A zanbatō (斬馬刀, literally "horse-slaying sword" or "horse-chopping saber"), also spelled zanbatou or zambatou, is an especially large type of Japanese sword of which its historical use is disputed. The sword closely resembles the nodachi or ōdachi however it differs from the nodachi by having additional wrapping down an unsharpened portion of the handle approximately 12" to 18" inches. This lends more to the theory of the sword having a practical use in feudal Japan. The increased length of the blade along with the extra grip would give it dual uses as a sword as well as a spear type weapon used for attacking advancing cavalry. This style of zanbatō sword can be found for sale in rural shops and stands in Kyoto and Nara prefectures of Japan.
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