This blade has the same general appearance and design of a katana, though it is significantly longer. The nodachi was traditionally carried by foot soldiers and was designed as a weapon of war versus cavalry and for open field engagements. Nodachi were generally used on open battlefields as their length made their use indoors or close quarters difficult. They were an effective weapon against cavalry, though they were not commonly used.

During times of peace the sword was worn slung across the back as a symbol of status. This is distinctive because most Japanese swords such as the katana, wakizashi were worn at the waist or belt; however it was not "drawn" from the back. The nodachi was more difficult to wield due to its abnormal size and weight, but like any weapon, could be extremely deadly if the warrior wielding it was skilled. The size of the blade made the nodachi a fearsome weapon when wielded by a skilled warrior. The length of the nodachi's hilt varied between twelve to thirteen inches (30 to 33 centimeters). Its cutting capability and range exceeded that of a katana, due to its weight and size. Legend says that a nodachi could cleave a warrior and his horse in half with a single blow. Only the strongest warriors were capable of using a nodachi single-handed.

The blade of this weapon features hand-forged, high carbon steel, differentially tempered using the traditional clay-coat method, fullers that run the length of the blade, and a very prominent hamon (temper line). The tsuba is oxidized copper, as are all of the furnishings on both pieces. The tsuka is wood wrapped in ray skin, with Japanese cotton used for the tsuka-ito. The saya is black laquered wood, with Japanese cotton used again for the sageo. Every one of these pieces is individually numbered on the tang of the blade, and comes with matching paperwork.

Nodachi
BLADE: 49 3/4"

TSUKA: 16"

OVERALL: 66"

WEIGHT: 4.8 lbs.