A custom dream

K

Kazeryu

Joined
Nov 7, 2005
Messages
960
I've always thought tonfas were really neat weapons, since they can be used to great effect even by someone without any training -- you can block with your forearms, and throw devastating punches and elbow strikes without injuring yourself. You can also spin them around and almost double your reach before your opponent knows what's going on. I also think you could adapt broadsword techniques to a bladed tonfa.

I've never trained with tonfas, but I've admired then in various works of fiction. I've often thought that a bladed tonfa would be a great choice as a melee weapon. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone makes such a thing.

I was thinking the other day that it would be really neat if I could put together a custom order for these. Making a wood model wouldn't be too hard, but it would take me some time to get the funds together... I imagine this would be pretty expensive.

What do you guys think? Would anyone be interested in getting one if I made an order?

Here's a real quick sketch made out of bezier curves:

I'm not an expert on blades, and I would really appreciate any insight or thoughts you knife-makers and knife-designers could offer. Here are my thoughts on the construction:

The tip near the handle would be fairly thick, able to survive stabbing/puncturing action, with no edge on the inside -- so it won't cut your arm when you spin the tonfa and hold it out like a sword. The outside edge is for light chopping and slashing.

The majority of the edge (along the forearm) would probably be best done with some careful tempering and a full convex grind - the edge needs to cut well, but not be damaged by parries -- when the tonfa is along your arm, you can't help but present the edge for a parry - otherwise, you're helping him to slice your arm! You can be careful to present the edge at an angle, though.

The swell near the end of the tonfa has three purposes.
One - when parrying a blow, the swell will sweep your opponents blade well away from your body - he also may not be expecting that twist in his hand at the end!
Two - with the tonfa along your forearm and slashing/cutting someone using a straight motion, the swell will bite in very deeply on the last part of your stroke - after the first portion has already opened up the way!
Three - when holding the tonfa like a sword, the swell provides a hook which is devastating when used in snap-wrist strokes (where you turn the sword to hit your opponent from behind, eg in the neck or hamstring) as well providing serious puncture power, approaching the level you would get from a spiked axe.

The 'tail' and backswell of the tonfa allows some for some fearsome elbow thrusts, with the option of a slash motion using the back of the swell.

Overall, the tonfa would need to be quite thick, at least an inch along the spine, tapering to maybe half of that at the swell. Fullers will be a must - they will be quite heavy. But think of the amazing workout you'll get, swinging them around!

Those of you with knife and/or weapon design or construction experience, please offer your thoughts! I would really like to hear from you guys. :thumbup:
 
If this isn't a go, have you ever thought about picking up one of those Hellboy movie props. Not really funtional, but pretty dang cool;)
UC1398ABNB-on-plaque.gif



Jake
 
unfortunately HI has ruined 'nonfunctional' for me.

That tonfa in particular seems useless - why would you want a sharp edge pressed along your forearm? You couldn't block anything with that unless your wrists were stronger than most people's legs... But that's Hollywood for you, right? I'll admit it looks pretty spiffy, though.

Anyone else have some thoughts on this idea? I'm interested in people's reactions, even if you don't know anything about making weapons. :)

And if there are any naysayers out there about the practicality of an edged tonfa, go ahead and speak up. I'm open to criticism of all kinds.
 
Maybe a drop point on the short end? It would reduce the chance of the point getting levered up into your forearm/wrist when holding it long edge out...

Or, though this would take away from the Tonfa look a little, but maybe a brass knucklish guard that sweeps up over the knuckles instead of a point on that end? A little oomph for the strike and it would brace the blade when rotated the other way.

Kind of like this... Ignore the dots, they're just placeholders for the formatting.

|_|_______
....------\/
 
In the idle moments I've spent over the years thinking about the design of one of these, a guard is something I've considered. I even thought about a katar-like tip.

Ultimately I decided a guard wouldn't work because most guard styles would limit you to rotating the tonfa in only one direction - and even then, I think it would might be uncomfortable to wield it with the guard pressing against your wrist. You could also make a full guard and put a katar-style tip on it, but then you wouldn't be able to rotate it at all.

The drop point tip might be an idea, but it may not be necessary if you consider the dynamics when you strike someone...


Thanks for the ideas, though, I love getting feedback. :D
 
I think that if the Tonfa was designed so the flat of the blade was riding against your arm and the edges were to the sides, it would be a LOT easier to make and use. I like the general concept though:thumbup:
 
An interesting idea...

The best part, to me, is the idea that fielding a weapon that no one has ever seen before has got to present some surprise/uncertainity.... and a trained person might be taken aback on how to parry/defend against it.

Build it.


Ad Astra
 
Well its not for me, but then again I'm not into the swords much at all. I may one day buy one just for the collectability, but really I have no sword training, and wouldn't be comfortable defending myself with one. This weapon looks neat though. How would you use it at the campsite? Is there a way to sheath it?
 
ArchAngel said:
I think that if the Tonfa was designed so the flat of the blade was riding against your arm and the edges were to the sides, it would be a LOT easier to make and use. I like the general concept though:thumbup:
Click to expand...

now that's an interesting idea. That would protect the edges while you were parrying, but makes it hard to slash while it's along your arm. You would get better results from a quick spinning strike, though. That might be interesting as a variant.


aproy1101 said:
How would you use it at the campsite? Is there a way to sheath it?
Click to expand...
The addition of the swell will make a sheath a bit harder than it would be for a more classic tonfa shape, but I think it's still doable. Ideally, the tonfas are carried on the back, where they don't get in the way. I suppose you could also wear them like a pair of swords, but then you would definitely need tip protectors to prevent you from cutting yourself on them.
As for campsite use, I think they could do decent duty as choppers - they'll have some serious weight, and the swell will provide an angle similar to that of a khuk, but with a lot more length to it. On the other hand, it might not be comfortable for extended use because of the weight.
 
That link above goes to a pic that looks pretty close to what you wanted. Take a look at it, it's possible you won't need a custom order, maybe they already make something that would meet your needs.

The other thing is, if you haven't trained with tonfas before, would suggest that you do that and get to know the weapon before going to the expense and effort of doing a custom design. Knowing its techniques would no doubt be valuable in making any design.
 
Hey there might be something to this bladed tonfa stuff. If it's good enough for a half human/half vampire redhead, then it's good enough for me;)
rayne.jpg

Jake
 
I've had this idea for a bit now..scuse'my hasty Winpaint drawing


If any one wants to make this..I'd like one as pymt (hint-hint) :D and I'd work with Kazeryu..mine's a bit less "fancy" then his.
 
demon tessu said:
those wacky Chinese are a couple hundred years ahead of you

they have something like that aleady
called rooster tails

will look for pics.....

http://www.wle.com/products/W554.html

one style of em
Click to expand...

Hrm, that is an interesting find. My only complaint is that you can't rotate it. well, that and it just doesn't look as cool IMO. ;)

The other thing is that HI has ruined production-made weapons for me. I no longer have any interest in things made in a factory... I want custom, I want original.

Also, I want all the options which I described above, particularly about the shape of the tail.

anyways, I gotta rush back to work, so I'll talk more later.
 
I followed the link. I don't think you want cold rolled steel, unless edge holding is not a concern!

Tom
 
all right, I'm done with work for the evening.

Here's the number one concern I would have with buying some kind of production-made equivalent: It would almost certainly cost a lot of money and it might not be very functional. Anything made by the kami's is pretty much guarranteed to be indestructible.

And then you need to consider the reason why I'm interested in doing this: I really think it would be awesome to have a set of bladed tonfas, and I've been thinking about them since I was about 15. And what could possibly be better than wielding the weapon you've been thinking about for years?

Wielding a custom, hand-made, fully functional version built exactly to your specifications. :D

I've pretty much decided that if I ever own a pair of bladed tonfas, they will be a custom order from HI... if the kamis are willing, of course. They might just think I'm being silly.

Anyway, I'm interested in ideas about the construction and style. For example, the rooster tails pictured in that link have blades attached to the end of the handle near the thumb, which is something I hadn't considered. ArchAngel also made an interesting suggestion, but I think it would change the function of the tonfa away from what I was hoping for (adaptable to broadsword techniques when held extended).
These are the sorts of ideas I would love to hear more of!

Actually one thing I would really like to hear an opinion on is how to attach the handle. All I know is that making unbraced right angles and then subjecting them to twisting moments is usually not a great idea. ...paging dan koster...
 
I'd rather have a tonfa in 1 hand and a khukri in another.

And I'd would put a hook (a kerambit blade?) on the tonfa. And 2 sharp points on each end

<...II.............>
-----------J
 
astroadatonfa9ji.png


Like this, astrodada?

Unless I got something wrong, seems fairly similar to my second shape. What made you pick the kerambit shape in particular? Give us the gory details! :)
 
Yes Kaz , similar but mine's a bladed hook rather than a triangle blade growing out from the tonfa as per your design. My design is like it'll be used with a khukri so requirment shall differ from yours.

By putting a bladed hook on 1 end, it can stab, and hook on return stroke. And can be used for locking enemy's weapons and or body parts.

If doing a stab with the short side of the tonfa, missed and advance with stepping in, that'll put the hook into range.

my 2 cents :o

actually I had been thinking bout this tonfa idea for a long time.........glad you brought it up :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top