A tachi (太刀) was a type of traditionally made Japanese [[sword]] (nihontō) worn by the [[samurai]] class of feudal [[Japan]]. The tachi style of swords preceded the development of the [[katana]] and were primarily used on horseback. 
Tachi and katana generally differ in:
* Curvature: tachi tend to be more curved (both hilt and blade).
* How they are worn: tachi is worn suspended from the belt with its [u]cutting edge downward[/u], while the katana is thrust through the belt with its [u]cutting edge upward[/u] ("see reference":https://www.touken-collection-nagoya.jp/app/uploads/2021/12/55a244760b2a34f0c4e0924f01547517.jpg).
* Length: tachi tend to be longer than the katana.

h4.See also
* [[Chokutou]], straight swords, were also called tachi, but written as 大刀
* [[Kodachi]]
* [[Ootachi]]
* [[List of Weapons]]

h4. External links
* "Touken Collection (JP): Difference between Tachi and Katana":https://www.touken-collection-nagoya.jp/touken-introduction/tachi-and-uchigatana/
* "Wikipedia: Tachi":https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tachi
* "Wikipedia (JP): Tachi":https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/太刀
太刀