Believe it or not - I actually have a sword question...

Daniel Koster

Daniel Koster

www.kosterknives.com
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2001
Messages
20,978
I just got back from the Renaissance Faire here in Maryland. It was splendid!

The trip had 2 purposes:

1 - Have as much fun as possible
2 - Get some costume ideas for an upcoming "Renaissance-themed" wedding reception.

So, now I'm in a quandry...

I think my wife has the costume thing figured out. But I can't make up my mind what kind of steel to carry...!!! :confused:


One thing I am thinking already is that I want a sword - an HI made sword, that is - and in a baldric on my back.

Which one would faire best? **groan** :D

I'll probably carry my seax on my side as well, and maybe a boot knife as well, just for fun.


Greg, Beo, Keith, others....? Recommendations?

Dan
 
I'd go as a monk. All you need is an old brown blanket and a piece of rope. You already got the beard for it. :D
 
forgot to explain the "believe it or not" part...:rolleyes:

I've never been a fan of swords. My 25" AK is the largest knife in my set.

However, for some reason, I feel like I "need" one for this Renaissance Reception.

Maybe I'm still recuperating from all the "shelf-bra-cleavage" I endured today...:rolleyes: and I'm just delusional...:footinmou and I'll wake up in the morning with a big headache...:barf:

For now, though, it seems that's all I want. A big, intimidating HI-made sword in a baldric on my back.

Where's Sarge when I need him?

Dan
 
Originally posted by BruiseLeee
I'd go as a monk. All you need is an old brown blanket and a piece of rope. You already got the beard for it.
Click to expand...
I'd have to shave a patch on my head, though...:D :rolleyes:

We tossed the friar idea...too sloppy and frumpy.

I wanted to go with either an executioner's cloak, or full leather armor, or smithy attire, or...or...or...

Problem is - I only have 3 weeks to put this all together.:confused:
 
Originally posted by pendentive

2 - Get some costume ideas for an upcoming "Renaissance-themed" wedding reception.

So, now I'm in a quandry...

I think my wife has the costume thing figured out. But I can't make up my mind what kind of steel to carry...!!! :confused:


Dan
Click to expand...

What's your persona? Tell us about your costume...nationality, period, etc...if you're really concerned about what sword will fit, and you're determined to carry HI steel, then you'll either:

A) Need a Nepalese/Indian/Japanese period costume, or;

B) Need a valid explanation as to why a (i.e.) Norse Carl ended up carrying a weapon from the other side of the planet.

Regardless, it sounds like a lot of fun! :D
 
Do you plan to cut the cake with your "sword" or does somebody else have that duty?

56429014inchcinquedea.jpg


A Cinquedea worn across the back is period, proper (urban dress sword), and easier to carry in dance then a two handed sword.

n2s
 
How's this:

Accurate option: stick a sheathed daggar in your belt on your belly

"Screw accuracy" option: stick a Kothimoda (carefully) in your belt on your belly. Say you were captured by the Turks in a Crusade then sold to the Moguls an infidel Praetorian Guard. In a battle in Afganistan/India you saved the life of a Sultan and were granted the ceremonial knife of a defeated Prince as well as your freedom.

For effect use the khukuri blade to pop open a bottle of champagne (this is something I always wanted to do but haven't)(cheap sparkling wine would do) like the Russiona calvary used to do with their sabres. A friend who once did this told me you a) take off the foil and wire thing holding the cork, b)hold the bottle in your left hand (assuing your are right handed) with the bottle's seam on the top, c) slide the blade along the seam from the bottom of the bottle to the top like you really wanted to sharpen the blade. The glass top is supposed to pop off cleanly with the cork still in it!:eek:

Let us know how it works it you try it out!:D
 
You know, you could always buy a cheap-a$$ period knife or sword on ebay. Although, you might want to sandpaper off the
MADE IN PAKISTAN part. ;)

OR, if you have an HI katana (this MIGHT work.....) you could always just try to rig up a sheath that makes it look like a longsword. The HI handles do look a bit more western, don't they?
 
Dan, one of the tibetan swords (long version, not short, like the nice carved handle one Zal picked up) would make a good backsword, it easily qualifies as a hand and a half. The scram would be a problem though as it's an early period knife (Norse/Saxon, 6th to 10th century), whereas the renaissance period began around the 15th century. So, hmmm, late medieval, early renaissance, maximum steel, all HI products? Tibetan sword in baldric slung on back, Kumar Karda on belt, and JKM-1 in your boot. Ah, to get a job applying sunscreen to all the exposed flesh, so proudly displayed by all the lovely wee lasses at the Ren Faire. That my friend is the stuff of dreams.

Sarge
 
Renn faires aren't sticklers for history. They usually encompass the Dark Ages through the Renaissance. I'd go with one of the Tibetan sword models. They're the closest to a European style sword.
 
Ren Faires definitely aren't stickelers for accuracy.

But personally, i'd take a plain two handed claymore, or hand and a half bastard sword, and rather than a baldric, I like the carry which is still over one shoulder, but use a leather band with metal rings on each end, you just rock handle down and towards you,a nd tip will pop out of bottom ring, allowing a fast draw.

Not that I have any interest in swords of course. That'd be a waste of time when I have guns. ;)
 
You're over-thinking this.

They really don't pay attention to details in a Renn Faire. Now..the recreators...those folks are meticulous for detail. You could go as Robin Hood, Little John, a Crusader, or a lout. Get a collar-less ruffled tuxedo shirt, a sash, laced boots, a garish dangly necklace and nothing too threatening in steel for the more conventional folks. Das macht nichts.

Have fun.

(BUT, if you insist: eBay: The Dark Age Medieval Short Sword sca ren!!! Item number: 2188391365 )
 
Re: the Executioner theme I could lend you a kora. Or a 30" Sirupati. Drop me an email.
 
If you aren't the least bit interested in historical accuracy Dan, you could always go with a kilt and a katana ala the "Highlander" series of movies and TV shows.:barf: :barf: :barf:

If you are interested in somewhat historical accuracy, just throw on a tunic and boots, belt on the scramaseax, and augment it with a spear or Dane axe.

Sarge
 
Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

Except that you all practically talked me out of getting an HI sword! :(

I need a good excuse.

...hint, hint, hint...

The WIFE has given her approval...


...APPROVAL!!!:eek:


So, come on, now...help me outta this "tight spot" I'm in...:D


Dan


p.s. accuracy, smaccuracy....:D
I'm an adjunct professor of art history and humanities...what do I know? ;) whatever I take - people are going to ooh and ahh anyway...:D
 
If your dear significant better half gave the approval, what are you waiting for????:confused: :rolleyes: :D
 
gotta make sure it's the right one...:D

Don't have time to "experiment". :eek:
 
Originally posted by pendentive
gotta make sure it's the right one...:D

Don't have time to "experiment". :eek:
Click to expand...

Don't take any chences, Dan. Order one of each just to be on the safe side.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top