I'm a rip someone off- Sword appreciation thread

[default]

I have a folded steel katana, had it for a while now. Bought it off ebay for about 100 bucks. It's nothing special, but I've done plenty of cutting with it and it's a nice thing to have around. It's quite meditative taking it outside and practicing some swings and footwork from time to time (when no one is around so I don't look like a tool).

These days I'd quite like to own an arming sword or especially a longsword. That would be pretty cool. Don't go so much on rapiers personally.

 

[Nieroshai]

If I could have any sword that I've not yet seen an example of, I would honestly like to see a saber- or scimitar-blade on a hand-and-a-half hilt. Basically, the katana if it actually had distal taper, a proper fuller, and a workable crossguard. If anyone's seen anything like this, I would love to see examples.

Sounds like this is about what you're looking for:

Spoiler

Unfortunately I have no idea where one could get it, who makes it, or even if it's functional rather than just a display piece. It's a gorgeous blade though.

I like it. The quillons should be a bit more protective though, but damn I wish I could get a piece like this. Sadly, I have doubts there are historical parallels beside the katana itself.

 

[loc978]

I would like a usable two handed sword like the Cold Steel one but have heard they have a spotty record with their swords. Given the nature of the thread could I get a guide to some quality great swords?

Edit: I really should post a video of what I mean.

Spoiler: vidsnip

In my experience, Cold Steel makes tough monosteel through-tempered blades. Inelegant, not the best balance, but tough (due to the grade of steel and the temper they use. 1060/mediumish. Not hard enough to be brittle, but hard enough to retain a decent edge). I have an O-katana from them that I rank among my best blades... some folks say it's less a katana, more an axe. It does split firewood easily.

That said, their greatsword apparently has a sort of half-length tang (can't seem to find the review where the guy disassembled the hilt). I've never heard of one bending or breaking as a result though. Still a tough, ugly beast of a sword by all accounts... though cold steel overcharges for it through their own site. Try to find one through a third party.
here's a slightly less thorough review than the one I was looking for:
http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/two-handed-great-sword.html

 

[Rattja]

Oh just look at all those gorgeous swords!

There is just something just so damn sexy and elegant about them isn't there?
Always had a thing for swords, remember filling my WoW bank up with just about any cool looking sword in the game.
The clean shape of it, the up and personal nature of it.

I'm a bit ashamed to say that even though I really love these things, I don't really have a collection or ever trained with one.

I don't have a katana, I don't have a claymore, or hell even a viking sword despite living in the most relevant area in the world for that.

But this thread lacks fantasy inspired swords, so let me contribute.

Spoiler

It may not be the most practical or usefull, but it sure looks great. No idea where the design is from (if anywhere) I just saw it and had to have it.

I really should get hold of a katana though, as far as looks go you can't really top that.

 

[God'sFist]

Oh just look at all those gorgeous swords!

There is just something just so damn sexy and elegant about them isn't there?
Always had a thing for swords, remember filling my WoW bank up with just about any cool looking sword in the game.
The clean shape of it, the up and personal nature of it.

I'm a bit ashamed to say that even though I really love these things, I don't really have a collection or ever trained with one.

I don't have a katana, I don't have a claymore, or hell even a viking sword despite living in the most relevant area in the world for that.

But this thread lacks fantasy inspired swords, so let me contribute.

Spoiler

It may not be the most practical or usefull, but it sure looks great. No idea where the design is from (if anywhere) I just saw it and had to have it.

I really should get hold of a katana though, as far as looks go you can't really top that.

If you ask me katanas are overrated they tend to be the staple sword for any collection even mine. I own a katana but even then it's not my prize. My favorite swords are my claymore and arming sword they just scream "use me to slay anything" even though the steal isn't very good. Most katans just look nice that sword you have there is much better as far as collecting.

 

[Cerebrawl]

If you ask me katanas are overrated they tend to be the staple sword for any collection even mine. I own a katana but even then it's not my prize. My favorite swords are my claymore and arming sword they just scream "use me to slay anything" even though the steal isn't very good. Most katans just look nice that sword you have there is much better as far as collecting.

Only reason I'd even consider a katana over another type of sword is that I've had some basic training with it, and I know more moves that work with it(A hodgepodge of aikido, jujutsu and proper samurai koryu moves, which I have trained for unarmed but the same motions are used with the katana). My knowledge of western swordfighting is almost entirely theoretical.

That said, for armed combat, I'd rather have sword and board(baskethilt longsword with a swift 1" balance point, 16" steel buckler, or possibly a bouche, or just a modern lightweight riot shield ).

 

[Vicarious Reality]

I have quite a few swords, Himalayan Imports Ke Tri, Albion 15 century bastard squire, some blue katana and this:
Pity i scratched it up so much
I can also appreciate a fine axe, got a Gränsfors double thrower for free recently for some reason
I am considering getting a bronze sword... so my childrens childrens childrens childrens childrens childrens children can enjoy it
http://www.bronze-age-swords.com/Egyptian_and%20_Near_East.htm

 

[Vicarious Reality]

If I could have any sword that I've not yet seen an example of, I would honestly like to see a saber- or scimitar-blade on a hand-and-a-half hilt. Basically, the katana if it actually had distal taper, a proper fuller, and a workable crossguard. If anyone's seen anything like this, I would love to see examples.

Sounds like this is about what you're looking for:

Spoiler

Unfortunately I have no idea where one could get it, who makes it, or even if it's functional rather than just a display piece. It's a gorgeous blade though.

Actually that looks a lot like the Two handed Yatagan by Baltimore knife and steel or whatever they are called
http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=BKS191&name=BKS+Long+Yatagan+-+Sharp

 

[Dirty Hipsters]

If I could have any sword that I've not yet seen an example of, I would honestly like to see a saber- or scimitar-blade on a hand-and-a-half hilt. Basically, the katana if it actually had distal taper, a proper fuller, and a workable crossguard. If anyone's seen anything like this, I would love to see examples.

Sounds like this is about what you're looking for:

Spoiler

Unfortunately I have no idea where one could get it, who makes it, or even if it's functional rather than just a display piece. It's a gorgeous blade though.

Actually that looks a lot like the Two handed Yatagan by Baltimore knife and steel or whatever they are called
http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=BKS191&name=BKS+Long+Yatagan+-+Sharp

Nope, it looks very little like it. The blade shape is different (the Yatagan in your link has a blade that tapers toward the tip, whereas the scimitar in my image has a blade that flares out before it tapers), the pommel and grip are completely different and the the scimitar as a cross-guard whereas the Yatagan does not. In fact, I would say that they look nothing alike.

Still a beautiful sword, just not the one I'm looking for.

 

[Vicarious Reality]

If I could have any sword that I've not yet seen an example of, I would honestly like to see a saber- or scimitar-blade on a hand-and-a-half hilt. Basically, the katana if it actually had distal taper, a proper fuller, and a workable crossguard. If anyone's seen anything like this, I would love to see examples.

Sounds like this is about what you're looking for:

Spoiler

Unfortunately I have no idea where one could get it, who makes it, or even if it's functional rather than just a display piece. It's a gorgeous blade though.

Actually that looks a lot like the Two handed Yatagan by Baltimore knife and steel or whatever they are called
http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=BKS191&name=BKS+Long+Yatagan+-+Sharp

Nope, it looks very little like it. The blade shape is different (the Yatagan in your link has a blade that tapers toward the tip, whereas the scimitar in my image has a blade that flares out before it tapers), the pommel and grip are completely different and the the scimitar as a cross-guard whereas the Yatagan does not. In fact, I would say that they look nothing alike.

Still a beautiful sword, just not the one I'm looking for.

The only real difference is the larger guard and blade weight
Good luck finding an affordable sword when you are that picky, lol

 

[Dirty Hipsters]

If I could have any sword that I've not yet seen an example of, I would honestly like to see a saber- or scimitar-blade on a hand-and-a-half hilt. Basically, the katana if it actually had distal taper, a proper fuller, and a workable crossguard. If anyone's seen anything like this, I would love to see examples.

Sounds like this is about what you're looking for:

Spoiler

Unfortunately I have no idea where one could get it, who makes it, or even if it's functional rather than just a display piece. It's a gorgeous blade though.

Actually that looks a lot like the Two handed Yatagan by Baltimore knife and steel or whatever they are called
http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=BKS191&name=BKS+Long+Yatagan+-+Sharp

Nope, it looks very little like it. The blade shape is different (the Yatagan in your link has a blade that tapers toward the tip, whereas the scimitar in my image has a blade that flares out before it tapers), the pommel and grip are completely different and the the scimitar as a cross-guard whereas the Yatagan does not. In fact, I would say that they look nothing alike.

Still a beautiful sword, just not the one I'm looking for.

The only real difference is the larger guard and blade weight
Good luck finding an affordable sword when you are that picky, lol

How exactly can you tell the weight of the blade from a picture? I'm now fairly sure you've either quoted the wrong person without checking what's behind the spoiler or you're now talking out of your ass because the weight of the blade isn't part of the picture in my post.

Edit: And who says I need the sword to be affordable? If you're going to be spending money on a luxury item like that (and lets face it, owning a sword is so goddamn impractical that it's a luxury item) then you might as well get exactly what you want and will be happy with rather than settle for something cheap.

 

[Flames66]

Here's my collection:

Spoiler

If you're particularly interested, here're individual destriptions:

Spoiler: DO NOT IMAGES OPEN INSIDE

Boating knife

This is a boating knife I inherited from my Grandfather. Made by J. Nowill & Sons of Sheffield, it comes with a leather sheath and steel spike. I mainly use it for woodworking (as you can see from the picture, it needs cleaning).

Old Survival Knife

This is another heirloom. It does not take a particularly good edge, but is sturdy and has a comfortable wooden grip. The sheath was made by me.


Cheap Ass Ninja Sword

This is the first sword I ever bought. It is made of stainless steel and is of fairly low quality. Never the less, if I was to sharpen it, it would make a dangerous weapon. I am happy with it at the price I paid (ten Pounds Sterling).

Straight Katana

This is my nicest, highest quality and most expensive sword. It is made of high carbon steel with brass pommel, tsuba and decorative handle inlays. It is a good cutting and stabbing weapon. After use I wipe the blade and re-oil it to prevent rust. For legal reasons I do not own a curved Katana, but I have always preferred a straighter blade.

As someone who doesn't own swords, I'm just wondering. Do you use these swords (if so, in what capacity?), or are they more of an ornamental/decorative thing?

I often use my favorite sword for cutting practice against water filled plastic bottles, and I am planning to move on to soaked newspaper rolls with a wooden dowel in the middle to more accurately simulate cutting through flesh and bone. It is a fun recreational activity and good exercise.

I didn't mean I'd rely on it, but shit happens, better to be protected than not, though something like rapier hilts is sufficient most of the time, I'd agree, without at least that though, the fingers are awfully exposed, I'd want a swept hilt, as minimum. I'm also aware of flat-on-flat deflection parries being the norm in western swordfighting.

I agree with you there. My main complaint about my sword is it's lack of any significant guard. Having cut my fingers both while woodworking and during sword practice, a guard is something I will be looking for in any future swords I purchase.

The third is authentic. It is currently the only one I have hung up right now. It is beat to hell, but all the markings are there to prove its authenticity. It was a gift from my grandfather before he pasted away.

A fine blade. I would love to own a sword with so much history.