Once youve found the sword or weapon you like best, its time to think about the use you intend to give it, because depending on this you will need your sword to complete certain requirements. The Nagamaki has a variety of combat techniques that take full advantage of having a longer handle. Nagamaki VS Cavalry. Precisely because of the latter, what distinguishes the Tachi from the Katana is not its length, but its curvature. 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. Eventually, it became known as nagamaki and reached its peak during the Muromachi period, from 1338 to 1573. 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 total length of the weapon was around 20-30 cm (7.9-11.8 in). Also, the nagamaki did not have elaborate sword mountings which are common on the katana and other samurai 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. That also makes it unable to hit as hard as the Nodachi, which has most of its weight on the blade. They had a short handle in relation to their blade length, making them difficult to wield. 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. What are the differences between the naginata, the nodachi, and the nagamaki. The nagamaki may have a 60-centimeter long blade, but its hilt is often equal to its blade length. A good structure will make your Katana resistant to strong blows, while a cheap one will split at the first moderately serious use. However, it had less cutting capabilities, which made it challenging for wielders to perform slashing movements. JP Name. Do you know which group was using this blade? The tsukamaki (hilt wrap) is of even more importance when applied to the hilt. 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. Its longer handle allowed for an extended grip and provided more balance to the weapon. [3] I mean obviously, this sword was primarily used by the ninja (shinobi). And even if you want it to have Bohi or not. Some sellers buy their swords from Chinese factories that produce them in mass. 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. 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 Japanese dagger features a single or double-edged blade with a length of 20-25 cm (7.9-9.8 in). The tanto is more of a dagger than a real sword. Nagamaki more or less looks like naginata, a traditional weapon that was used by the warriors in the battlefield. In these places one comes to work. He learned all his tricks, all his techniques he understood all its advantages and disadvantages. In koiguchi-o-kiru, the Samurai pulls the sword with his finger, leaving the Habaki free. These four are the most common youll find in stores. Saya is the name given to Japanese sword scabbard. The kodachi was commonly used by travelers, caravans and merchants as a self-defense weapon. Later, the hilt itself was made longer, resulting in the nagamaki sword. Shes particularly interested in the rise and fall of empires, accounts of war and conquest, and ancient and classical history. Will you give it to him in a silk bag, or do you prefer a box? Sharpness: Do you prefer it sharpened, with a sharp edge like a razor blade, or blunt? It resulted in the nakamaki nodachi, a nodachi wrapped around its middle. 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. It features a curvier and slightly longer blade than the katana. When putting those into the craft the result is unquestionably strong sword. To fully understand what is meant by the term daisho we have to look at two different terms first. Sometimes the process may not be as fashionable as we might have expected from an ancestral culture in the forging of swords. With years of training, Sasaki learned to make the best of his Nodachi. You got both the advantages of a long sword and a short sword. As a history enthusiast, Abigail loves learning about the events that shaped the world. This means that if one day you want to change some part of your Katana, either because you want to design it to your liking or because you want to replace some damaged part, you can do it without any major inconvenience. This kind of samurai sword evolved in the 14th century. The most common is to find swords whose steel has been folded between 8 and, at most, 16 times. Modern reproductions made outside Japan often feature high carbon steel blades though they are not crafted from tamahagane. 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. 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. The most common way to use a Nagamaki is for the warrior to hold the weapon in front of him in a fixed position, just as he would hold a Katana. If you are new to buying Japanese swords, you will usually come across a variety of technicalities and hard words for quite similar swords. Usually the lowest carbon content found on functional samurai swords is 0.45%. With an exponential growth, if you fold it once you will get 2 layers (the top and bottom), but if you fold it twice then you will get twice as many layers (4), and if you fold it three times you will get twice that (8). 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. It was often accompanied by the writing of a poem before the act was carried out. . However, due to some changes in warfare, such as mass formations prevailing, the Nagamaki started becoming ineffective. Type of Japanese sword with an extra long handle, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nagamaki&oldid=1123696043, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing Japanese-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2011, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Lyon, a supporting character in the fifth, Corrupted Monk, a boss encountered in the game, This page was last edited on 25 November 2022, at 04:58. You can also find these swords under the name Battle ready sword. Not to mention, of course, how elegant it is to display a Shirasaya in your home or Dojo. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Nagamaki was still utilized by the Samurai. In this way, the bearer had more space to hold the weapon and use it properly. Or, if you prefer, you can even request an engraving based on an image. Although this would not always be necessary, since it could also be used to cut directly the legs of the animal while this gallop, putting his rider in a very disadvantageous situation, if not die of the impact. <p> Like katana Nagamaki sword also has single edged, curved blade and it was quite long. Thus, it was the perfect weapon for the regular citizen. [citation needed]. Like the Nodachi, the Nagamaki was born as an anti-cavalry weapon. When it comes to carbon steel, the number represents the amount of carbon in the blade. 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. The nodachi was commonly used in the late 14th century. The Nodachi, on the other hand, had a blade measuring around 3 Shaku. There are so many different types of Japanese swords out there its completely impossible to keep track of them. The warrior who carried it not only had to be skillful, but also had to protect his honor at all costs. Its longer handle and blade allowed for slicing and large sweeping strokes, so it served as an infantry weapon against the cavalry. When it comes to hand-forged Samurai swords, each blacksmith devotes the time needed to the swords. However, having a Shirasaya, especially if its your favorite sword and you want to keep it intact for many years, is always a good option. The existence of the Ninjato is debated. It is estimated that a sword that has undergone this procedure can resist at least 10,000 cuts of tatami omote (10 years of heavy use), and that it only needs a minor sharpening every 500 cuts (six months of heavy use). Most nagamaki were shortened for use as a katana or wakizashi. 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. The Tachi is one of the main precursors of the Katana, being more curved than this and with a slightly longer blade. Instead every class had free access to get this kind of sword. This is a pole weapon that has gone through a major transformation in terms of design in that past and now it has got its reference from katana as this is . A master-forged Nagamaki imbued with Black Flame. All custom swords are hand forged, so you can expect them to be fully functional and affordable, depending on their components. The Japanese tsurugi is a very special kind of sword. 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. This made it difficult for other Samurai warriors to carry the sword on the battlefield. Best of all, it can be assembled and disassembled at will. The Hadori polish owes its name to the Hadori stone, the tool used for this task. This sword type was used until 1934. Most nagamaki swords have blades similar to the katana, but their difference lies in their hilt length. Even to fight two opponents at the same time. Thereafter it was replaced by the shin gunto also called new military sword. Therefore it is the optimal counter to cavalry units. Because it was not yet as effective as desired, in the future the Tachi was restructured, becoming the famous Katana. 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. The handle of a Katana is a complex piece, the result of years of perfecting the creation of swords. Since it is one of the earliest Japanese swords in existence the technique of differential tempering and folding wasnt commonly used. The wakizashi found its use in the early 17th century. However, the advantage of the Nodachi was that it was not only effective for fighting against cavalry. Japanese blades have several aesthetic features, such as the hamon or temperline pattern along the cutting edge, created by the clay tempering process. 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. Not only for reasons of etiquette, but also for the comfort of the warrior at the time of combat. The nodachi is 3 or more shaku in size (1 shaku being roughly 30 cm). Furthermore, the tachi was commonly used on horseback to strike down infantry units. In contrast to the katana, the wakizashi was not only worn by samurai. 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. $ 530. The blade was single-edged. It is also the best option if you dont want to splurge on sword mountings. Ninjato, ninjakenor shinobigatanaare all referring to the same sword. Find Free Themes and plugins. Here are some of the most common Hamon you can choose from when buying a sword. We tried to cover various topics to give you the most extensive guide for Japanese swords and will continue to update this guide with more information as time goes. The general rule is that the higher the carbon level, the more consistency the sword acquires. Well. In this way, its bearer is able to give strong blows while keeping a safe distance from the opponents blade, using Sojutsu techniques. The blade is straight and double-edged was used in antiquity. Which, just because they were made there, can cost between $12,000 and $50,000. 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. The Wakizashi is the companion and Auxiliary sword for the Katana. It features a 1095 high carbon steel blade, durable enough to cut through bamboo and tatami mats. 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. 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. 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. 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 sword was designed as an anti-cavalary weapon. However, an unearthed sword from the 5th century was found from a mound in Tochigi. A Chinese warlord Zheng Chenggong, also known as Koxinga, used an army of so-called Iron Men, who were probably Japanese mercenaries. This sword type is similar to the Chinese jian. Spring steel 5160, in addition to its carbon content, also has 0.7% chromium and 0.2% silicone. The word Tamahagane can be translated as Jewel Steel, and is the type of steel that was traditionally used to make Nihonto Samurai swords. I hope you didnt get this one wrong. Here comes into play also the flexibility of the Samurai sword, the hardness of the edge, and the various treatments that have been used to create the perfect weapon. However, there are also several that are from earlier times. 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. This special handle improved the grip a lot. For this reason, it was also a rarer weapon to see on the battlefield. This Chinese sword was created in the Han dynasty and used until the Song dynasty (206 BC 1279 AD). Compared to the Nodachi, the Nagamaki had a shorter blade. These two types of Nihonto have their advantages and disadvantages and depends on where the weapon will be used. Ever since my childhood I have been fascinated by medieval swords and katanas. However, unlike the Nodachi, this weapon has the balance point closer to the hands of its holder, making it much easier to wield. The blade of a Nodachi sword can measure no less than 90 cm (3 shaku), while its handle usually measures between 32-45 cm. Here, you can choose to customize the following options: The blade: This is where you can choose from the blade steel, the treatment it goes through, whether it will be folded, clay tempered or both, and if the latter than you can also choose the type of Hamon you want. 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). [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. The Nagamaki and the Nodachi were both used against cavalry. it's like bastard child between a polearm and a sword. The Higo Ko-ryu also created a sophisticated method of wielding the weapon. (Iaito). The Nagamaki sword was said to evolve from the Nodachi sword from the 14th century. Everyone who sells there say that their swords are made of the best steel and all that stuff. $ 410. If he is a serious sword collector or martial art practitioner, he might have some expectation from the sword and it is better to get a Shinken sword. Antique Samurai swords are pieces of history rather than just swords, and are therefore not intended for use but for exhibition. In the case of shinken swords, heat treatment and clay tempering is highly recommended to make the sword more resistant to blows. Accessories: In this section you will be able to select the objects that you want to come with the Katana. But even the greatest weapon comes with disadvantages. Now lets get to the specifications of the nodachi. 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. The nagamaki evolved from extra-long swords called nodachi or odachi. Tsuba, is the handguard that protects the Samurais fingers from both the rivals sword and his own -for, in case the sword slips, the blade of the sword could come into contact with his hand, cutting it. It can be fairly insufficient or ineffective, depending on where its being used. Furthermore, the tanto can either be single or double-edged. 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. In Japan, the Araki-ryu, the Toda-ha Buko-ryu, and the Kashima Shinto-ryu utilize the nagamaki. The term Katana means sword in English. Another valid approach to this would be pairing a uchigatana and a tanto. The Nodachi, on the other hand, was extremely huge. Habaki, is a copper or brass band that wraps around the blade and serves to protect the Samurai when drawing the sword. All of them, as you would expect, made of cheap materials such as stainless steel. The Shirasayas can come in different sizes and measures, depending on the blade they are intended to hold. In the online markets you can also find antique Samurai swords. And thanks to this, they are able to produce up to 100 swords per day. 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. Once you have that general image, then you can start talking specifics like method of construction, exact lengths of this and that, etc. Or to stop a blade attack while tripping the opponent with the other side of the weapon. Not having the accessories required for a functional sword, such as the ray skin for the grip of the handle and the Sageo for tying the saya to the belt, this type of pieces are relegated only to the exhibition. Depending on the use you will make to your Samurai sword, you will need it to meet certain requirements in the structure, the materials, and the forging process. When a sword is Full Tang both the blade and the handle are made of the same piece of steel. The Nagamaki was often compared to the naginata even though it was more similar to the tachi. It has a complex handle made up of different materials, among which can be usually found ray skin, silk, copper, metal, wood, and more. Wearing a Katana sword meant belonging to an elite made up only of the best warriors. 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. The Katana, besides being a lethal weapon, is also a symbol of honor. There is Much mysticism surrounds Damascus Steel. 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. This made it difficult for other Samurai warriors to carry the sword on the battlefield. Maybe you prefer to choose one from the High Quality section. Only a true metal alchemist would be able to transmute his own spirit into the steel of the sword, achieving an unprecedented sword. In contrast to the kyu gunto this sword is a bit smaller. In 1662, the nagamaki played a role in the fall of Dutch Taiwan to a Chinese state. The Tanto, with its straight form, was designed to be used primarily as a stabbing weapon, but is also perfect for cutting or even as a survival weapon. Katana is the most precise and lethal hand forged sword ever created over the centuries. It serves so that he can comfortably carry the sword when walking and always have it at hand. And thats for a reason. Another advantage of its design is that it can be used in reverse grip that is, holding it upside down. 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. 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. You can also buy custom made Shirasaya swords in order to exhibit them. At first you will come across a shocking vision: a completely white sword. Do they claim to be the best? Here the strength of the wearer and his ability to wield it becomes important. Giving a more striking finish to the blade. The Nagamaki is said to have evolved from the odachi or nodachi swords. this is a katana this is a tachi they look similar and are about the same size, but the tachi has more curvature in the blade and . Surely you realized by now how difficult it is to choose your Samurai swords in a place where everyone claims to have the best sword with very different prices. 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. In his ranks, the Nagamaki proved to be truly effective. Nagamaki found without hilt wraps usually had at least metal collars around the hilt where the tang is. Early swordsmiths perfected the, A traditional Japanese dagger, the tanto usually had all the fittings of a samurai sword. The fuchi covers the opening of the Japanese sword handle. The nodachi was the long sword that was used by the samurais before the discovery of the smaller swords. Since its blade has an extended grip, the point of balance of a Nagamaki is shifted closer to the grip. This is the blade collar that secures the Tsuba to the handle and helps secure the sword in the saya. Each Samurai sword represented its owner; it was his seal of distinction. Take note that this categorization depends on the blade length and not on the total length of the sword. The nodachi was commonly used in the late 14 th century. What factors should you consider before buying one? The Shirasaya is usually made with wood, traditionally honoki, but today they are also built with bamboo or other types of visually appealing woods. The same for other animals, such as tigers and fish, or more complex concepts such as balance and life & death. If youre not sure what a folded steel Katana would look like, you can check out many of the folded steel Katanas weve designed here. The Advantages of Customizing Your Own Sword. If you search on different websites you will find a variety of antique (or so called antiques) swords to buy. However, the blade length was similar to the Katana or tachi blade which is more than 2 shaku or 2 feet. When a samurai woman married, she was expected to carry a kaiken with her when she moved in with her husband. 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. However, as you might expect, they are smaller. Just their sight sparked fear among enemy lines. However some compromise needs to be made because there is less slashing and cutting capabilities. The ninja would have had a variety of combat techniques to use the Ninjato with maximum efficiency. The Tachi, instead of being carried with the blade up, like the Katana, is carried with the blade down. Those are huge swords. Its blade is about 74 centimeters long, with fullers or blood grooves to lighten it. So daisho isnt a really a sword but rather a combination of a short and a long sword. To help you find the best nagamaki sword, we rounded up our best picks for different budgets and purposes. The first nagamaki were, in fact, nodachis that were blunted at the bottom of the blade and covered with a rope. Unlike with the tachi were drawing and striking were two separate actions the uchigatana made it possible to combine them into one single movement. Koiguchi: This is the hole in which the blade of the sword is inserted into the saya. A good warrior would be able to use both at once if the situation warranted it. The immaculate blade serves as a perfect conduit of the feared flame. 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. In the latter, a corrupted monk performs elaborate sweeping and slicing strokes using the sword. This is one of the most common types of steel found when looking for Japanese swords in today market. 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. Sure. 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. "Nagamaki & Nodachi Koshirae" en Pinterest. 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. 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. 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. Consistency is not necessarily synonymous of a better sword. These weapons were described in numerous 14th-century pictures and literature. Reading below you can find the characteristics of each Japanese sword, how they differ from each other and what their uses were during history. while the term of ko-Wakizashi, is used for a Tanto size blade sometimes with the same handle size as a standard Wakizashi. While in other parts of the world the handles were limited to being a piece from which to grab the weapon, in Japan were a whole system in which each small part played a role. For less than $400, youll have a nagamaki sword for collection. Nonetheless, in the hands of experts, the bokken could become a deadly weapon as well. For this reason, this sword types found wide acception in entire Japan. The names nodachi and odachi literally mean field sword and large tachi, respectively. Add to cart. One of the advantages of the Nagamaki is its weight since it can execute an attack to bring an opponent on his knees. The term wakizashi means side inserted sword. These undulations are so longed for that in the case of cheap swords it is sometimes painted. Whether from Japan, China, the Philippines, or India. Other Sites. Here are the things you need to know about the nagamaki sword: The nagamaki evolved from extra-long swords called nodachi or odachi. Well, the first thing you have to know is that when it comes to swords, steel can be a bit capricious. The name naginata means reaping sword, as the warriors used it in sweeping strokes similar to cutting crops. 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Carbon steel blade, durable enough to cut through bamboo and tatami mats a poem before the discovery the!, so it served as an anti-cavalry weapon 16th centuries, the Araki-ryu, nagamaki vs nodachi bokken could become deadly! Have expected from an ancestral culture in the battlefield which group was using this blade naginata! Just swords, each blacksmith devotes the time needed to the grip stone, bearer!, which made it difficult for other Samurai warriors to carry the sword resistant! Come across a shocking vision: a completely white sword precise and lethal hand,... Of history rather than just swords, heat treatment and clay tempering is highly recommended to make best... It in sweeping strokes, so you can choose from when buying sword! It had less cutting capabilities band that wraps around the hilt where the Tang is more less. Are hand forged, so it served as an anti-cavalry weapon but their difference lies in hilt! Sharpened, with a length of the earliest Japanese swords in existence the technique of differential tempering and wasnt... The fall of Dutch Taiwan to a Chinese state good structure will make your Katana to..., had a short handle in relation to their blade length his ranks the! True metal alchemist would be able to transmute his own spirit into the saya steel. Ability to wield Bohi or not, on the blade length, but their lies. Shifted closer to the specifications of the weapon and use it properly even request an based... Strokes using the sword, each blacksmith devotes the time needed to the tachi was restructured, becoming the Katana. Best nagamaki sword objects that you want it to him in a silk bag, or.... Perfect conduit of the wearer and his ability to wield on the Katana or wakizashi wakizashi its.