Balance

[Steel-Junky]

In a blade, particularly of japanese style... where do you prefer the balance point... is there a general rule of thumb as to what the desirable balance point should be?

 

[the possum]

Actually, I think that very topic is currently being discussed on the "Traditional Katana Physics" thread. :thumbup:

 

[wnease]

been trying to get a straight answer on that for a while... in the thread "traditional katana physics"

They changed a lot over the centuries due to fashion and repolishing and changing combat.

a lot of people like 4" from the guard, that's pretty much where i put it too, but mass centralization or lack thereof makes a big difference in handling

 

[Bors]

In a blade, particularly of japanese style... where do you prefer the balance point... is there a general rule of thumb as to what the desirable balance point should be?

Personally I prefer ~4-6" before the guard for general use on swords however, weight, mass distribution and blade profile is also a factor.

There is no simple straight answer to this question (I know you have been looking for one wnease). Balance depends on personal preference and use. Polishing removes very little in the way of overall mass also what mass is removed is over the full length of the blade so it's impact is little to nothing on balancing or the placement of the primary COG.

 

[Steel-Junky]

What I have found to be comfortable for me is if the balance point is approximately at 1/3rd of the overall length... meaning a sword with a 12" handle and 24" blade will have a balance point right at the guard... now most sword lengths don't work out quite like that so a sword with say a 10" handle and 28" blade would feel right to me with a balance point approximately 3" to 4" in front of the guard. But that's really just an approximating as blade heft will effect things some not only in actual performance but prefered handling characteristics. I was just wondering if there was a general rule on this.