MatthewVanitas
Go Army, Beat Navy!
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2004
- Messages
- 467
I've been wanting for some years now to buy a decent sword, just for the heck of it. Not a stainless wallhanger, and not a $20,000 custom, but something made of decent metal that feels good in the hand, looks good on the wall, and I can take it out in the backyard and hack a 2liter bottle full of water once or twice a year.
I'm a smallish guy, and downsized swords appeal to me.
I really like the various Roman gladii (if that's the proper plural), so was thinking about those. Most appear to be made in India these days (Windlass, etc), and apparently all are compromises in terms of authenticity, ergonomics, quality, etc.
The 1832 Artillery Foot Sword is pretty slick, and I used to be in Marine artillery, so that'd be cool. Size is about ideal, though grip looks less than comfy. It's supposedly based on the gladius, so kind of a "2 birds, 1 stone" sort of historical sword:
I was thinking of something like "short rapier", and not finding anything that fit my mental image. Then just a few days ago I saw a "naval dirk", and that's about what I had in mind too. Skinnier than the gladius, but supposedly good for both thrust and slash. Looks very sleek and cool.
I'm not opposed to modern swords/long-knives either, and Angus Trim makes some very cool stuff.
Anyone want to toss out ideas for sharp-objects that would suit my cravings? Thinking short and handy, well-made but not too pricey (<$300 possible?), between 14-20" or so. Should have panache.
I am fully aware of the Applegate-Fairbairn Smatchet, so mods please ban anyone who... oh, wait... nevermind.
Thanks for any tips on short/lively swords.
I'm a smallish guy, and downsized swords appeal to me.
I really like the various Roman gladii (if that's the proper plural), so was thinking about those. Most appear to be made in India these days (Windlass, etc), and apparently all are compromises in terms of authenticity, ergonomics, quality, etc.
The 1832 Artillery Foot Sword is pretty slick, and I used to be in Marine artillery, so that'd be cool. Size is about ideal, though grip looks less than comfy. It's supposedly based on the gladius, so kind of a "2 birds, 1 stone" sort of historical sword:
I was thinking of something like "short rapier", and not finding anything that fit my mental image. Then just a few days ago I saw a "naval dirk", and that's about what I had in mind too. Skinnier than the gladius, but supposedly good for both thrust and slash. Looks very sleek and cool.
I'm not opposed to modern swords/long-knives either, and Angus Trim makes some very cool stuff.
Anyone want to toss out ideas for sharp-objects that would suit my cravings? Thinking short and handy, well-made but not too pricey (<$300 possible?), between 14-20" or so. Should have panache.
I am fully aware of the Applegate-Fairbairn Smatchet, so mods please ban anyone who... oh, wait... nevermind.
Thanks for any tips on short/lively swords.