mattyboi,
Generally speaking a kodachi is shorter than a katana (daito/dachi) and
longer than a wakizashi (shoto). The name kodachi literally means "short
longsword." Or at least something similar to that. It is still classified
as a long sword, and often weilded as such since it is possible to use both
hands on the tsuka (handle) whereas the wakizashi can only be used with one
hand due to the short tsuka.
The advantage to a kodachi over a daito is that it is slightly faster to
move with, however it is shorter which means you have to get that much
closer to be effective with it. All depends on what you want focus on,
speed or range.
On a side note, the odachi that I mentioned before literally translates to
great longsword. Just something else to add to the "prefix + dachi" thing.
My appologies if my translations are off, I am still in the process of
teaching myself. I will be taking more formal nihonga classes this fall.
Peace,
Matt
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