What is the tachi, and how is it different from the katana?
The tachi (“longsword”) was an early Japanese sword: the original sword of the “samurai” and the direct ancestor of the katana. It originated in the Heian period (794-1185 AD), and was designed primarily as a cavalry weapon, spurred by the experience of the Tenkei War (939-941 AD). It was gradually relegated to a ceremonial role as the katana overtook it in popularity during the Kamakura period (1185-1333 AD). Source: Draeger, Donn F. and Smith, Robert W., “Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts.” Kodansha International, Tokyo (1980). The tachi typically sported a 24″-28″ long blade (compared to a 25″-32″ blade for the katana). Once its function became largely that of a court and ceremonial weapon, it became customary to lavishly decorate both the sword and its scabbard. Source: Weland, Gerald, “A Collector’s Guide to Swords, Daggers and Cutlasses.” New Burlington Books, London (1991).
