Ōdachi



An Ōdachi (大太刀) (large/great sword) or Nodachi (野太刀, field sword) was a type of traditionally made Japanese sword (日本刀, nihontō) used by the samurai class of feudal Japan. The Western equivalent, while less similar, is the Longsword or claymore.

To qualify as an ōdachi, the sword in question would have a blade length of around 90.9 centimeters; however, as with most terms in Japanese sword arts, there is no exact definition of the size of an ōdachi. Most ōdachi served as ceremonial objects and infantry swords. Ōdachi were too long for samurai to carry on their waists like normal swords. They could be carried on one's back though this prevented the wielder from drawing it quickly. More commonly, it was carried by hand while sheathed or a second person would be used to help draw it.

The Ōdachi lost popularity due to several laws enacted by the Shogunal government in the 17th century which prohibited carrying a sword above a set length. This resulted in the length of Ōdachi being reduced to carry them legally but also made them impractical to use in battle. Due to the skill required to make an Ōdachi, they were still produced as offerings to Shinto shrines.

Battlefield Heroes
"Cut, slice and dice with the symbolical weapon from the Far East. Be sure to make every swing hit as the attacks are slow but long and powerful!"

- In-game Description

Two variants of the Ōdachi are featured in Battlefield Heroes, the Royal Sensei's Striking Edge and National Satoru's Cold Steel. Available for the Commando kit, they were introduced in the Heroes of the Rising Sun bundle on November 21, 2011.