Best swords

[FullerH]

Originally posted by beluga
True that. But the purpose of a sword is only 1, to cut. Yes, they can be decorative objects or even family heirlooms, but the basic purpose of a sword is to cut. It's just an opinion from a narrow-minded guy

Is that the purpose of the smallsword or even the rapier in all of its forms? How about the estoc?

 

[Ferrous Wheel]

and his Minnesota operation Arms&Armor is good stuff.

Keith

 

[FullerH]

Beluga's comment that the only purpose of a sword is to cut may be true of the Japanese swords, I cannot be sure since they are not my field of study, but I do know for certain that the "smallsword" was frequently made without any edge after the first inch or so back from an extremely sharp point, its purpose and style of use being essentially that of the current epee, as I understand modern fencing forms. You used it only to thrust, although whipping the point across somebody would certainly cause a good deal of surface damage and pain to any unprotected area. And I have seen some rapiers which could only have been intended for similar use, it is just that they are too long to qualify as "Smallswords". Smallswords usually had very light blades about 30" plus or minus and were intended for dueling initially, while rapiers usually had longer and somewhat heavier blades, even if unsharpened beyond the first inch or so and were also used by the military.

The estoc was a weapon developed in the 15th Century as a device to get into the full plate armor that was coming into use at that time. It usually took the form of a diamond shaped blade of some 30+" that was not particularly sharp except for the point and the first inch or so of the blade and it was extremely strong in its design so that it could pierce armor plate as well as being used to poke through any chinks in the armor. It was not and never had been designed as a cutting weapon.

 

[Robert.B]

the best sword i havnt got yet, but its almost done ...its a custom leaf blade from John Lundemo at odin blades, i highly doubt any possible sword except maybe a Howard Clark 1086 will even come close to it.

 

[37up]

If I ever got back into test-cutting, I would definitely consider using a Criswell sword, if I could find a nice reasonably attractive one with a 12" or shorter handle on a secondary market somewhere. However, I would also look into practical plus by Hanwei, their other mid-range offerings, and other companies as well.



I'm surprised at ya Shin! I would have thought you would go for a more traditional sword rather than a Criswell tactical.

I've been out of the katana scene for quite a bit though. How do those PK things handle?

 

[superc]

The best sword is the one the victor is carrying.

From our perspective "best" is subjective as we don't do much fighting with swords anymore. We can say best military sword developed in Europe by the 1400s, or best common sword design of the year 9, but then, like knives today, we can get bogged down in intended usage parameters. Was a large saber really the ideal weapon for a jailer who would probably be needing a short weapon he could use in enclosed spaces, or was a navy cutlass the best choice for facing an armored knight? Was a long fencing sword the best choice to carry when walking down the alley? When beset upon by two robbers armed with a scimitar and a cutlass, did you want a broadsword, a rapier or a Gladius? If the fight happened in an alley, would your choice change? Is your choice the same when riding into battle against knights? What if you were a spanish soldier guarding a treasure ship from raiding pirates? Would you want a samuri sword, a rapier, or a cutlass?

Even back in the days when they were common, many never used their swords. Millions of Americans own pistols, but probably well less than 5% have been in shootouts with attackers. Skill levels varied as much as handgun skill levels today vary. A .22 or a .380 is a better choice for some pistol owners than a .44. For some the .44 is a better choice. So it went with swords. You might be very skilled with a Scottish Claymore, but that little girl down the street might slice and dice you with her Persian short sword when she could barely pick up your claymore afterwards to bring home to her brother as a gift.

 

[Hammer of God]

Fleadh,


"Its a tactical sword that stands up well to cutting tatami and brush alike. For what they are and the fittings etc I believe them to be over priced."

Now that whole argument makes not sense at all.

Please tell me where I can find another "tactical sword" that is as good as a Criswell katana for less money???? A real cutting sword for less than $400 (by your own admission a sword tough enough that it can be casually used as a machete)?? You are joking, a troll, or just dont really know beans about swords.

I paid more for my pocket knife than you will for a Cris Kat.

They are not only good swords they are bargins. And in that vein,
I am also a fan of Angus Trim. I own a cruciform and one of his short swords, they rock as well.

Hammer

 

[Fleadh]

Originally posted by Hammer of God

Now that whole argument makes not sense at all.

It wasnt an argument it was an opinion, you also fail completly to explain why it makes no sense?

Please tell me where I can find another "tactical sword" that is as good as a Criswell katana for less money????

Are we talking tactical sword, why because its a tactical sword as opposed to a katana? There are several very tough kats out there for less, Kris cutlery, 2 hanweis, last legend, generation2. Alll better fittings with good tempered blades for less and also considerible more asthetically pleaseing.

A real cutting sword for less than $400 (by your own admission a sword tough enough that it can be casually used as a machete)??

Same as above, several makers make cutting swords for less then $400. The tactical word used with criswells simply means its like a katana but with more utilitarian fittings, a machete from wal-mart can do what a criswell does as well. You dont define what you mean by "a real cutting sword". As far as I can tell criswells are not advertised as tatami swords or anything of the sort?

You are joking, a troll, or just dont really know beans about swords.

Now why you have to sink down to that? I politly respond by saying go **** yourself, especially considering your sincere lack of having said anything intelligent yet

I paid more for my pocket knife than you will for a Cris Kat.

And what does this pathetic attempt at chest thumping have anything to do with anything? Lame..

They are not only good swords they are bargins.

Your opinion, feel free to buy as many as you want ;-)

And in that vein,
I am also a fan of Angus Trim. I own a cruciform and one of his short swords, they rock as well.

I agree, Atrims are fantastic swords, In fact he has a section devoted to his swords on a forum I moderate on.

Hammer

den de de de den, cant touch this..


Cheers
Ciaran

 

[loandr.]

hell if you can afford it ...tough to beat a "Hartsfield".
Loandr.