The "Ask Nathan a Question" Thread

[Nathan the Machinist]

Is a little behind weeks or months for the SC?

Probably

 

[hypothetically29]

What grit do you recommend sharpening the Field Knife to before stropping with your shmoo?

 

[XtianAus]

Hey Nathan will you use AEBL again anytime soon?

Perhaps I phrased this wrong. When will Aebl be an offering again?

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

Perhaps I phrased this wrong. When will Aebl be an offering again?

Idunno

 

[yoko]

Yup.

Did kendo, as well as Chinese sword styles, Filipino, as well as HEMA.

Sword vs sword, without armor, the rapier is absolutely my pick. It evolved into what it is, BECAUSE of its effectiveness in duels between unarmored opponents.

For the folks who’ve never trained in sword arts, there are a few “katana vs rapier” videos on YT. I’ll just say that every one I’ve seen is BS. The rapier wielder is always trying to stab the katana wielder through and through.

In a REAL duel/sword fight, a SMART rapier wielder isn’t going to risk a dual fatality, stabbing the katana wielder through, AS they get cut in half. The rapier wielder will simply aim to cut ANY body part within reach. Hands/wrists, forearms, knees, thighs… and rapiers tended to average blade lengths around 35” - 45”, with 40-42” being quite common.

Katanas should be sized to the wielder, so historical ones are shorter than ideal for the average Westerner, due to short average heights of samurai of the era (5’3” to 5’5”), but a 42” rapier has quite a reach advantage over a 30” katana blade sized for a Western swordsman.

Unlike the movies, ANY cut inhibits mobility and reduces your effectiveness as a fighter. Blood loss exacerbates that.

The final fight in the movie Rob Roy, is actually a decent depiction of someone with a light, fast sword (small sword, shorter, lighter and even faster than a rapier), vs a broadsword.

Thoughts on the polish saber?

(I know nothing other than looking up videos)

Nathan the Machinist I swear polish sabers are sharpened on the correct edge lol

(Maybe in some cases hahaha)

 

[bluemax_1]

Thoughts on the polish saber?

(I know nothing other than looking up videos)

Nathan the Machinist I swear polish sabers are sharpened on the correct edge lol

(Maybe in some cases hahaha)

Never specifically studied Polish saber, but the saber in general is a very versatile single handed sword, to the point our military still has them for dress/ceremonial purposes.

I trained in Chinese saber and twin/dual saber, with a preference for the liuyedao (willow leaf saber), over the yanmaodao (goose quill saber), or the newer niuweidao (oxtail saber. The shape that many/most people associate with ‘Chinese saber’, used in Wushu forms competition, where the blade widens near the tip, is a fairly new design comparatively, only showing up in the 19th century).

I’ve tried wielding various Western style sabers, and their weight and balance is very versatile for slashing and thrusting. I can also see why they became the sword of choice for horseback use of unarmored riders (and horses).