Introduction
Do you know forging a great sword can be an excellent way to improve your blacksmithing value? Are you keen on learning how to forge a flexible weapon? Read on to find out an easy stepwise guide to help you forge the Japanese Nodachi sword.
There are several types of swords, but the Nodachi sword is one of the greatest field swords. It is a great sword snuck to the back by the samurai soldiers as a sign of status. Forging the Nodachi sword is one of the most labor-intensive blade-making processes. The intensity of the process and the type of steel for this field sword make it very special in history.
The Nodachi sword uses a unique type of thickness, profiling, and grinds. This blade is more complicated to forge than other regular swords because it requires greater strength and balance. Unlike other swords hung on the waist, the Nodachi sword is usually strapped on the back. The sword is too long to be carried on the waist due to its unique length.
Like most other Japanese swords, the Nodachi sword can be tricky to make and labor-intensive. But you can mitigate the stress and complications when you know the right steps to follow. This guide offers everything you need to know about making the Japanese Nodachi sword.
Essentials
These essentials will not only make the task easy for you. It also helps you to get the desired product. They include;
- Anvil
- Hammer
- Forge
- Chisel
- Steel
- Vise
- Grinder
- Sandpaper
Instructions
STEP 1: Gather the Necessary Materials
This is the first and one of the most vital steps when you are forging a weapon. Start by gathering every essential tool and other materials you would need for the processes.
Now that you are aware of the essentials required for this process, ensure that you get them all together before proceeding with the project. You can use different types of steel to make this weapon. In this case, ensure that you have enough steel to make the blade.
STEP 2: Folding
This step is one of the major differences between the Nodachi sword and other types of Japanese weapons. Aside from its unique length, it often uses three types of steel. The three types of steel for the blade are low carbon steel, high carbon steel, and remelted pig iron. The combination of these three steel makes it unique.
However, the folding process is essential for blending these steel. You might not get the desired result without proper folding.
- Fold the low carbon steel by itself by heating and repeatedly hammering to remove the impurities. This process will result in a soft metal that is useful for making the core of the sword.
- The remelted pig iron and high carbon steel are forged in alternative layers.
- Heat and quench the resulting metal and break it into smaller pieces to get rid of the slags.
- Go ahead and forge the low carbon steel into a single plate while you pile the other pieces and forge them into a single billet.
- Once you have your billet, elongate it into a length longer than the actual measurement you would need for your blade.
Folding is vital to making Nodachi swords because it is one of the factors that makes them different from other swords. The folding process will also help to;
- Improve the strength of the sword, which is typical with Nodachi and other swords.
- Remove impurities, enhance the flexibility and optimize the weight of the blade.
- It prevents alternating layers of different hardness.
- It ensures uniformity of weight and eliminates any void in the metal.
STEP 3: Measure and Cut
The Nodachi katana sword’s blade length usually ranges from 6 to 7 feet, with extra 21 inches for the handle. It is expected that the blade length is longer than the required measurement after elongation. So, it is best to carry out a decisive measurement before moving on with the rest of the process.
The width of Nodachi Katana also ranges between 2.5 to 3 inches. It is best to leave little excess in your measurement to make up for any error or waste during the grinding process. You can also add little excesses to the width to compensate for potential losses during grinding and sharpening.
STEP 4: Heating
Heating helps you to start the forging process properly. Start by setting up the forge because it is the site where the heating takes place. Nodachi katana sword requires a higher temperature compared to other types of swords.
- Prepare the forge and fire it up to a suitable temperature.
- Leave the elongated billet in the forge until it becomes red hot.
STEP 5: Hammering
It starts immediately you bring out your billet from the forge, and it is still red hot. The hammering process follows immediately after heating the billet. Hammering aims at performing two roles; flattening and shaping.
Hammer repeatedly until you flatten and shape the katana. The flatness and shape of the Nodachi sword are essential features. Hammer, reheat and repeat until you create the desired shape. It is best to use the hammering process to work on the katana’s thickness, length, and width.
Note that hammering of Nodachi katana requires more technique than power due to its shape.
STEP 6: Annealing
Annealing is another essential process for sword making. It is relatively easier than hammering, but it is vital for transforming it from an ordinary metal to a real weapon for the battlefield.
Annealing is useful for softening the metal by heating the metal until it loses its magnetic attraction. It is allowed to cool slowly without any interference.
- Review the shape of the katana and ensure that it is near perfect.
- Return the katana into the forge and heat it to a very high temperature.
- Allow it to cool as slowly as possible.
STEP 7: Grinding
Griding is another decisive step when forging a Nodachi sword. It is vital for ensuring uniform weight and thickness all through the blade. Grinding also makes it functional for the battlefield because it determines the edges and points.
- Start with a 6” belt sander or grinder to shape the edge of the sword.
- Next, use a 1” belt sander to file the edges.
- Remove all slags before moving on to flat grinds of the edges.
- Use a concave grind to create an inward curve for the edge.
- Keep grinding and sanding the edges of the sword until you achieve desired sharpness.
Note: Pay attention to the width of the blade during your grinding process.
STEP 8: Tempering and Hardening
This step ensures that the weapon is ready for battle. It ensures proper flexibility, strength, and durability.
- Heat the blade until it becomes red hot.
- Remove it rapidly and place it in the quenching tank to cool evenly. Quenching the heated metal rapidly locks the available carbon molecules to form a network of closely packed lattices.
STEP 9: Final Grinding, Polishing, Finishing
Add all necessary finishing touches at this step.
- Carry out a final grinding to perfect the sharpness of the blade
- Use sandpaper to remove all slags and perfect the appearance of the blade
- Add other preferred finishing touches before attaching to its handle. Viola!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Nodachi?
The Nodachi is usually between 6 to 7 feet long, with extra 21 inches for the handle.
Is a Nodachi a katana?
Although Katana is one of the long Japanese swords, it is not as long as the Nodachi.
How long is a Nodachi compared to a katana?
Nodachi is significantly longer than the Katana. The Nodachi is usually at least half the height of its carrier. So, the Nodachi is almost twice the Katana.
How long is an odachi in feet?
The length of the odachi blade is between 4 to 5 feet with an average length of 65 to 7o inches.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbSrnjNGBdA
Warning and Precautions
- Assume every metal is hot to avoid burn.
- Use all necessary blacksmithing protective materials all through the process.
- Ensure that all tools and materials are in perfect condition before use.
- Keep all forging precautionary measures in mind all through the process.