About taking what Hayes says with a grain of salt, some of the people on this board have been saying that and a link posted on this thread by somebody else says that what Hayes claims should be taken skeptically. This is the link http://www.coloradospringsninjutsu....2/4_The_Myth_of_the_Straight_Ninja_Sword.html
As for Ninja using shorter swords with longer handles, the sources that I've seen that mention that are various internet sources. The reasoning is that a shorter sword is easier to draw and use in close quarters but by placing it in a long scabbard and putting a long handle on it, people will assume its a long sword if it isn't drawn and long swords were associated with high status. Here is one of the sources about that.
Just read what Chris said. It's probably the best post on the subject that I've ever read. I don't always agree with his opinions, but as far as knowing historical information regarding koryu arts and Japanese arts, I definitely consider him to be a trustworthy source.
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