What Is the Difference Between the Katana and Nodachi?

One of the main differences between the two swords is the difficulty of forging them. The Nodachi blade is technically difficult to forge, whereas the Katana can be forged easily.

Sizes of the Nodachi and Katana

The Nodachi is three or more Shaku in size. Here, note that a Shaku is roughly around 30 centimeters. Generally, its size is much larger compared to its counterparts.

For the Katana, it measures around two Shaku and longswords often measure around two Shaku or more.

The length of a Katana blade considerably varied especially during history. During the late 14th and early 15th centuries, the blade of a Katana measured between 70 and 73 centimeters.

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In the early 16th century, its average length decreased around 10 centimeters and moved closer to 60 centimeters. During the late 16th century, its average length increased once again by about 14 centimeters. It then returned to the approximate size of 73 centimeters.

Methods of Use

As weapons on the battlefield, the Nodachi was efficient. However, it was too long for the Samurai warrior to carry on their waist like regular swords.

In the past, there were two primary methods of carrying these weapons. One was wearing it on one’s back, and the other was carrying it by hand.

The previous was impractical since it was nearly impossible for quick draws. The latter was much easier, since the user carried the weapon by hand.

A trend in the Muromachi period had the Samurai carry the Nodachi with a follower to help draw the weapon.

Yet the rise in popularity of the japanese Katana came about because of the progressing nature of close-range battles. The arch of a Katana blade allowed the user to draw the sword quickly, and it was well-suited for combat. It was significant for battles where one’s victory depended greatly on quick response times.

The Katana was able to further facilitate this by allowing the user to wear it thrust through an Obi. Here, the Katana had its sharpened edge facing up, allowing the Samurai to draw then strike in one fluid motion.

When Does a Nihonto Qualify as a Nodachi?

When the blade of a Nihonto has a length of around 3 Shaku, it’s qualified as a Nodachi. That equates to 90.0 centimeters long. However, there is no definite size for this specific sword.

Even if there’s no exact size for the Nodachi, it’s usually referred to as a great sword or field sword.

All About the Nodachi

The Nodachi is a type of Nihonto wielded by the Samurai warriors of feudal Japan. In terms of size, it’s the Japanese equivalent of the Chinese Miao Dao and the Western longsword or claymore.

It was said that the sword was inspired by legendary mythology. However, an unearthed sword from the 5th century was found from a mound in Tochigi. This proves that the Nodachi existed a long time ago.

The Nodachi Compared to Other Nihonto

The Nodachi is often compared with other types of Nihonto. When compared with the Tachi sword, the Nodachi has a longer blade. Also, both were used by infantry soldiers due to their sizes and were suitable for combat on the battlefield.

Although the Katana is one of the long Japanese swords, the Nodachi is significantly longer. It measured over half the height of its carrier, so it required impressive strength and skill to wield the sword. Because of that, only a few warriors used the Nodachi efficiently.

Aside from the Tachi, the Nodachi was also usually compared to the Katana. Until today, sword collectors and enthusiasts have varied opinions on which is the better sword.

When comparing which among the Katana and Nodachi is better, it all depends on the wielder’s skills and abilities. It takes training for one to master the techniques of the two swords.

Some say that the Nodachi can be categorized as a Japanese polearm due to its size. However, polearms were issued to armies since these were easy to use, unlike the Nodachi.