Sword Question

H

H2H907

Joined
Dec 30, 2007
Messages
1,412
Heya, guys.

First of all, I want to preface this by saying I really like what you've done with the waki, with it's demonstrated efficacy, durability and cost-effectiveness. What I don't like however, is, well, that it's a waki. I'm not a Japanese sword stylist, so I won't be picking one up regardless of how excellently (is that a legitimate adjective?) it's made.

So my question then, is do you have any plans to expand your sword production to other styles? What I'd specifically be interested in would be a straight or slightly leaf-shaped double edged blade with a shorter handle. Say something along the lines of a gladius or a Spartan xiphos.

Again, the workmanship is admirable, but the design doesn't fit my needs.
 
dude, I totally feel you! I was all geared up to buy one, but then I got to thinking, and you know, if I was dropped in the middle of a coliseum I couldn't even use it!
 
din said:
dude, I totally feel you! I was all geared up to buy one, but then I got to thinking, and you know, if I was dropped in the middle of a coliseum I couldn't even use it!
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:):):)
 
So,... you sayin' you have a "NEED" for a Gladius or Spartan xiphos?????

I guess "need" is a relative term.

Sounds more like a "want" than a need to me. But, maybe I am missing something. :confused:

IMO, those are "COOL Looking" blades, but not so functional unless for zombies. :rolleyes:

I can see functional uses for a Waki. It serves well as a thicker more chopping-capable alternative to a machete - if sufficiently tough - which the Swamp Rat Rodent Waki seems to be. :thumbup:

The Wakizashi length is WAY more practical in the field for carry and use than a longer sword.

Also, I would WAY prefer to stick to single edged blades for longer blades. But, that is just my opinion and what I consider practical and reasonable.

If anything, I would likely be interested in a shorter one-handed Waki with just slightly shorter blade = Swamp Ruck type blade. :thumbup:

To me, other long blades of worthy consideration would be more along the lines of heavy-duty machetes, kukris, barongs, bolos, goloks, and similar. :thumbup:

I see a Gladius or Spartan xiphos for collecting, role playing blade or wall-hanging. :confused: ... sorry.

.
 
H2H907 said:
Heya, guys.

First of all, I want to preface this by saying I really like what you've done with the waki, with it's demonstrated efficacy, durability and cost-effectiveness. What I don't like however, is, well, that it's a waki. I'm not a Japanese sword stylist, so I won't be picking one up regardless of how excellently (is that a legitimate adjective?) it's made.

So my question then, is do you have any plans to expand your sword production to other styles? What I'd specifically be interested in would be a straight or slightly leaf-shaped double edged blade with a shorter handle. Say something along the lines of a gladius or a Spartan xiphos.

Again, the workmanship is admirable, but the design doesn't fit my needs.
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Sounds like you are looking for a Smatchet.
 
I'd like a really short double edge sword or even a double edge knife. The Waki to me is just as much of a tacticool blade as a Gladius. And BTW, if dropped off in a coliseum, we wouldn't be in such a bad situation if we had a Waki.
 
DWRW said:
So,... you sayin' you have a "NEED" for a Gladius or Spartan xiphos?????

I guess "need" is a relative term.

Sounds more like a "want" than a need to me. But, maybe I am missing something. :confused:
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This is correct. I want one. That's okay, right? I mean, does anyone need a waki?

DWRW said:
IMO, those are "COOL Looking" blades, but not so functional unless for zombies. :rolleyes:
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For martial purposes, whether real or academic, the efficacy of double-edged swords is well-established. There's just as much market/need for them as any other sword.

DWRW said:
I can see functional uses for a Waki. It serves well as a thicker more chopping-capable alternative to a machete - if sufficiently tough - which the Swamp Rat Rodent Waki seems to be. :thumbup:
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Hey, if you wanna use your $400 sword to cut grass, I ain't gonna stop ya.

DWRW said:
The Wakizashi length is WAY more practical in the field for carry and use than a longer sword.
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Both of the examples I mentioned fall within the 13" - 18" range, which is comparable in size to the waki. I'd want a shorter handle, making it shorter overall still.

DWRW said:
I see a Gladius or Spartan xiphos for collecting, role playing blade or wall-hanging. :confused: ... sorry.
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Someone else might say the same for a waki. Or a hunting knife. Or a gun. Or an expensive motorcycle. Is personal taste on trial here?

J85909266 said:
Sounds like you are looking for a Smatchet.
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A Smatchet would be almost perfect if it were a bit narrower in width and five or six inches longer.
 
You're not the first inquiring mind:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=665503

52509-1.jpg


Tac%20Gladius_small.jpg


Just a couple examples of possible starting points that were already thrown out there. I wouldn't know how to use any other sword design more effectively than the Waki; I am no Japanese swordsman, yes, but I am no Gladiator or Viking or whatever either.

And I personally would want to learn how to effectively wield a single edge sword like the Waki before moving on to a double edged sword. That's just me, single edged blades strike me as less complicated and more intuitive. (Just my opinion, I don't have any training).
 
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Those are excellent examples. I'm already familiar with Mr. Gage's work, whose is the top one?

It's not that there's a shortage of this type of weapon available, I just wanted to know if Swamp Rat specifically had any plans to make something along these lines. Apparently some are confused as to different types of swords or styles. I'm looking for a sticker with slashing capabilities. I posted here because the construction of the rodent waki is amazing, something I'd like in a different style blade.

EDIT: Disregard my question, I see that it's a Phillip Patton piece. That kid keeps doing cool stuff.

rksoon, thanks for providing a constructive answer.
 
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The top beauty is by Phillip Patton, a maker I only learned of through BF. Here is the thread on that one: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=647175. :thumbup: Looks like really amazing work.

If swamp rat were the make something along those lines, I'd be interested to see what they come up with :thumbup:. I'm partial to the leaf blade types myself. Where was the other short sword foray? I missed that one.

Construction definitely does look amazing. I think for the foreseeable future, this will be my one and only sword :thumbup:. Can't wait to get mine in hand....
 
Sorry, rksoon; I assumed that link went to an earlier thread. That was one in the sword forum. Got run off by the ren fair crowd.
 
rpn said:
That Patton blade is insane looking. $550! Sweeeeeeeettttttt!!!

I would so not have a problem being wealthy...:D;):thumbup:
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I have one of Patton's leaf blades and I'm far from wealthy.:eek:



Now I understand where my financial issues come from. It's my lack of wealth.:(:(
 
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