Nodachi Description
Nodachi sword, or ōdachi, was a type of traditional Japanese sword used by the samurai warriors of feudal Japan. Nodachi means big or great sword. To qualify as a nodachi, the sword in question would have a blade length of at least 35.8 inches, or 90.9 centimeters, however exact definition of the size of the sword. In the Nanboku-chō period, during the 14th century, huge Japanese swords became popular. It is believed this occurred due to new technological advancement that allowed for the creation of longer, durable, sharp blades. The nodachi was so large that it was difficult to draw a sword from the scabbard on the waist, so users carried it on their back or had their servants to carry it. As guns became widely used, the nodachi was replaced with the shorter katana.
Blade Materials
The sword is made from 1095 steel. 1095 steel is the highest carbon steel commonly used in swords. It has a carbon level of .95% which is one of the highest carbon levels for any type of steel. The most common high carbon swords are 1045 steel which only have .45% carbon content in the steel. 1095 steel is known for its ability to maintain an edge and is an incredibly hard steel. 1095 steel typically has a hardness of 56-58 HRC. The problem with 1095 steel is that it is lacks flexibility. Flexibility is critical to sword making so the sword doesn't break on high impact collisions. To increase the flexibility of this steel, tempering is used to soften the steel. The clay is thickly painted on the blade to insulates the parts of the blade that we want softened so they cool more slowly during the quenching process. In this case, the clay is painted everywhere except the edge. This tempering process keeps the strong and sharp edge of the blade while allowing the rest of the blade to be more flexible. This process optimizes the strength of the blade and maximizes its sharpness creating an incredible strong blade and sharp edge.
Sword Details
Overall Length: 62"
Sheath: Wood sheath
Blade Material: 1095 Steel
Tang: Full
Handle: Wood
Rockwell Hardness: 56-58 HRC
Blade Material: 1095 Steel
Nodachi Sword- Ōdachi Sword- High Carbon 1095 Steel Japanese Sword- 62"