There isnt enough handle to use it properly, for a sword with 6 feet of blade it would need 3 feet of handle or so. counting the heavy weight of the blade. They were used for a period as a weapon against calvary, but due to its movement restrictions and the difficulty of weilding such a massive weapon, the warrior can be defeated by a novice swordsman. Last time they were used in battle was in around 1500's. I dont remember the Shogun who ruled back then, sorry mates =]