dave, on sword weights; the nodachi I have was forged sometime in the mid 1700s, that based on the markings and the family history of the man that gifted me with it. It is 5'6" (66") and weighs in at 3.8 pounds. Granted the nodachi was a weapon of an earlier time and had been quite refined by the time mine was made. Katana of the same period generally go around 2 to 2.8 pounds. Two handed swords all.

Please also note, all of my statements are based on MY personal preference and MY level of training (Me, Me, Me. It's all about Me! ), not to be considered law...unless we should meet in a match, then this old man would sitll give you a run for your money with my walking stick.

Mike