Fully functional Nodachi. Are they real?

by Tom
(Troy, MO)

QUESTION: I have been looking for a nodachi of functional use for some time now. Do you know where I can find one of 50 inches or more? I can't find one anywhere.

ANSWER: There were a handful of functional Nodachi around, though few fit neatly under the sub US$300 mark - and those under $300 tend not to be functional at all...

Musashi swords used to have one until a few months ago, I don't know what happened to it (actually, I thought it was still available at the time of answering this question, but seems to be gone from their site!).

Cold Steel make a Nodachi/Nagamaki - but their retail price is US$779 and I've not seen to many of the discount retailers stock it...

However, there is one coming soon by Valiant Armoury that looks promising - no one has the stats on it yet, it is that new - but it has a RRP of US$259.99 and looks quite promising.



One final word that may help you in your own search - try looking for 'Odachi' too. Most people use the word Odachi and Nodachi interchangeably. However, the reality is that a Nodachi literally only means 'field sword' while an Odachi is a 'great sword' or the kind of sword you describe you are looking for.

Good luck and hope this all helps a bit.

- Paul