Longsword vs Katana
Shortsword/One-handed sword vs Wakizashi
Greatsword vs Nodachi
Longsword vs Katana
Longswords, used by the medieval knights were probably one of the most adaptable swords in existence, excellent in thrusting attacks, sharp, well balanced, strong and flexible, and could be used in many ways including the infamous hilt strike. Katanas, used by the samurai, were elegant blades that focused on being offensive and ending fights with one swift strike. The curvature of the blade allowed for longer cuts while the tapered point of the blade still made it efficient in thrusting attacks.
- Fine point excellent for penetrating openings in armor and chainmail.
- Sharp edges on both sides of the blade.
- Well designed guards protected the hands of the wielder.
- Sturdy hilts could be also be used as a weapon if swung at the opponent.
- Difficult to wield with only one hand.
- Hard to draw from a sheathe, the long hilt got in the way and would require both hands.
- Expensive to forge.
- Curved shape allowed cuts with more power and length.
- Simple hilt design allowed katanas to be wielded single handedly, but at the cost of power.
- Single edge blade allowed the placement of a hand behind the blade to add more force when cutting if necessary.
- The simplicity of the hilt and curvature of the blade allowed for a fast unsheathing to deliver a quick attack.
- Although the katana could still be used as a thrusting weapon it was not as effective as a longsword.
- The tsuba or "guard" on top of the hilt provided little to no defense to the wielder's hands.
- Required an extremely long time to master. Most techniques required quick reactions from the wielder to attack while avoiding enemy attacks.
Shortsword/One-handed sword vs Wakizashi
The shortsword was lighter and easier to manufacture than the longsword. Due to its weight it was the common weapon for footsoldiers and allowed them to wield shields as well. It was shorter than the longsword, but could still use two handed techniques by placing a hand on the pommel if necessary. The wakizashi closely resembles a katana but smaller. Commonly carried by Katana wielders as a secondary weapon the wakizashi is every bit as sharp and deadly as a katana in closer range.
Greatsword vs Nodachi
The great greatsword was an uncommon sight in the battlefields but still a weapon with a purpose. Greatswords provided more power than any other sword if the wielder was strong enough to carry. Extremely effective against armor and spears the greatsword would be used in the front lines to push through enemy defenses. The nodachi, a huge weapon rumored to be able to cleave a horse and a man in half would be used in open battlefields to fight enemy calvalry. Only the strongest and highest ranked soldiers would be issued nodachis in battle.