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I want the best tachi sword but I don’t want to spend a ton of money. What do you suggest? This is a question we have received, and one that many people ask across different platforms. If you’re specifically looking for a tachi-style sword, you should definitely be familiar with the best katanas of 2025. As we mentioned in our article katana vs tachi, tachi swords offer a more ceremonial appearance, often looking more elegant on display while still remaining highly functional like a katana.
For this reason, many enthusiasts choose a japanese tachi as their first sword. Some others simply want at least one in their collection. However, none of us wants a tachi that doesn’t function properly. Below, I’ve listed some functional, battle-ready tachi swords that look beautiful and come highly recommended by other owners. Here are our picks:
Miyazaki
Specifications
| Overall length | 40.9 inch (104 cm) |
| Blade Length | 27.9 inch (71 cm) |
| Weight | 998 g |
| Blade Material | High Grade Damascus Folded Steel |
| Handle Specifications | Silk, Genuine Rayskin, Premium Brass Fittings |
| Usage | Fully functional – Heavy cutting |
| Price | $538.99 |
At first glance, Miyazaki looks like a decorative tachi—mainly because of its beautiful damascus pattern that covers the entire blade but also because of its fittings. However, this sword is built for heavy cutting and is versatile enough for multiple uses. It works well for dojo and iaido training, and it can be used for cutting practice or displayed as an impressive piece.
The Miyazaki performs well in traditional tameshigiri with tatami mats and is also effective for cutting bamboo, water bottles, and other targets. Priced as a mid-range japanese tachi, I think this is a great sword to add to any collection—especially since it’s not expensive.
Kobe
Specifications
| Overall length | 40.9 inch (104 cm) |
| Blade Length | 27.9 inch (71 cm) |
| Weight | 998 g |
| Blade Material | 1095 High Carbon Steel |
| Handle Specifications | Silk and Genuine Rayskin Wrapped Tsuka |
| Usage | Dojo and iaido use, gifts, cutting practice |
| Price | $1,139 |
When I see Cobe, it strongly reminds me of an exceptionally rare 13th-century blade I once had the opportunity to study. By the way, that sword belonged to a Japanese Imperial Family and is now worth about $700 000. However this one is not for sale, but Cobe yes. Kobe features the same colors, fittings, and a black, Aoi-gata shaped tsuba adorned with gold accents and detailed floral patterns. It’s a highly elaborate, ceremonial-looking tsuba.
Despite its appearance, this sword is designed for combat. The blade is forged from 1095 high carbon steel and boasts a mirror-like surface. Its construction follows traditional methods, evident in the blade’s natural hamon. The entire process, from forging to polishing, is done entirely by hand. While this fully functional tachi may be pricey for some, it represents the ultimate pick for any collection, as a gift, or for martial arts practice.
T10 Tachi
Specifications
| Overall length | 40.5 inch (103 cm) |
| Blade Length | 27.6 inch (70 cm) |
| Weight | 950 g |
| Blade Material | T10 carbon steel |
| Usage | Fully functional/Light cutting/Self-defense |
| Price | $179 |
I know that some of you may be looking for an affordable tachi. A tachi that looks beautiful and that you can use whenever you like. We searched many types from different forges; however, most of them were made of low carbon steel. I mean yes, functional, but maybe not trusty. Then we saw this T10 Samurai Tachi with a cool design and colors and, most noticeably, a very deep koshi sori.
It features a fuller but not a hamon in the blade. The overall fittings are green, including the tachi saya, while the tsuba is Aoi-gata shaped but with less detailed work(elaborate but not authentic). This samurai sword is desiged for light cutting practise in terms of functionality, and display or collection in free time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tachi Swords
What is a Samurai Tachi Sword?
The Tachi (太刀) is a traditional Japanese sword that served as the primary weapon for the samurai class before the Katana became dominant. It’s characterized by its specific method of wear and is often associated with mounted warriors and earlier periods of Japanese history (roughly 10th to 16th centuries). Think of it as the predecessor to the Katana.
How is a Tachi Worn?
A tachi sword is hung from the obi (belt) via two hangers called ashi, which are fixed to the saya (scabbard). A key feature is that the blade’s cutting edge always points downwards, a design that allowed for easier and faster drawing of the sword while on horseback.
How Long is a Tachi Sword?
Historically, Tachi blades (nagasa – length from tip to the notch at the hilt) typically ranged from 76 to 102 centimeters. They were generally longer than the later standard Katana lengths. However, replica lengths may vary based on the specific historical sword they aim to reproduce or design choices.
What Does “Tachi” Mean in Japanese?
he word Tachi is written with the Kanji characters 太刀.
太 (Ta/Tai): Means “great,” “fat,” or “thick.”
刀 (Chi/Katana/To): Means “sword” or “blade.” So, “Tachi” essentially translates to “great sword”. This likely referred to its size and prominence compared to earlier straight swords or contemporary daggers.
Last Words
Here we recommend some of the best tachi swords based on owner feedback. The picks we have chosen vary from entry-level to mid-range prices. We made sure to pick the most well crafted battle-ready tachis that not only look beautiful but also are sharp, functional and can be used whenever you like. Don’t forget to clean and maintain your japanese sword after using.
