Wakizashi length?

A

AB

Joined
Jan 13, 1999
Messages
81
I'm thinking of getting a Rob Criswell Wakizashi, but I need help as to which length. 16" or 20"?
 
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It depends on yourself. I like a smaller wakizashi because I'm a small guy, and small wakizashi is easier to weild.
 
Nothing beats trying it for real. I would suggest that you make a "fakizashi" (copyright 2003 Futuristic :)) out of some scrap lumber. In fact, I mean make two. One of each length. Then swing them at things. If you have the money, the best thing would be to buy a couple of cheap machetes and trim them to the appropriate lengths. Then hack on anything handy with both and decide which length feels best. There is no easy equation, and some small people like longer blades while some larger people work best with a smaller blade. When in doubt, try it out!

Futuristic
 
Fakizashi, heh :D

Tried swinging a pole of approx 20" around last night, and it seemed to fit me well. But the weight and balance is of course way off. Inside confined spaces, a 16" is probably easier to swing. But I like the reach of the 20".

Of course, I have no idea about how to really handle a sword anyway, so ... :rolleyes:

Doesn't stop me from seriously lusting for one, though! Dropped by a local store yesterday, and checked out a couple of Cold Steel swords and an Ontario "Black Wind" shortsword. The Cold Steel was ok, a bit expensive in my country, and I am not really looking for the authentic look. The Ontario was cheap, and I'm sure with a bit better wrapping for a handle, it could do. But the Criswells just have that allure :cool:
 
Hmmm, reading the post about my size, I am wondering what kind of Wakizashi would fit a 6" guy :footinmou

That would be 6', of course ... Damn, can't you yanks start using the metric system like the rest of us? :D
 
Thanks for the tip!

As I'm not located in the US, I find eBay a little unsafe. If I buy from someone in my own country, I can always show up on their doorstep if the deal went wrong :D

When buying from overseas, I prefer dealing with BF or USN forumites or forum recommended sources. Never been scammed yet.
 
I'd opt fer the 20" blade.
I'm about 190cm and 11 stone;)

I'm a fan of short swords, and have a few meself. Most were designed for:
1. Use indoors (baselard, Wak) or in crowded conditions (Gladius, Falcata)
2. For persons of smaller stature
3. Backup weapon to main battle weapon
4. Easier concealed carry
5. to meet local weapons regulations on blade length (certain waks in Japan were katanas that were cut down to get under the restrictions)

Short swords and long knives were sometimes made from longer swords that broke.

You mention your limited knowledge of the use of swords-- have you used long blades before, such as a machete? Same safety rules apply. Seek training, if not available, be safe.

BTW, I thot guns were illegal to own in Britain..Wait..yer an Auzzie?

Keith
 
Thanks for your thoughts, Keith.

11 stones? That's 9 more than I've got ... :D

I'm leaning towards the 20", and I've got a great deal on one. Seems a bit more sword than the 16". I am after all, not looking for just a long knife.

Auzzie? Brit? I'll take that as a compliment, as English is not my mother tongue. :) I'm like one of your little (historically incorrect) horned buddies there, a Viking through and through! Well, Norwegian anyway. Nice ship in your profile!


Keith, I see you spend a lot of your time over at the HI forum. What's your thoughts on the HI "Everest katana"?
 
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heehee. .. A stone is a british antiquated measurement that equals 20 pounds in weight.

I hang on the HI forum because that's where I started. Good bunch of folks. The everest Katana gets good reviews in the forum, and if you ask about the blade over there someone who owns one can give you more information. They also make a range of short-sword length khukuris, as well as a shorter chopping sword they call a tarwar.
sword23.jpg


their stuff is warrantied, and almost indestructible is used properly. THe swods are sometimes over engineered to be really tough, so sometimes the weights on the Kats is a bit more than usual. The tarwars a really nice, and will cut wood, grass, air, etc. I have a short sword from HI that was a limited run Falcata shwort sword that is better than any other maker's style of this sword.

The Historically incorrect buddies were a dontation from a forumite, so I used them . I hope this does not make me a perpetuator of this myth. The only horns the vikings had were for drinking!

There are many old sited I would love to visit in your homeland, but my journeys to Europe have been limited to England, Scotland, and Iceland.

Good talking with you!


Keith
 
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