Naginata Nagamaki
The shape of the blade differs from other japanese weapons.
Naginata nagamaki. This nagamaki has a very unique structure. But to separate naginata and nagamaki is difficult. It s a mix between katana and naginata swords but the unokubi zukuri blade shape is one of a kind. So nagamaki is a matter of mount not a matter of blades.
The naginata comprises of metallic or wooden pole featuring a single edge arched blade on its end with a round tsuba. The nagamaki sword features a blade size similar to the katana around 73 cm however it has much longer handle which can range between 45 60cm which allow for greater reach and power the nagamaki is a great balance between a katana and a nodachi. Nagamaki long wrapping is a sword with with handle and blade of similar length. Its 30 to the 60 centimeter blade is similarly forged to the classic nihonto and features a long nakago added to the shaft.
The maki in the name refers to the fabric ribbon used to cover a sword s handle. All traditional japanese swords are fitted very snugly to their hilts and held in place with a mekugi a bamboo peg which is fit through a hole in the tang called a mekugi ana. It is similar to the chinese guan dao or glaive from europe. Basically how the blade is mounted and used ends up giving it purpose and so its name.
Araki ryū nagamaki is a heavy naginata over eight pounds of weight and eight feet long. A traditional japanese sword this style has an extra long handle and was used by the samurai class of feudal japan. Naginata mowing edge is a spear weapon with a cutting blade cut and grooved in a very distinctive way. The primary meaning of nagamaki is long wrapped handle.
Nagamaki vs naginata the first obvious difference is that this weapon is a sword and the naginata is a pole arm. The name actually reflects on the wrap of the tsuka of this type of polearm. All traditional japanese swords are fitted very snugly to their tsukas and held in place with a mekugi bamboo peg which is fit through a mekugi ana hole in the tang and hilt. The naginata has a shorter blade length but with much longer handle unlike the nagamaki sword that is blade is longer but have a shorter handle.
There is a subtype of naginata called a nagamaki which can only be truly identified when it is with its koshirae.