Nodachi

Nodachi is the direct translation of the Japanese"Ôdachi, a big thick sword, which is often mistaken for Nodachi which translates to field sword. The term Nodachi is generally misused for Ôdachi.

The character for "Ô" means big or great. The characters for "DA" and "CHI" are the same as "TACHI", the older style of sword/mounts that predate the Katana (the "CHI" is the same character as Katana and the "TÔ" in Nihontô).

To qualify as an Ôdachi the sword in question must have a blade length of 3 shaku (90.9 cm) or more, however, as with most terms in Japanese sword arts, there is no exact definition of the size of a Ôdachi. Generally speaking, swords that are longer than normal* ones are classified as Ôdachi.

• The normal length of swords varied slightly depending on the period. During the Edo era, the average length of a sword was about 66 - 70 cms, however during the Heian and Kamakura era it was around 80 cm. Lengths varied during different eras because the methods of use varied also. During the Heian and Kamakura era Samurai rode on horseback which required a longer blade (about 80 cm). Samurai during the Edo era didn't usually ride horses, so a shorter (about 66 -70 cm) blade was more useful.