Tachi

viacelaldo The Tachi was the original Sword of the Samurai. Often referred to as the Long Sword, it was generally longer than the katana in blade and overall length. Primarily used as a "war" sword, it was commonly wielded until the end of the bakufu (Shogun) government, it was replaced tactically by the katana.

There are many variations within the Tachi theme including; straight blades, deeply curved blades, longer curved tsuka, and even blades with swedges (sharpened backedges).