My thought on the sword handle / grip

[horseclover]

I think you are nit-picking. I don't think I called him names. I said I didn't like or think a round handle is correct for use. I have over 10 years in Tai Chi Sword. I have been taught by masters.

I gave my modle 18 to my grandson, didn't like the handle.

Fair enough but I'd still be interested in your take on the many swords you see made with cylinder shaped grips. Offer examples. Or are you just generalizing? A fair number of production and custom makers base their swords on pictures but more do pay attention to feel and orientation.

I'm even more interested in further information on the table sword you handled. Was it meant to be a traditional form or a modern take on preparation for the zombie apocalypse? General utility, what?

Personally, I do chat up makers at shows, discuss what they had in mind and why they chose a specific feel, then offer my feelings. Feedback is important to most makers.

A third generation gets gifts from me as well and soon there will be another. One now at Fort Bliss has been more appreciative of multi tools than knives I have given him.

Cheers

GC

 

[sams]

The sword on the table was similar in design to a "knight's sword". It was beautiful but the round grip didn't sit well in my hand, definitely hard to keep aligned while swinging .

Perhaps it's just me, I'm no expert.

 

[Professor_Jack]

The sword on the table was similar in design to a "knight's sword". It was beautiful but the round grip didn't sit well in my hand, definitely hard to keep aligned while swinging .

Perhaps it's just me, I'm no expert.

If your hand is too big or too small for a cylindrical grip, you won't be able to use it effectively. But if your hand is the (just) the right size, it feels fine.
Personally, I've never had an issue with edge alignment with a round grip, though I do share your preference for a shaped grip.
But yeah, you're being dismissive, don't fault the guy selling the sword for a style preference.
Only call out the guy if he's intentionally selling faulty goods, or lying about his gear. Like when a convention dealer tries to sell a stainless steel factory piece as a 200 year old antique.

 

[sams]

Lets see, I don't think the sword maker was a bad guy. He definitely was NOT a sword practioner. He made a good sword but I "think" most round handle swords are not a good design IMO. I did not buy his sword because of it. Now a KaBar has a round handle and it didn't hamper my use while I was in the Teams 45 yrs ago.

 

[Kohai999]

Kabar has a slightly ovoid handle.

I don't or won't use a sword with a cylindrical handle. Simple.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[David Stifle]

I would not make a sword with a round handle, with that said though, it is less critical on a double edged blade, although I think the grip might make the blade torque a bit on a swing.

 

[Kohai999]

I would not make a sword with a round handle, with that said though, it is less critical on a double edged blade, although I think the grip might make the blade torque a bit on a swing.

If you are cutting(especially thick, heavy media) a blade has a tendency to twist in the hand as the sword cuts, and ovoid handles really help mitigate that.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Sharp Steel]

A round handle may not be ideal for a sword, but it allows you to adjust it easily for a stabbing motion at a specific angle, as with the Gladius. You also have to consider that the people using those swords probably had a very strong grip, and they would be unlikely to twist in their hands. Someone who swings a blade for a living, probably has a good idea how to swing a rounded handle effectively. Their life depended on it, literally.

How about the Fairbairn/Sykes knife? It has a rounded handle, but that was not considered a problem.

 

[Kohai999]

How about the Fairbairn/Sykes knife? It has a rounded handle, but that was not considered a problem.

F/S was made exclusively for stabbing, the torque generated by a 20"+ blade is of a significantly higher force.

IF you took the way an F/S knife was made and did nothing to change the design, while ramping up the size, the blade would snap like a twig when it encountered sword-like forces, due to the narrow tang.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[The Zieg]

Round or not?

Round or not?

Round or not?

Round or not?

Round or not?

Round or not?

Round or not?

Round or not?

Cheers

GC

Having handled just about every variety of sword you posted, in their original historical form, not just as repros, I can tell you that their grips are not round, but ovoid in shape. So, in answer to your repeated question, "Not."

But now I go back and reread your posts and I can't tell what point your trying to make. Still . . .

Zieg

 

[horseclover]

Having handled just about every variety of sword you posted, in their original historical form, not just as repros, I can tell you that their grips are not round, but ovoid in shape. So, in answer to your repeated question, "Not."

But now I go back and reread your posts and I can't tell what point your trying to make. Still . . .

Zieg

Did you bother to chat with the fellow and discuss swords in general? You mention it is a nice sword, then mention faults. Was it a commission for someone, or a sword for sale? An art sword or meant as purposeful? If you just mean to ask it in a general sense, I personally kind of feel it in bad taste "to not offend anyone".

Sure, a simple straight cylinder probably does suck for just about any sword but the gladius examples above are shown in profile only. We don't see all angles. We certainly can't comment on the custom you saw but offer only a general statement. If you made an assessment of the guy without bothering to discuss it with him, well, we'll never know.

What looks round in profile, often is not.

Cheers

GC

A chance to read the post again?

Cheers

GC

 

[The Zieg]

A chance to read the post again?

Cheers

GC

:thumbup: Regardless of what I thought I was saying to whatever I thought you were saying, seems like we're on the same page.

Zieg

 

[SteelScout]

The F/S is not an exclusively stabbing weapon. The recommended technique by Mr. Fairbairn also calls for slashing.

Also, the tang on a properly made F/S is very strong.
Besides it's size, how does the design on the F/S tang differ from that of most European medieval swords?

F/S was made exclusively for stabbing, the torque generated by a 20"+ blade is of a significantly higher force.

IF you took the way an F/S knife was made and did nothing to change the design, while ramping up the size, the blade would snap like a twig when it encountered sword-like forces, due to the narrow tang.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson