Being a warrior in Feudal Japan was not viewed as an ordinary job. It was a way of life. An age of chaos ushered in the need for good swordsman. odachi was a large sword. This was a type of traditionally made Japanese sword. The japanese odachi was related to the Chinese Miao dao. It is also compared to that of the Scottish Claymore and Spanish Espada Bastarda. The “O” in odachi sword means “big or great”. This is an older sword than the katana. To qualify as Samurai Odachi the blade length must be at least 90.91 cm.

Legendary swords like these are part of Japanese history. It reflects the arts, entertainment and literature. Viewing the sword gives an idea on how it was use as a weapon. Odachi as a sword does not slice a cloth before it drops the floor. Although it is sharp as any weapon of its time it is not that sharp. It was not sharp enough to cut other swords in half. There is a chance that this sword was use with another sword during battle. Warriors of that period are known for using a backup sword with one main sword. Some of these odachi swords are carried by men on horseback during battle and some of these remain as ceremonial swords.

Giant Samurai Sword

Because of its size, Odachi is acknowledged as a giant samurai sword. It can be a work of art in the hands of the right swordsman. The scabbard is hand made with wood and covered with leather. Techniques use long ago and passed on to each generations are used in these swords. Odachi means Big Sword. The longest Odachi on record is 377 cm. long and weighs 14.5 kgs. This is on display at a museum. At first glance it would look like a giant owns and uses it because of its huge size. This sword although that big and impractical to carry is used in battles except when it was made for the purpose of displaying it. This makes this weapon one of the unique weapons of ancient Japan.

Odachi’s importance died during the Osaka Natsu No Jin war of 1615. Since then it was used as a ceremonial piece. It is a must for Japanese swords enthusiast to own one. Who said that size does not matter? In this case it does, because even foes will quake when they see this weapon. This is the sword that even mighty warriors can be proud of. Ancient weapons are interesting however, some are not glamorous. This sword goes beyond interesting because it successfully combines the glamor side. It is one of the most noticeable things about this sword.

ne possible use of ōdachi is as large anti-cavalry weapons, to strike down the horse as it approaches. Alternatively, it could be used as a cavalry-on-cavalry weapon comparable to the Chinese zhanmadao, with the long reach, increased weight and slashing area of the blade offering some advantages over spears, lances and smaller swords.

Overall Length: 148 in

Blade Length: 89 in

Handle Length: 56 in

Scabbard Handle: 91 in

Blade Width: 1.27 in

Blade Thickness: 0.92 in

Wight: 14.5 lb