New to swords

First, i would say, don't spend 1000$ on your first sword. No sword will withstand mistakes, you accidentally hit a rock or some solid metal and they will all take damage, to varying degrees. Secondly, there is a hell of alot of sword-elitism to be wary of. The truth is that if you want to cut stuff, and you want a sword which could theoretically be used in a battle, you really don't need to spend more than about $300, depending on where you go. The Japanese certainly didn't go to war in ww2 with each sword costing 1000-5000$. You can get something better for 1000, or 5000, but you are paying an ever-greater premium for marginal increases in functional quality. I would look at what you can get for $300-500, and don't be afraid to go to Chinese sellers, where you will get more for your money. Then after some practice and experience, if you are still interested, look at spending 1000$ or more.
 
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horseclover said:
I miss my BP but I get visitation rights from time to time. Another A&A has gone back and forth between myself and a friend twice now. I still have my German Bastard as my biggie. My bp has/had bronze fittings and from an era when the price was half what it is now. I hope you enjoy it. They are a stiff stout sword that can still cut a bit but are tricky in that respect. A target I had used aside from mats was a bottle filled with .50 lead balls then stuffed in a leather boot.

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The new daddy redid the grip in royal blue and buffed the broze shiny. I had always preferred it dull. My other lost A&A son also bronze with Duke of Urbino fittings on their Edward III blade. That one now also modified with a longer grip. it used to be a beastly thing (I liked it like that) and now works better with two hands. That one has always been an outstanding cutter on quite heavy targets.

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Cheers

GC
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Thanks for the pics.

I am getting an AA Black Prince.
I wanted a top quality Euro sword for my collection.

Now I'm looking at one handed swords since I don't have any of those yet.
 
Hey, what do you guys use for sword belts?
I only have plain scabbards, no strap attached or anything.

I've seen some dedicated sword belts and some straps that attach to regular belts. I have also seen things called 'frogs' that attach to belts.

What do you guys use and like?
 
The Albion Squire line swords offer economy. You can have them sharpen them and they are quite good. There are more Viking Squire line swords available at Viking Shield.

I have been parting with a lot of my medieval swords but still have a few. Most are of the larger/longer forms. Angus Trim, Del Tin, the GBS and my first, an espada ropera from Windlass (like the Del Tin 5160). A rapier rounds out my reproductions.

Cheers

GC
 
bearcut said:
Hey, what do you guys use for sword belts?
I only have plain scabbards, no strap attached or anything.

I've seen some dedicated sword belts and some straps that attach to regular belts. I have also seen things called 'frogs' that attach to belts.

What do you guys use and like?
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The frogs are what you want if there is no other suspension system. You could get some strapping and diy. I don't wear my swords, so it is a non-issue for me. I did some very good duct tape and cardboard scabbards for transport and they are sound after a decade.

Cheers

GC
 
bearcut said:
Hey, what do you guys use for sword belts?
I only have plain scabbards, no strap attached or anything.

I've seen some dedicated sword belts and some straps that attach to regular belts. I have also seen things called 'frogs' that attach to belts.

What do you guys use and like?
Click to expand...

Take a look at Ravenswood leather. They have Baldrics, sword belts, and frogs made for Ren Faire and SCA use.
I use their rigs for my Busse Swords and Kirby Swords.
 
horseclover said:
The frogs are what you want if there is no other suspension system. You could get some strapping and diy. I don't wear my swords, so it is a non-issue for me. I did some very good duct tape and cardboard scabbards for transport and they are sound after a decade.

Cheers

GC
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The wu jian I built from a cut-down Chen hand-and-a-half blade still resides in cardboard and duct tape...
 
I highly recommend one Titanium sword. You will have a strong, light weight sword that will cut well and never rust. Check out mechas work here.
rolf
 
ONE sword?!? Surely you jest. I'd say a dozen is more reasonable! :D
 
Lycosa said:
I highly recommend one Titanium sword. You will have a strong, light weight sword that will cut well and never rust. Check out mechas work here.
rolf
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Oh great. Another sword I must get.

Thanks rolf!

At least I'm not spending money on knives since I developed a love for swords.
 
bearcut- You are welcome.
You will thank me again.
When I received my Nease Tikat, I said did I really need this? Now, this sword is one of my favorite and special blades.
rolf
Hi Sammy. :D
 
john doppler said:
First, i would say, don't spend 1000$ on your first sword. No sword will withstand mistakes, you accidentally hit a rock or some solid metal and they will all take damage, to varying degrees. Secondly, there is a hell of alot of sword-elitism to be wary of. The truth is that if you want to cut stuff, and you want a sword which could theoretically be used in a battle, you really don't need to spend more than about $300, depending on where you go. The Japanese certainly didn't go to war in ww2 with each sword costing 1000-5000$. You can get something better for 1000, or 5000, but you are paying an ever-greater premium for marginal increases in functional quality. I would look at what you can get for $300-500, and don't be afraid to go to Chinese sellers, where you will get more for your money. Then after some practice and experience, if you are still interested, look at spending 1000$ or more.
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I take great offense at this, Sir. As I type this response I am sitting on $750,000 worth of Nihonto I had forged into an "Iron Throne", like from Game of Thrones, as my Elite Posterior cringes when seated upon ordinary Chinese 1060. I tracked down the great great grandsons of the finest Japanese smiths for the project. Indeed, my hands erupt into weeping sores if I dare affront them with the touch of any sword that costs less than $3000, and as a purveyor used to only the finest, to be associating with riff-raff that would dare mention (gasp) a functional, budget conscious sword is a tremendous blow to my blue-bloodedness. As if that wasn't bad enough.. (shudder) ..titanium- which likely lasts forever, thus precluding the natural destruction by age and guaranteeing a sub-$3000 value..please consider those of us with virgin eyes towards such indelicate and horrifying matters.
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I was unaware of that one, but after typing it into my Tiffany keyboard I immediately commissioned an all-platinum one-off with various Japanese inscriptions I've been assured spell "I'm a stud" on the blade. The craftsmen were smirking while showing me the designs, obviously recognizing my natural sophistication in the swordmanly arts. For a mere $3001, (as of course $2999 would have been far too low) I have yet another priceless masterwork ready for pocket-carry in my DeLarenta brand khaki pants. Naturally, if i ever need to stoop so low as to actually cut something, I trust Jeeves will handle that with his Buck 110, the commoner.
 
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