fight such an enemy). If you have searched the internet you probably came around different types of massive marketplaces, you will have noticed that many swords can be found in them from different sellers. As youll see in this section, the handle itself is made up of a variety of accessories, each with a purpose. On one hand, by making the body flexible, it is better able to resist blows. Even if that meant his death. In Japanese blades, the shinogi is the well-defined ridge line running along the blades entire length where it is thickest. 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. The blade was single-edged. The origin of the name comes from the fact that it was often used as a complement to the katana. 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. Despite these changes and upgrades, the Nagamaki still didnt meet all the necessary expectations. For this reason, this sword types found wide acception in entire Japan. Another advantage of the Shirasaya is that the austerity of its design highlights the beauty of the blade. while the term of ko-Wakizashi, is used for a Tanto size blade sometimes with the same handle size as a standard Wakizashi. The Dark Souls II and Sekiro video games feature characters who wield weapons modeled after the nagamaki. The Nodachi, on the other hand, had a blade measuring around 3 Shaku. What do you prefer, hardness or flexibility? The Samurai used it with the same function with which a cowboy would cock a revolver: to prepare for the attack. This mount consists of a simple wooden structure involving both the handle and the Saya, so that when the Katana is sheathed it looks like a single piece. Lots. On the other hand, its hardened blade allows it to split the hard objects and retain its sharpness for longer period of time before requires resharpening. All these specifications can be found below. To put it bluntly the Japanese downgraded from a big sword to a short sword. However, due to some changes in warfare, such as mass formations prevailing, the Nagamaki started becoming ineffective. Everything in the design of the saya is made to provide optimal protection for the sword while facilitating the drawing. This kind of samurai sword evolved in the 14th century. Here you can choose a text to appear engraved on the blade of the sword. When it comes to hand-forged Samurai swords, each blacksmith devotes the time needed to the swords. It resulted in the nakamaki nodachi, a nodachi wrapped around its middle. Eventually, it became known as nagamaki and reached its peak during the Muromachi period, from 1338 to 1573. 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. 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. 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. One of these improvements was adding support for bearing the weight of the weapon with ones hand. Nagamaki presumably could have koshirae in a tachi or katana style as well as a nagamaki style, however there are examples of nagamaki with rather long tangs, which could be fitted with a longer staff for a haft and effectively function as a naginata. 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. Ever since my childhood I have been fascinated by medieval swords and katanas. Even the name "nagamaki" ("long wrapping") is given by the tradition of handle wrapping. So, where to buy Samurai swords? And that will make the whole experience worth the while. 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. The uchigatanaprobably one of the unknown types of Japanese swords. For this reason, I wrote this article dedicated to the different types of Japanese swords, so that you can keep track of all the various kinds of Japanese swords. However, many experts agree that the ideal range for a strong, sharp sword is between 0.60% and 1.00% carbon content. The Nodachi is a type of Nihonto wielded by the Samurai warriors of feudal Japan. Just like the traditional Japanese swords, it has a wooden grip, wrapped with ray skin and black silk ito, and an iron tsuba or sword guard. Therefore, proper care and maintenance are quite important. It is believed that this Samurai sword was in use during the Koto period (900 to 1596). And if you fail, sometimes what you can expect from one of these swords is that it breaks at first use. The Shirasaya has two main functions. For this reason, they have also acquired enormous value as pieces of admiration. The Nagamaki and the Nodachi were both used against cavalry. For this very reason it is a weapon that works best in very open spaces, where nothing can hinder it and its bearer should not worry about harming any ally. * What Mark Werner said. This makes swords made of 1045 high carbon steel the cheapest and less durable, while the price and efficiency increases as the number increases. This feature of the Nagamaki made it more efficient than the spear. From the beginning, the Wakizashi was conceived as a defense weapon for Samurai in situations where they did not have their Katana. They are all moved by the same thing: the love for Japanese swords and the desire to create the next valuable piece. Oh, were getting to the big weapons guys. Enchancements: Here you will have at your disposal a series of additional options that you may find interesting. Due to the low quality iron found in Japan during feudal times, swordsmiths had to find a way to make their steel better, getting out the best from the worst. However, even this weapon can lead to serious wounds. His right hand is as close to the blade as possible, while his left hand is much closer to the base, to help him maneuver and recover from the blows. He has fought his duels armed with a katana and a wakizashi as well. One, that the blade of the sword and the handle is one piece of metal but the tang itself is a very thin metal rod. Well, you know what you can expect from a sword depending on its materials, the different uses of these, and the parts of which they are composed. For this reason I had to rely on everything I found online and in books. Whether from Japan, China, the Philippines, or India. This dagger type didnt have ornamental fittings and was housed in a plain mount. However, after closer inspection, I realized that it was extremely similar to the wakizashi which was developed 500 years later. 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