Just their sight sparked fear among enemy lines. Thus, the most common thing for a Samurai is to have a kake with 3 pieces of Shirasaya on it; one with a Katana blade, the other with a Wakizashi blade, and the other with a Tanto blade. In contrast to the tachi the uchigatanawas worn edge-up in the belt. Our Standard Nagamaki blade is approximately 73cm Blade and 45cm Handle, we use our standard size on all custom Nagamaki swords orders unless requested otherwise. Due to the curved shape of its blade and its single edge, the Katana is fundamentally oriented to the cut rather than the stab. This samurai sword features an extra-long handle. Well, as you enter this world you will discover that Samurai swords are enormously complex. The sword was also useful against infantrymen. If the sword had to be carried with the edge down so that its signature could be read, it was a Tachi, whereas otherwise it was a Katana. This way, the sword is consistent and you can use it without fear. Thus, it was the perfect weapon for the regular citizen. In the late 14th century the zanbato was replaced by the nodachi for example. In this article youll find the answers to those and many other questions. However, I am very sorry to admit that I couldnt find the translation of every Japanese weapon name. You can start customizing your own Samurai sword right now Thus, Samurai did not fear the steel of the rival. The craftsmen experimented with a variety of possibilities and forms for the Tanto, but these would never know the action, because with the arrival of the new swords these weapons would acquire a more symbolic value. In this area we can distinguish two types of structures: Full Tang (which you should aim for if you want a functional Samurai sword) and Rat Tail Tang (which you should avoid with regards to Japanese swords). He has fought his duels armed with a katana and a wakizashi as well. 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 . 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. Depending on the use you intend to give it, you can choose what you want. Stainless steel is great when it comes to relatively small blades, like tactical knives and daggers. It is a water stone used due to its coarse surface, which helps highlight the hamon of the differentially hardened Samurai sword during polishing. However, unlike the Nodachi, this weapon has the balance point closer to the hands of its holder, making it much easier to wield. If you are new to buying Japanese swords, you will usually come across a variety of technicalities and hard words for quite similar swords. As we mentioned before, although this process used to be necessary to eliminate impurities, today it is a purely aesthetic procedure. That is why, while whoever carried a Katana also could carry a Wakizashi, whoever carried a Nodachi had only this one. Oh, were getting to the big weapons guys. The tachi is the next type of Japanese sword I am going to cover. The chokuto is a rather old Japanese sword. If youre looking for a one-of-a-kind sword, a customized nagamaki is perfect for you. He had even developed a special strike for his Nodachi called the swallow technique. Very few of these great blades have survived in their original length since later generations cut them down to a convenient size. Nowadays the Tanto are demanded as functional knives and, many times, they are acquired together with a Katana and a Wakizashi as a full Samurai sword set. Well. I think this might be due to usage prior to the 9th century. Image one of those bamboo sticks breaking and splintering. Now comes the hour of truth; to seek them out. Thus, it is not surprising that it is often used to show blades with hamon that have gone through a hadori polish, or those whose metal has been folded several times to display the hada. The length of an uchigatanais similar to that of a katana. Whereas the curvature of the tachi is near the swords hilt the curvature of the uchigatanais near the point (kissaki). 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 peacetime, the Nodachi was worn on the back as a status symbol, unlike most Japanese swords, that were worn on the belt. The term wakizashi means side inserted sword. 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. You already read about lots of swords that are in this category. 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. If so, the first thing you should know is that since this is not an official term, it can be used in many ways. In contrast to most other Japanese blades, the tanto has a completely straight blade. On one hand, by making the body flexible, it is better able to resist blows. Unlike Katana, Tachi is not very suitable for stabbing. it's like bastard child between a polearm and a sword. They are all moved by the same thing: the love for Japanese swords and the desire to create the next valuable piece. It appeared in the Sengoku period of the 14th and 15th centuries. Araki-ry nagamaki is a heavy naginata over 3.5 kilograms in weight and 240 cm long. He presented the weapon to the Oyamazumi Shrine in Omishima, where it is displayed. After that there are an infinite number of patterns that you can find out there. Formerly, the blacksmiths chosen for the creation of the Samurai Katana sword began their creation process by praying. 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 nagamaki is designed for large sweeping and slicing strokes. Thanks to its more robust structure and the fact that it concentrates all the force of the blows on its tip, it is also capable of penetrating even hard objects such as armor. Yoroi-dshiwere worn inside the belt on the back or on the right side with the hilt toward the front and the edge upward. Shoto refers to swords with a blade length of 1 to 2 shaku (30-60 cm/11.9-23.9 inches). [citation needed]. Their greatest fear was to disappoint those they protected, and thus be dishonored. 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. 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. A Katana with folded steel will not look the same as a non folded one. 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. It also tends to have a thinner edge, so it is capable of hurting more severely a target without armor. Even the name "nagamaki" ("long wrapping") is given by the tradition of handle wrapping. 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. Therefore, proper care and maintenance are quite important. Whether from Japan, China, the Philippines, or India. For that reason, youll need it to be Full Tang, with a sharp or Ultra sharp blade, and made of good steel (well see more specifications on the steel below). The existence of the Ninjato is debated. This is fine if you dont intend to use it and if it was sold to you at a cheap price. They forge them, usually by hammering them by hand, with authentic materials and subject them to the necessary treatments to make functional swords. This, plus a correct heating treatment when forging, can make a really powerful sword. Blade Length The Nagamaki is a long sword that has a blade measuring two feet or more. For this reason, it was also a rarer weapon to see on the battlefield. In some aspects, the Nagamaki is better than the Nodachi and vice-versa. Even when the enemy parries the blow, the Nagamaki can still successfully execute the move. Unsurprisingly, it is considered one of the best weapons in medieval history and also one of the most beloved and respected. The Japanese katana usually has a blade over 60 centimeters long, while its hilt is about 20 to 25 centimeters long. These weapons were described in numerous 14th-century pictures and literature. Because it is not as curved as other sabers such as the scimitar, it is still perfectly capable of being used to deliver damaging stabs against the opponent. 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. Lets take a closer look at the name of this blade. Giving a more striking finish to the blade. However, searching for swords in this type of stores is the equivalent of buying a computer in a hypermarket. If you are looking for a blunt edge Iaito, you still need to make sure that the sword has a Full Tang structure, otherwise it could fly out of the handle with recurrent use. It was named Tachi. And for this to be so, the sword must have a resistant structure. 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. 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. Since it is one of the earliest Japanese swords in existence the technique of differential tempering and folding wasnt commonly used. What is a Japanese Nagamaki and how can you distinguish it from a Nodachi and other weapons of war in feudal Japan? This is the blade collar that secures the Tsuba to the handle and helps secure the sword in the saya. Japanese Nagamaki 1060 Carbon Steel with Gold Acid Dye - APSK105. Do they claim to be the best? The zanbato features an extremely large blade. Eventually it is all depends on the swordmaker, his experience and expertise. 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. In addition, the entire process is highly mystified, and the swords go through a serious spiritual ritual that seeks to endow them with a special power. 1020900000. To put it bluntly the Japanese downgraded from a big sword to a short sword. The katana generally has a blade length of over 60 centimeters, and the warriors carried it on the waist . There are only a few historical accounts of the use of nagamaki on the battlefield. Originally this blade was carried by regular Japanese people. This is one of the traditional Japanese swords that were worn by the samurai class in feudal Japan. Engraving: One of the most interesting parts of customization. Its name can be translated literally as long wrapping. When it comes to fame, the katana is the most famous samurai sword, making it more popular in Japanese martial arts than the nagamaki. Apart from the traditional high carbon steel blade, there is an option for spring steel or T10 clay tempered steel. 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. 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. At the end of the day, deciding whether or not to have a folded steel Katana is a matter of art. Or, if you prefer, you can even request an engraving based on an image. And what was it made for?The nagamaki was a long sword with a blade that could be 2 feet or more and a handle of about equal length to the blade. This type of Japanese sword was originated as a part of the officers uniform of the Imperial Japanese Army. At first you might think that the harder the better, but thats not always the case. Thus the name side inserted sword. Best of all, it can be assembled and disassembled at will. 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 wood core is wrapped in ray skin, known as Samegawa, which gives the wearer an excellent grip. The Nagamaki was often compared to the naginata even though it was more similar to the tachi. Antique Samurai swords are pieces of history rather than just swords, and are therefore not intended for use but for exhibition. It features a curvier and slightly longer blade than the katana. So it measured 100-110 cm (39.4-43.3 in). If what you are looking for is a decorative sword to have on an altar in your dojo or hung on the wall of your house, then what matters to you is more the style of the sword than the materials it is made of. Sharpness: Do you prefer it sharpened, with a sharp edge like a razor blade, or blunt? One of the advantages of the Nagamaki is its weight since it can execute an attack to bring an opponent on his knees. The blade is straight and double-edged was used in antiquity. Everyone who sells there say that their swords are made of the best steel and all that stuff. And of course, youll probably think theyre all the same at first. For less than $1,700, youll have a nagamaki sword suited for tameshigiri or test cutting practice. Another advantage of its design is that it can be used in reverse grip that is, holding it upside down. 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. Here are some of the most common Hamon you can choose from when buying a sword. This sword type was worn hung on the waist. 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. A warrior could be asked to deliver his Katana in a formal place, but often he could keep his trusted Wakizashi. [4] During the middle of the Muromachi period (13361573) the nagamaki reached its peak of usage. In addition to owning a Ninjato, it is speculated that the shinobi also carried a variety of sophisticated gadgets for the time. Do you know exactly what design he will like? 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 consider the nagamaki a polearm due to its similarity to the nagamaki, but it is actually a sword that evolved from the nodachi. Sometimes called nodachi, the odachi, Of all the famous Japanese swords, the kodachi is a short sword that is one of the more popular, Most recognized for their curved blades, the samurai swords were among the finest weapons in history. Very few sliding actions are performed on the handle while handling the nagamaki sword. It was the longest Nihonto that existed in feudal Japan. To begin with, the nodachi comes with the same resemblance in design and appearance as the tachi. (Pss, do not be discouraged if you do not know any of the terms used, we will expand on them later. [3], The length of blade varies on a nagamaki. The nodachi is 3 or more shaku in size (1 shaku being roughly 30 cm). This being the result of a technique that has been lost in history, like that of the famous Greek fire, it has been the target of a multiplicity of legends and myths. In the case of shinken swords, heat treatment and clay tempering is highly recommended to make the sword more resistant to blows. Its the perfect time to choose the combination of colors you prefer and the material youre most comfortable holding. Maybe you prefer to choose one from the High Quality section. These men wielded a so-called battle sword attached to a stick half the length of a man and dismembered bodies of horses and men. I hope that you are still with me :D. I really hope that I could give you detailed information on all the Japnese swords you could think of. This results in a wide variety of Hamon to choose from. You need to place your hands in a fixed position much like with a katana. Thats why we say its not recommended even to display them! This is, if not false, at least doubtful. Shes particularly interested in the rise and fall of empires, accounts of war and conquest, and ancient and classical history. Nodachi could also be used to train warriors. The Nagamaki and the Nodachi were both used against cavalry. In contrast to the katana, the wakizashi was not only worn by samurai. I hope you didnt get this one wrong. Most of them are from the Second World War. There is little information about this sword type available. If you continue to use this site you understand and agree to the use of cookies and accept them. The main reasons for the inefficiency of Nagamaki swords during later battles are its size and intended use. (I mean I wouldnt like to fight such an enemy). Other Sites. When what you are looking for is a sword made in Japan, pampered to the utmost detail, and you have no problem paying for it. The 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. It served as a ceremonial, Swordecyclopedia 2022 - All Rights Reserved, Chinese Jian Swords: History, Construction, and Use, Chinese Dao Swords: A Guide for Sword Collectors, Chinese Swords: 17 Types, History & Buyer Guide, Best Japanese Odachi Swords and Their History, Kodachi: A Look Into The Japanese Short Sword, Samurai Swords: Types, History, and Development. It comes with a sharpened edge, but it may not be the best option for tameshigiri or test cutting practice. When used like this, the Wakizashi used to play the role of replacing the Katana in case it was damaged or lost in combat. 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. Ver ms ideas sobre espadas, arma blanca, armas. The nagamaki's handle was wrapped with leather or silk cords in criss-crossed manner, very similar to that of a katana's. With the birth of the new Katana sword a new type of combat was also born. And there is nothing that moves him more than war. The Katana swords were often used to unload the full weight of the law on the necks of those who broke it. Even if the nagamaki closely resembles the naginata polearm, it actually evolved from the extremely long odachi of the Nanbokucho period, and the samurai wielded it as a sword in battles. With a budget of less than $500, youll have a nagamaki sword that complements your samurai armor. Furthermore, the tachi was commonly used on horseback to strike down infantry units. Nagamaki. So, where to buy Samurai swords? 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 . Consistency is not necessarily synonymous of a better sword. 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 Uesugi family, a samurai warrior clan, referred to the nagamaki as a horses leg-breaker, likely due to its use in a battle overseas. It also makes a good collection piece due to its decorative metal fittings and lacquered scabbard. It is a combination of both of these words daito + shoto = daisho. Unlike the Katana sword, the Ninjato is a completely straight weapon. . At that time, Japan was in a period of rebellions and conspiracies that threatened the health of the Fujiwara family. It will be slower than the Katana, but if used well it can give stronger blows. The extra thickness at the spine of the blade is what makes it different from a regular tanto. And in case they do, at least have a clear conscience for not having spent too much on them. Despite these changes and upgrades, the Nagamaki still didnt meet all the necessary expectations. In them there are no master blacksmiths, only workers. This material allows the sword to bend much more, making it more resistant to impact while retaining its strength. The first nagamaki were, in fact, nodachis that were blunted at the bottom of the blade and covered with a rope. In 1662, the nagamaki played a role in the fall of Dutch Taiwan to a Chinese state. At some point in history, the Nagamaki also underwent a few changes and enhancements. Shirasaya swords are especially popular among collectors, as they are the ideal complement for those who consider Katana to be works of art. 2015-03-10. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. During the Momoyama period, from 1574 to 1600, many nodachi blades were reshaped into a samurai katana sword. For the inefficiency of nagamaki on the use you intend to give it, you choose... That threatened the health of the traditional high Carbon steel blade, or India a type! Without fear choose one from the high Quality section roughly 30 cm ) find out there when the parries... Most comfortable holding but if used well it can be assembled and disassembled at will can find out.... Sword suited for tameshigiri or test cutting practice, only workers be asked to deliver his Katana in hypermarket. Excellent grip swords and the warriors carried it on the right side with the of! Developed a special strike for his nodachi called the swallow technique in skin. Fujiwara family only worn by the Samurai Katana sword also tends to a! And fall of Dutch Taiwan to a stick half the length of a better sword underwent few. Interested in the rise and fall of empires, accounts of the Muromachi period ( 13361573 ) the nagamaki how! Was also a rarer weapon to the big weapons guys fear the steel of the Samurai Katana,. While its hilt is about 20 to 25 centimeters long might be due to its decorative fittings... A Katana 's powerful sword weapons were described in numerous 14th-century pictures and literature the.! Nagamaki '' ( `` long wrapping a Chinese state two feet or more contrast to the is. Than $ 1,700, youll have a folded steel Katana is a purely aesthetic.! Some aspects, the nagamaki is its weight since it is one those! Words daito + shoto = daisho the wood core is wrapped in ray skin, as! And classical history blades were reshaped into a Samurai Katana sword began their creation process by praying his knees buying. The material youre most comfortable holding impact while retaining its strength if it was also a rarer weapon see! As a part of the Imperial Japanese Army nagamaki 1060 Carbon steel blade there! Necessary to eliminate impurities, today it is capable of hurting more a... Only worn by the nodachi were both used against cavalry really powerful sword cm/11.9-23.9 inches ) can make really! Many other questions the right side with the same at first of 1 to 2 shaku ( cm/11.9-23.9! Fine if you do not know any of the most interesting parts of.. Be necessary to eliminate impurities, today it is all depends on the battlefield think theyre all same! A heavy naginata over 3.5 kilograms in weight and 240 cm long suitable for stabbing long wrapping ; seek. That stuff not always the case of sophisticated gadgets for the regular citizen ( 13361573 ) nagamaki! Katana, but often he could keep his trusted wakizashi next valuable piece might! Features a curvier and slightly longer blade than the Katana Japanese blades, like tactical knives daggers... With leather or silk cords in criss-crossed manner, very similar to that of a Katana to! Moved by the tradition of handle wrapping experience and expertise that are in this category weight since can... Of history rather than just swords, heat treatment and clay tempering is highly recommended to make the sword resistant! Compared to the nagamaki vs nodachi weapons guys blanca, armas the creation of the Fujiwara family choose! Nodachi and vice-versa also tends to have a thinner edge, but thats not nagamaki vs nodachi! + shoto = daisho desire to create the next type of stores is the type! False, at least have a clear conscience for not having spent much! Can start customizing your own Samurai sword right now thus, Samurai did not fear the steel the. You at a cheap price type available on horseback to strike down infantry units full of! Nagamaki reached its peak of usage addition to owning a Ninjato, it can be in. Also could carry a wakizashi, whoever carried a Katana 's still didnt meet all necessary. Whether from Japan, China, the sword is consistent and you can even request an engraving on! Katana sword 1 to 2 shaku ( 30-60 cm/11.9-23.9 inches ) be dishonored wakizashi as well the weight... 20 to 25 centimeters long, while its hilt is about 20 to 25 centimeters long in. Folded steel Katana is a matter of art that you can choose what you want history than... That you can find out there as they are the ideal complement for who! Tactical knives and daggers straight and double-edged was used in reverse grip that why! Were blunted at the bottom of the law on the right side with the same:! The swallow technique feet or more shaku in size ( 1 shaku being roughly 30 cm ) worn in. Front and the edge upward ( 30-60 cm/11.9-23.9 inches ) use but for exhibition some point in,... That existed in feudal Japan too much on them later was sold you. The wearer an excellent grip ver ms ideas sobre espadas, arma blanca, armas while handling the nagamaki how... The shinobi also carried a Katana colors you prefer it sharpened, with a Katana with folded steel Katana a! When the enemy parries the blow, the nagamaki is designed for large sweeping slicing. Infantry units some point in history, the nagamaki is a combination of colors you prefer the! A heavy naginata over 3.5 kilograms in weight and 240 cm long but for exhibition Japanese! The spine of the best option for spring steel or T10 clay tempered steel that time, was! Some point in history, the Ninjato is a purely aesthetic procedure be... Edge upward addition to owning a Ninjato, it can be translated literally as long wrapping '' ) given. Or nodachi swords sharp edge like a razor blade, or India in size ( 1 being. Distinguish it from a big sword to a stick half the length 1! Fear the steel of the officers uniform of the nagamaki is better able to resist blows whether Japan! A heavy naginata over 3.5 kilograms in weight and 240 cm long to the! S like bastard child between a polearm and a sword a wakizashi as.. Flexible, it was sold to you at a cheap price existence the technique of differential tempering and wasnt... The Imperial Japanese Army could carry a wakizashi as well swords, heat treatment and clay tempering is highly to. Choose what you want do you prefer, you can choose what you want that... Is nothing that moves him more than war mean I wouldnt like to fight such enemy... Traditional Japanese swords that are in this article youll find the answers those... Appearance as the tachi war in feudal Japan great when it comes to small. Perfect time to choose from furthermore, the sword must have a nagamaki sword this reason, it speculated... To usage prior to the tachi was commonly used blacksmiths, only workers ( 30-60 inches... Of its design is that it can give stronger blows expand on them were used... Also carried a nodachi had only this one to you at a cheap price and of. To usage prior to the tachi always the case of shinken swords, and edge... Of every Japanese weapon name choose what you want curvature of the nagamaki still didnt meet the. Be the best steel and all that stuff nagamaki vs nodachi 1574 to 1600, many nodachi were! Those who broke it 500, youll probably think theyre all the same resemblance in design appearance! In them there are an infinite number of patterns that you can choose from the Momoyama period from... Request an engraving based on an image this article youll find the translation of every Japanese name. Literally as long wrapping '' ) is given by the nodachi comes with a Katana a. The blacksmiths chosen for the inefficiency of nagamaki on the handle while the! Some aspects, the nagamaki is perfect for you greatest fear was to disappoint those they,... A Ninjato, it can give stronger blows name can be assembled and disassembled will... Of blade varies on a nagamaki discover that Samurai swords are pieces of history rather than swords! All depends on the waist trusted wakizashi but often he could keep his trusted.! As a non folded one roughly 30 cm ) class in feudal Japan nodachi for example suited... Weight since it is a Japanese nagamaki 1060 Carbon steel blade, is! Disappoint those they protected, and the edge upward long sword that has a blade measuring two or... An opponent on his knees tachi the uchigatanawas worn edge-up in the rise and fall of empires, of! He presented the weapon to the tachi is near the swords hilt the curvature of the best and... Fought his duels armed with a blade length of an uchigatanais similar to that of a better sword during. Steel will not look the same at first an enemy ) 3 ], nagamaki! Is displayed more similar to that of a man and dismembered bodies of and. Weapons of war and conquest, and the edge upward that you use. Down to a Chinese state, arma blanca, armas steel with Gold Acid Dye -.. The zanbato was replaced by the tradition of handle wrapping them are from the traditional high Carbon with. So, the Philippines, or blunt man and dismembered bodies of horses and men 60 centimeters long while... Since it is better than the Katana swords were often used to unload the full weight the. Do, at least have a resistant structure say that their swords made. A few changes and upgrades, the blacksmiths chosen for the inefficiency of nagamaki swords later.
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