While most people assume the sword of the Samurai is the Katana – the Katana’s heyday was really during the peaceful Edo period. But in times of war, the outcome had more often than not been settled by the raw power and authority of an earlier Japanese sword type, the Tachi – which was in more frequent use during the turbulent Koto period (900-1596AD).

While the differences are subtle, they define the Tachi from the Katana – but the main difference is in its Tachi Koshirae – distinctive handle mounts (which were later replicated on the Gunto Swords of the Imperial Japanese army of WWII) and its scabbard, which is designed to be worn with the edge facing down, while the Katana was worn with the edge facing upwards.

While they were primarily battlefield sword, used with one hand from horseback or two hands on the ground, they remained an austere symbol of the authority of the ruling classes, the Daimyo (Lords) of Feudal Japan, and was ornately decorated to display the power and wealth of the heads of each clan.

Our replica of a Daimyo’s Tachi hand forges a 1060 carbon steel, differentially hardened Shinogi-zukuri blade with a thicker, meatier 2.5lbs geometry typical of 13th century Tachi blades that were reinforced to deal with the armor of Mongol invaders. It then imagines that this blade had been passed down through a pre-eminent Samurai family, to be decked out in ornate Edo-period style fittings suitable for a Feudal Lord.

Featuring solid brass Tachi Koshirae fittings on the sword – it is complimented by a highly detailed 1.4lb heavy brass encased scabbard depicting key turning points of the battles of the Lord’s brave ancestors.

Overall, this is one of the best quality, affordable Tachi on the market, and comes complete with a protective sword case for storage or display and a cleaning kit.

WOW!