Odachi Giant Samurai Sword

Odachi that were used as weapons were too long for samurai to carry on their waists like normal swords. There were two methods in which they could be carried.

• One method was to carry it on one's back. However, this was seen impractical as it was impossible for the wielder to draw it quickly.
• The other method was simply to carry the Odachi by hand. The trend during the Muromachi era was for the samurai carrying the Odachi to have a follower to help him draw it.

Odachi swordplay styles focused on downward cuts and different wields than those of normal swords.

The Odachi's importance died off after the Osaka-Natsuno-Jin war of 1615 (the final battle between Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyori). Since then it has been used more as a ceremonial piece.

The purpose of the Odachi can be categorized as follows:

• As an offering to a shrine or gods. Some Odachi were dedicated with prayer to win a war, others were placed in shrines as legendary swords from mythology.
• As a weapon. From explanations in old texts, such as Heike-monogatari, Taihei-ki tell us that Odachi were used by soldiers during battles.
• As a symbol for an army. Some Odachi are too long for practical use. They cannot be used in a battle but it is said that they could have been used as a symbol of an army, such as flags and spears
• As a trend during a certain period. Some swords were also used for ceremonies.
• To show the swordsmith's skill.

Most Odachi were used for the first two reasons.

Click here to see a video of our odachi in action

Our Odachi Giant Samurai Sword Features:

• Carbon steel blade with bo hi
• Fully sharpened
• Fully functional
• Cotton cord and faux rayskin wrapped tsuka (double pegged)
• Dragon tsuba
• Black wood saya with speckled lacquer finish
• One of the biggest swords you will ever see

Measurements:

Blade: 48"
Tsuka: 16"
Overall: 66"
Weight: 3.6 Lbs