battle ready swords?

hannism said:
Just out of curiosity, who makes a decent battle ready sword?

I don't intend to duel or go fight with a sword.

But, at the same time, I would like to pass on a heirloom that is a functional sword, not a prop that will break.

Just curious for your opinions.
Click to expand...


Well since you wish to pass it on as a heirloom then I would suggest Albion or A&A for European and Bugei for Japanese. Yes they are expensive but they are worth it.
 
point 1: the edge is the thinnest and most vulnerable part of a blade, so differential tempering can't be a huge factor in a properly designed and built blade using modern materials

point 2: think about a handmade piece for an intergenerational ownership... you want to actually talk to the maker and have your grandchildren know that, rather than "oh, that cheap factory thing... found it in the attic..."
 
Or go full custom with Micheal Tinker Pierce, John Lundemo, or cobble together a semi-custom with an Angus Trim blade and Christian Fletcher fittings for a Euro piece. John does fantastic Japanese pieces, too.
 
the cold steel 1796 light cavalry saber. research it beyond the cold steel promo and you'll discover its virtues. besides being well made, the saber is also historically accurate.
 
Paul chen Practicals are nice and can be found at that range on Ebay

Here is a link where you can buy Chennes swords and they are great quality
http://sbg-sword-store.sword-buyers-guide.com/

And the Cold Steel swords are of good value and quality and can take a beating. I think you could find what you're looking for with any of these... and the links provided by everyone else.
 
If you don't mind a more modern sword at a higher price the Busse AK47 is a wonderful sword and has a lifetime warranty. It is a great feeling sword with nice balance.
 
poilu said:
the cold steel 1796 light cavalry saber. research it beyond the cold steel promo and you'll discover its virtues. besides being well made, the saber is also historically accurate.
Click to expand...

I looked into it past the hype and the french really did protest this sabre due to the amount of legs, arms and heads being sheared, mounted troops were splitting infantry heads with frightning regularity. Academy of Duello intructor up here say's its his favorite CS sabre.

I have 3 hanwei's and are a great deal for the price, I use a banshee for light bush and blackberry clearing on my recreational property and it has withstood serious use(it's not abuse until proven otherwise!!!)
Brad
 
Brad "the butcher";6637346 said:
I looked into it past the hype and the french really did protest this sabre due to the amount of legs, arms and heads being sheared, mounted troops were splitting infantry heads with frightning regularity. Academy of Duello intructor up here say's its his favorite CS sabre.
Click to expand...

This is a "fact" that I've often seen talked about, but never been provided with proof that such a protest was made. I remember some time ago a thread came up on Sword Forum International with regards to the subject, with the conclusion being that it was more legend than anything else. That being said, it's a fantastic pattern--one of my own personal favorites--and CS actually did a very good job of reproducing it. :thumbup:
 
I've owned 2 Cheness katanas in the past and have cut water jugs and rolled tatami mats with both of them. They are not the absolute best in fit and finish, but they are definitely usable and "fully functional". They make good backyard cutters right out of the box, and with a little upgrading can be really flashy too. I'm more into the "no frills" look though.

I would say anything by Bugei, Kris Cutlery, Paul Chen, Cheness, or higher end Musashi will make you happy. As you'll probably find out a few of those brands are higher prices, better quality, etc. But if all you want is a sword that will actually cut and is historically accurate, even the lower priced brands have something to offer.
 
In general you will want a high carbon, steel blade with a full tang. I believe the thicker the tang the better. I prefer it be almost as thick and wide as the blade itself, especially for swords with longer grips. You want a good solid peen to keep the sword together. Blade flex is a matter of personal taste. On cutting swords I want more of a flex but I like my thrusting swords stiff with a thick diamond cross section. Generally a good thrusting sword will not be as good a cutter because it has a thicker cross section and has to push aside more material as it cuts through. A good cutting sword has a thin blade, but will often fold if you try to thrust into anything resistant. There are some hybrids that perform somewhere in the middle. Just like any other weapon, you have to decide what you want and what compromises you will make.

I have found the most durable economy swords to be Generation 2 and Darksword.
 
Last edited:
for beaters, the gen2 ect types are ok, and can actualy cut flesh and bone quite well, and can be abused without feeling guilty. I wouldn't be proud to hand one down, as they aren't perfect at all. My paul chen PP katana chipped atempting cut a deer in half, way way to hard of edge, and it bend's if you get crazy. My gen 2 gladius isn't as sharp ect, but cuts realy well, much softer temper(guessing 50rc?). I have since started making a few short swords, a few failures at first, but I think I have the blade part figured now.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top