When People Think They Know Swords

[crimsonfalcon07]

Not sure I'd call most western swords "slicers" though. Not that they can't cut, but they're designed for harder use than some eastern swords.

 

[horseclover]

Not sure I'd call most western swords "slicers" though. Not that they can't cut, but they're designed for harder use than some eastern swords.

Which western swords? Edit to ask a second question. Slice what?

Cheers

GC

 

[BladesB4Firearms]

Even though western swords aren't really "slicers" some can cut as good or better than some eastern swords. The reasons why being extensive, and subjective on a number of different variables.

 

[crimsonfalcon07]

Which western swords? Edit to ask a second question. Slice what?

Cheers

GC

I have no idea what we're slicing. I was using the terminology provided by the previous poster. I'm thinking mainly about "knights swords," as opposed to rapiers and sabres (which are plenty slicy), which are much better at bashing through armor and shields than some of their eastern counterparts. There are exceptions to most every rule, and someone can always argue the other side. Frankly, I don't care much one way or another. If it's sharp, tough enough to get the job done, comfortable to use, and well-balanced, I'm generally happy. I'm not much of a purist, as you may have been able to tell by the blades that I make.

 

[horseclover]

Cross section sharpness and draw can make a difference in a variety of medieval types but the most effective for slicing is a bit subjective. After all, that video linked shows a very thick blade cutting/slicing water bottles.

A lot of those earlier western cutters in the age of maille and cutting flesh, and before had wafer thin blade tips. So, even saying "knight's swords" is kind of a vague representation of western swords. At any rate, slicing by its own nature/definition, requires technique and draw with straight swords.

Cheers

GC

 

[Bors]

So, I was talking to a fanboy the other day about a WoW sword replica he has and I was telling him that the blade he has is purely decorative and too heavy and poorly balanced to be used in really combat.

He replied by saying "The blade is high quality metal. I've tested it and it may be heavy but that weight will actually give you an advantage."

This is information on the blade we were discussing.

http://www.epicweapons.com/products/frostmournefaq.php

I'm not sure about you guys, but I'm pretty sure 420J2 is not "high quality metal." Swords should be made of non stainless if I remember correctly. (Unless made by a custom smith that REALLY knows their stuff)

A sword roughly 4ft long that weighs 16lbs????!!!! Jeez, Hanwei's Irish Lowlander Greatsword weighs less than half that and it's nearly 6ft long!

Why do you guys think people have misconceptions of what a functional sword is?

Now thats a sword for a real manly man LOL

OK if your into fantasy wallhangers it looks pretty decient. Swords run the spectrum from good to bad, so aestheically speaking if you like fantasy swords it looks pretty good from the functional side of the spectrum well...... it should stay on the wall.........

 

[TendoKing]

I hate to admit that I was once this kid. I might have been a little leery about functionality in regards to something from WoW, but for a long time my swords were cheap pieces of stainless junk. I'm still amazed that my first blade wasn't completely destroyed with how I used it. I like the way it looks and feels though, it's a good shape. Might remake it into something functional someday.

And don't talk to me about Tony Swatton. After watching people like Jeffrey Robinson, Brendan Olszowy, and Ric Furrer work, Swatton just looks like some guy with an over inflated opinion of himself and an expensive shop. The man dispenses misinformation, only bolsters fanboy ignorance with the the things he replicates, and probably discourages more beginning blade makers than he inspires with his prohibitively expensive shop.

 

[mross]

So, I was talking to a fanboy the other day ...Why do you guys think people have misconceptions of what a functional sword is?

Fanboy explains it. They get their conceptions from Sword and Sorcery novels and movies. Many SS novels have dialog such that only the well-muscled and barbarian hero could lift the sword. In the 13th Warrior there is a scene where Antonio Banderas playing Ahmad ibn Fadlan tries to pick up a Viking sword and finds it too heavy! That scene says it all.