NationStates Jolt Archive

After the polearm thread, now for swords.
I'll try to post a less sucky poll than the polearms one. Anyway, this is going to be difficult because of the huge variety of sword designs. I'll be including the non-european designs I know better, so this time katana fanatics will have a chance to claim that ninjas kick pirates in the ass or something like that. (Btw, pirates rule, ARRR).

i'll take a polearm over a sword anyday.

other than that

http://swordforum.com/swd/dt/dt-falcata-largesand.jpg

Meat cleaver would be a personal favourite, but sabre/falchion is the closest on the options, so I voted for that. ;)

i'll take a polearm over a sword anyday.

other than that

http://swordforum.com/swd/dt/dt-falcata-largesand.jpg

I won't bet on a polearm within an arm's reach.
Anyway, this sword looks interesting. It is somewhat similar to a machete, isn't it? How it is used?

A longsword is a hand and a half design, a spatha is a variety of arming sword.

I'll take an arming sword with a Pappenheimer style hand guard. :) And a short sword with a similar hand guard in the off-hand.

And, to nitpick, any sword used for fighting is a 'fencing' sword, as fencing is armed meleé combat. ;)

One of my old professors let us play with an authentic reproduction Roman gladius. I like that one. I'm sure it's not always appropriate, but for a short sword, the weight and shape is probably ideal.

I won't bet on a polearm within an arm's reach.
Anyway, this sword looks interesting. It is somewhat similar to a machete, isn't it? How it is used?

Falcatas are chopping swords, used largely by the Celts, especially Iberian Celts.

And, to nitpick, any sword used for fighting is a 'fencing' sword, as fencing is armed meleé combat. ;)

'Course, you're right. Most people, anyway, use "fencing" sword when referring to post-XVI century european blades, like the epee, or the swords used in olympic fencing.

Falcatas are chopping swords, used largely by the Celts, especially Iberian Celts.

I'd group it with the khopesh, then. Nice.

I won't bet on a polearm within an arm's reach.
Anyway, this sword looks interesting. It is somewhat similar to a machete, isn't it? How it is used?

its used much the same way as a regular sword hit them with it till the stop moving, the cut moves in > ( kind of direction

[whereas a katana moves in >) just to make my diagram clearer]
so they heavier tip is forward of the actual cut and drags the blade through. obviously more of a cut than thrust weapon.

edit: i've always seen it spelt No-Dachi

Depends, what am I supposed to be doing with it?

Depends, what am I supposed to be doing with it?

Crushing your enemies, driving them before you and hearing the lamentation of their women, at a guess.

Honestly I was torn (pun intended), I do love bastards (hand and a half) and falchions, but I must go falcata (very similar to a kukri, but about 2 feet long). I must admit though there are a few Gaulic (Gaul was a 'nation' of celtic tribes occupying most of Westurn Europe including France and Spain) and Irish leaf-blades that are just....beautiful.:mp5:

Btw: If anyone wants to see some good pictures, or for that matter buy good products you can go to http://ageofchivalry.com. I've bought a few things from them at SCA events.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t69/zxc_047/000_0035.jpg

Looks like freaky friday starts early this week. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12659194&postcount=83)

Hahah, and I've not even read that thread yet...

Crushing your enemies, driving them before you and hearing the lamentation of their women, at a guess.

Looks like freaky friday starts early this week. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12659194&postcount=83)

I'm guessing the later it was made, the better.

So I'm saying very late-model Zweihänder or Claymore swords made in the Renaissance. At least they'll be your best bet against those pike guys from the other thread.

http://sing2-sing2.txt-nifty.com/vivavida/images/lightsaber.jpg

So I'm saying very late-model Zweihänder or Claymore swords made in the Renaissance. At least they'll be your best bet against those pike guys from the other thread.

Actually, that would be a crossbow ;)

I don't have a pic of my sword, but it's not as fancy as Imperial ISA's. 33 1/2" long, 2" at widest sharpened carbon-steel blade, brass gaurd with the ends upturned (9 1/2" wide), leather-wrapped handle (5 3/4" long), circular brass pommel with bevelled edges (2 1/4" dia.). Don't know the weight, but it's pretty hefty.

http://www.battleorders.co.uk/acatalog/ah3366.jpg
Beer Brewers Sword (Reference #AH3366.)

A massive double handed, wood gripped wavy steel blade sword with brass ring guard, supposedly used by brewers guards to keep drunken thieves away from the beer vats! 183cm overall length.


Get away from mah beer ya drunks!

I'm guessing the later it was made, the better.

So I'm saying very late-model Zweihänder or Claymore swords made in the Renaissance. At least they'll be your best bet against those pike guys from the other thread.

probably the reverse if anything, as the size of armies increases and the quality of opponents decreases. the need for high quality blades decreases to the point where in modern days there made by the same companies that sell cutlery.

http://sing2-sing2.txt-nifty.com/vivavida/images/lightsaber.jpg

Sucks. It runs out of batteries before you can ever toast a loaf of bread with it.;)

Anderthalb- and Bidenhänder.

Crushing your enemies, driving them before you and hearing the lamentation of their women, at a guess.
Ah! Well, these will work then:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a377/jusenkyoguide/swords.jpg

Sucks. It runs out of batteries before you can ever toast a loaf of bread with it.;)

tried getting the newer model?

You Nerdy Fuckers! :upyours:

http://www.regia.org/images/wargear/SwordScabbard.jpg

You Nerdy Fuckers! :upyours:

And who is this stupid and useless comment directed at?

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/GermanNightmare/SNLSeanConnery.jpg
I'll take Swords for 400. (http://www.vidstogo.com/player.php?vfname=snl1a&ext=wmv)

You Nerdy Fuckers! :upyours:
Flaming is bad. Don't do it.
http://www.regia.org/images/wargear/SwordScabbard.jpg

Apparently hotlinking is bad too :p

tried getting the newer model?

Yeah. But the power cord is too short. And I cannot afford the electricity bill!

You Nerdy Fuckers! :upyours:
You're gonna be Jim the Banned if you keep that up.

And who is this stupid and useless comment directed at?

never mind, he's just trying to shake off the "new member" tag by raising his post count. :p

:D Rapier lol Only because I do alot of Fencing

Um, Webley revolver? Is that an option? No? :(

I'm guessing the later it was made, the better.

So I'm saying very late-model Zweihänder or Claymore swords made in the Renaissance. At least they'll be your best bet against those pike guys from the other thread.

Dammit! You beat me to the Zweihänder!

Now I have to choose a new weapon.... I choose Sword that shoots guns that shoot swords!

http://uncyclopedia.org/wiki/List_of_weapons_that_shoot_other_weapons_that_don%27t_exist%2C_but_should#Sword_that_shoots_guns_tha t_shoot_swords

If you want to be really picky, what is commonly referred to as a long sword is actually a two-hander and a short sword is what most people think of when they see a knight with a shield and sword. A Spatha and a long sword would be two different types.

Much as I enjoyed being used as a set of pells last time I tried the Zweihander, I'm going to have to stick with my two handed long sword.

If you want to be really picky

looks like you're willing to be it, aren't you? ;)

http://www.flytying.dk/images/Dragon%20sword.jpg

One of them please.

Sabres ftw, they're the newest after all.

looks like you're willing to be it, aren't you? ;)

Hush, at least let me feel like I'm contributing. :p

Hush, at least let me feel like I'm contributing. :p

A friendly pat on the back to you.:)

Really, looks like we played too much Dnd. Of course, I'll be posting threads about bows, axes and other non-firearms. ;)

A friendly pat on the back to you.:)

Really, looks like we played too much Dnd. Of course, I'll be posting threads about bows, axes and other non-firearms. ;)

Nothing wrong with DnD...or Shadowrun...or Star Wars (the old D6, not that d20 abomination)...or a few other games...

...crap, now I really feel like a nerd.

That, and I've actually trained a bit with a two-handed long and read up a bit on the subject of Euro-swords.

Scimitars are awesome. The sharpest blade this side of the Indus.

Of course, everyone will probably pick Katanas because 'Samurai are the R0xx0rz!' or some bullshit like that. Stupid japanese anime.

General purpose machine gun. Its 2007. Swords just don't CUT it!:D

Nothing wrong with DnD...or Shadowrun...or Star Wars (the old D6, not that d20 abomination)...or a few other games...
Yay! FASA Shadowrun and West End Star Wars d6!


...crap, now I really feel like a nerd.

So what? Wear glasses and join the club! NERD POWER!

That, and I've actually trained a bit with a two-handed long and read up a bit on the subject of Euro-swords.

I've swung a sabre, but nothing more.:(
Next June 2nd, I'll be manning an Imperial-Royal Field Gun! Historical re-enactment of the Battle of Magenta. Too bad I'll be on the losing side.

I'm no sword affectionado, but I was trained with the katana when I did martial arts, so I went with that.

Scimitars are awesome. The sharpest blade this side of the Indus.

Of course, everyone will probably pick Katanas because 'Samurai are the R0xx0rz!' or some bullshit like that. Stupid japanese anime.

I'll put a Damascus-steel Scimitar against a katana anyday...

I don't know which is the best, but sabres are the worst. At least, that's what the current 3-1 series score favouring Ottawa tells me, anyway. ;)

:D Rapier lol Only because I do alot of Fencing

If you do alot of fencing the first thing you'll think when holding a rapier is 'holy shit this is heavy' followed by 'why can't I use this in double-time'. You want a epee/small sword.

you mention pirates in th OP but no cutlass in the poll? for shame :p

If you do alot of fencing the first thing you'll think when holding a rapier is 'holy shit this is heavy' followed by 'why can't I use this in double-time'. You want a epee/small sword.

A heavy sword seems rather foolish to me. What's the use of a weapon if you're unable to use it?


A light sword is preferable, medium length for freedom of movement.

If you do alot of fencing the first thing you'll think when holding a rapier is 'holy shit this is heavy' followed by 'why can't I use this in double-time'. You want a epee/small sword.

Agreed, while some of the basic level stuff is the same, you'd be pretty much retraining from the ground up going from a fencing foil/epee/sabre to a rapier.

a broom handle with a chainsaw glued to it

or what about this....
http://it.gizmodo.com/Midi%20Sword%20Keytar.bmp

http://f10.putfile.com/7/18807381553-thumb.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=2976493)

These are my Tiger-Hook Swords, my second favourite weapon. They're used to trap an opponents weapon and either disarm or break it. The two swords link together at the hook end and you can swing one around with the half-moon axe of the other one as a killing weapon.

The blades are sharp, the hooks are sharp and the handle has a spike at the bottom of it. Every part of these are a weapon to be used in different ways.

It was a Chinese generals weapon as they take great skill to use properly and the peasants couldn't afford them.

There were several variants....like my other pair, a sort of hook sword/fong-ting lance hybrid:

http://f10.putfile.com/7/18807393675-thumb.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=2976506)

a broom handle with a chainsaw glued to it

or what about this....
http://it.gizmodo.com/Midi%20Sword%20Keytar.bmp

Gods...not only has the keytaur escaped from it's prison, it's armed itself for war!

Run for your lives!

I don't own any swords, but I quite like short swords. In computer games I like to play characters that can wield a blade in each hand.

Gods...not only has the keytaur escaped from it's prison, it's armed itself for war!

Run for your lives!

It's a key-sword-tar! (http://www.homestarrunner.com/sbemail139.html)

The gladius. There's something very awesome about the roman confidence.

Swords just don't CUT it!:DIs that supposed to be sharp wit?

General purpose machine gun. Its 2007. Swords just don't CUT it!:D
Really? I've cut through many machine-guns with my lightsabre.

Is that supposed to be sharp wit?

I don't think we get the point. :p

Sword-breaker.

Yeah. But the power cord is too short. And I cannot afford the electricity bill!

Okay, It might take long to charge, but it's much better then that old one. The batteries last much longer, and you can adjust the length of the blade.

Sword-breaker.

Like the Italian one? Those are good. Not too sure if they aregood at disarming the heavier and stronger blades (such as claymores) but for the time that they were in they were very well suited.

A heavy sword seems rather foolish to me. What's the use of a weapon if you're unable to use it?


A light sword is preferable, medium length for freedom of movement.

It's not especially heavy, weighing around 3-4lbs, and it's well balanced. Balance is far more important then weight. Rapiers' handguards weigh alot because of how elaborate they are. A 6.5lb claymore that's well balanced is a much quicker weapon then a 5lb wall-hanger longsword.

Agreed, while some of the basic level stuff is the same, you'd be pretty much retraining from the ground up going from a fencing foil/epee/sabre to a rapier.

Arming sword techniques transfer well to rapier. Side-sword and arming sword techniques are largely interchangeable. Sport fencing techniques aren't really transferable to anything else. Classical fencing techniques are only barely transferable to anything but smallsword/epee combat. Kenjutsu techniques can be applied to longsword for the most part.

Arming sword techniques transfer well to rapier. Side-sword and arming sword techniques are largely interchangeable. Sport fencing techniques aren't really transferable to anything else. Classical fencing techniques are only barely transferable to anything but smallsword/epee combat. Kenjutsu techniques can be applied to longsword for the most part.

I was thinking more of the very, very basic stuff like footwork. But, yeah, you're pretty much correct.

I was thinking more of the very, very basic stuff like footwork. But, yeah, you're pretty much correct.

Any martial arts footwork is largely transferable. Boxing footwork gives you an advantage over being completely untrained in a wiffle-bat fight. ;)

Any martial arts footwork is largely transferable. Boxing footwork gives you an advantage over being completely untrained in a wiffle-bat fight. ;)

Exactly.

Though, in a wiffle bat fight, it's more about who can hit who in the crotch first. :p

Exactly.

Though, in a wiffle bat fight, it's more about who can hit who in the crotch first. :p

I suggest you become a teacher of wiffle-bat-jutsu. :D

Rapiers and similar.

Though I like scimitars too.

Rapier, because I Fence and Epee is my favorite weapon. http://smilies.vidahost.com/ups/dvx_rune/smooch.gif Of course I also do Nito Ryu (two-sworded Kendohttp://smilies.vidahost.com/contrib/edoom/one_samuria.gif), so Katana came in close second.
Oh and if you are refering to the 5-foot long Japanese sword in your poll, it's Nodachi, or Udachi.

Excuse me, your poll is wrong.


The term flamberge, meaning "flame blade", is an undulating blade found on rapiers. When parrying with such a rapier, unpleasant vibrations may be transmitted into the attacker's blade. These vibrations caused the blades to slow contact with each other, as additional friction was encountered with each wave.

The term flamberge was misapplied by collectors and museums to blades that are historically named flambards and flammards. This misuse continues despite recognition of the error.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flamberge

I'm rather fond of the rapier, personally. I took up fencing and found the foil too light and erratic, moved on to epee and enjoyed the heavier, more deliberate feel it had, and tried the rapier once, which was a very "real" experience.

Besides, they are such beautiful swords. :)

Every time someone brings up swords I keep thinking of indiana jones.

*shrugs, puts away whip, shoots guy with blades.*

Rapier, because I Fence and Epee is my favorite weapon.

Like I said before, rapier and epee are really, really different. ;)

Like I said before, rapier and epee are really, really different. ;)

Very. I always preferred Sabre myself.

Very. I always preferred Sabre myself.

I'm a fan of sabres too. I'd really like to get a 1796 Pattern British Light Cavalry sabre. I'd kill for one. I'd kill redcoated hussar for one. Hopefully I could do it without messing up his uniform, cuz I'd like that too. :D

Short sword. More suited for ambushes and assassinations, since that's how I fight.

Close second would be a scimitar. I'm part Bedouin, so it's in my blood.

I'm a fan of sabres too. I'd really like to get a 1796 Pattern British Light Cavalry sabre. I'd kill for one. I'd kill redcoated hussar for one. Hopefully I could do it without messing up his uniform, cuz I'd like that too. :D

Why not just join the British Army and get the sword and uniform without having to kill anyone for 'em? Mind you, this does presuppose that you not only have the time machine (which you'd need to attack the hussar anyway), but also have sufficient funds to buy a commission in the British Army. If you buy a commission in the Royal Scots Greys, you'd even get a bagpipe band to go with it!

Smart uniform, elegant accessories, deadly psychological weapons... what's not to like? (You get to figure out which refers to which.)

But yes, a nice sabre is a wonderful thing to have. Well, in general, of course, a good sword is a wonderful thing to have. Having a number of good swords, of course, is even better!

Short sword. More suited for ambushes and assassinations, since that's how I fight.

Close second would be a scimitar. I'm part Bedouin, so it's in my blood.

Why not combine them and say a cutlass? :p

Short sword. More suited for ambushes and assassinations, since that's how I fight.

Close second would be a scimitar. I'm part Bedouin, so it's in my blood.

You'd think having a scimitar in one's blood would be bad for one's health... severe steel poisoning or something suchlike?

(/me ducks to avoid the barrage of rotten fruit.)

Why not just join the British Army and get the sword and uniform without having to kill anyone for 'em? Mind you, this does presuppose that you not only have the time machine (which you'd need to attack the hussar anyway), but also have sufficient funds to buy a commission in the British Army. If you buy a commission in the Royal Scots Greys, you'd even get a bagpipe band to go with it!

Smart uniform, elegant accessories, deadly psychological weapons... what's not to like? (You get to figure out which refers to which.)

But yes, a nice sabre is a wonderful thing to have. Well, in general, of course, a good sword is a wonderful thing to have. Having a number of good swords, of course, is even better!

who needs a time machine? the household cavalry still wear redcoats and carry sabres. course technically their not hussars....

who needs a time machine? the household cavalry still wear redcoats and carry sabres. course technically their not hussars....

1. British cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars had better headgear, and nicer uniforms.
2. I don't know if the British are still in the habit of selling commissions.
3. Any plan that involves having a time machine is inherently superior to one that doesn't. (Additional bonus points if the time machine is powered by mad science.)

who needs a time machine? the household cavalry still wear redcoats and carry sabres. course technically their not hussars....

They don't carry the 1796 pattern sabre, and if they did it would be the heavy one, not the light.

Why not just join the British Army and get the sword and uniform without having to kill anyone for 'em? Mind you, this does presuppose that you not only have the time machine (which you'd need to attack the hussar anyway), but also have sufficient funds to buy a commission in the British Army. If you buy a commission in the Royal Scots Greys, you'd even get a bagpipe band to go with it!

Smart uniform, elegant accessories, deadly psychological weapons... what's not to like? (You get to figure out which refers to which.)

But yes, a nice sabre is a wonderful thing to have. Well, in general, of course, a good sword is a wonderful thing to have. Having a number of good swords, of course, is even better!

Because if I join the British army I'll be expected to kill repeatedly. This way I only need to kill once.

They don't carry the 1796 pattern sabre, and if they did it would be the heavy one, not the light.



Because if I join the British army I'll be expected to kill repeatedly. This way I only need to kill once.

either way they can only hang you once...

some more pretty swords. i seem to have a preference for cut over thrust.

http://www.traditionalfilipinoweapons.com/Filipino.PANABAS.jpg

http://www.traditionalfilipinoweapons.com/Dahong.Palay.2.jpg

now i'm off to practice.

either way they can only hang you once...

Well, you assume with my time machine I'd stick around long enough to get hung.

I debated between the short swords and the fencing swords, and finally picked the former. The simple truth is that I am a rather tiny person, and naturally prefer swords that I could theoretically wield. :)

I debated between the short swords and the fencing swords, and finally picked the former. The simple truth is that I am a rather tiny person, and naturally prefer swords that I could theoretically wield. :)

Well, if you happen to encounter somebody who can effectively wield a Zweihander (such as myself), you're pretty much screwed. You'd best learn how to throw that short sword of yours, eh? :p

Well, if you happen to encounter somebody who can effectively wield a Zweihander (such as myself), you're pretty much screwed. You'd best learn how to throw that short sword of yours, eh? :p

If they try to get inside you'd better know how to half-sword.

If they try to get inside you'd better know how to half-sword.

Why wouldn't I know how? Along with half-sword techniques, there's also left-hand punches, jabs, and hooks... Not to mention leg attacks.

The Zweihander is a hell of a weapon. It keeps your enemies at bay, and if they happen to get in close, you can use it as a slight shield while you pummel your adversaries.

Alternatively, I could just get myself a bow as well. :)

...Which I can also use (Composite... Not sure about the Longbow). But, why use a bow when I have a trusty 12-gauge in my closet? :p

Well, if you happen to encounter somebody who can effectively wield a Zweihander (such as myself), you're pretty much screwed. You'd best learn how to throw that short sword of yours, eh? :p

Alternatively, I could just get myself a bow as well. :)

I like Viking swords.

All things considered, what's up with all of the Katana votes?

I can take a wild, educated guess: most of the voters are those taken in by the mythos of the Katana. You know, "all-powerful" sword, that kind of thing. Basically, the Katana is a big razor. Effective at cutting flesh, but not quite so much at cutting through plate or even chain armor. It could go through maybe once, but it'd be ruined after doing so. And it would be a hell of a gamble to even try.

The No-Dachi is a different story. It's a much larger sword, and it has the swing velocity to rip through (certain types of) armor. Stabbing, not so much... Due to the curvature of the blade, it's not really fit for that sort of thing.


Honestly, I'd take the Zweihander over both. It's useful in distance combat and close quarters fighting, it's sharp and heavy enough, as well as properly balanced, to cut pikes in half (it was actually made to do so), and speaking of balance, it's quite comfortable to wield.

I like Viking swords.

...That could mean a hell of a lot of different swords...

Short sword. More suited for ambushes and assassinations, since that's how I fight.

And whom exactly have you ambushed or assassinated, or are you just talking bollocks again?

Why wouldn't I know how? Along with half-sword techniques, there's also left-hand punches, jabs, and hooks... Not to mention leg attacks.

The Zweihander is a hell of a weapon. It keeps your enemies at bay, and if they happen to get in close, you can use it as a slight shield while you pummel your adversaries.

Very good. *nods*

All things considered, what's up with all of the Katana votes?

I can take a wild, educated guess: most of the voters are those taken in by the mythos of the Katana. You know, "all-powerful" sword, that kind of thing. Basically, the Katana is a big razor. Effective at cutting flesh, but not quite so much at cutting through plate or even chain armor. It could go through maybe once, but it'd be ruined after doing so. And it would be a hell of a gamble to even try.

While katana are highly over-rated in pop culture, they were still an effective weapon. The dainty katana of the Edo period, which most people think of only developed with the decline of armour and war in general during the period, earlier katana were heavier and able to deal with chain quite well, part of the reason European curiasses were common trade items during the Nanban period. Previous to the katana the tanto, an heavier, longer sword fairly similar to the katana was common. I doubt most the fanboys know this and just think 'OMFG KATANA = WIN!!!shiftone' but, don't underestimate it based on cheesy fantasy and silly fanboys.

While katana are highly over-rated in pop culture, they were still an effective weapon. The dainty katana of the Edo period, which most people think of only developed with the decline of armour and war in general during the period, earlier katana were heavier and able to deal with chain quite well, part of the reason European curiasses were common trade items during the Nanban period. Previous to the katana the tanto, an heavier, longer sword fairly similar to the katana was common. I doubt most the fanboys know this and just think 'OMFG KATANA = WIN!!!shiftone' but, don't underestimate it based on cheesy fantasy and silly fanboys.

Ah, well that would explain a few things. The only Katana I had any real knowledge of was the Edo period version... Which, of course, had many dozens of variants.

The No-Dachi would still be my choice as far as Japanese swords go. It has quite the massive impact, thanks to its curved blade design. But again, it's not going to do everything, nor is any other sword. It all depends on how you use them.

Judging by the poll, I think there are a few too many kung-fu movie fans. :p I'd take a medieval European army over a Japanese one of the same era.

Ah, well that would explain a few things. The only Katana I had any real knowledge of was the Edo period version... Which, of course, had many dozens of variants.

The No-Dachi would still be my choice as far as Japanese swords go. It has quite the massive impact, thanks to its curved blade design. But again, it's not going to do everything, nor is any other sword. It all depends on how you use them.

Exactly. :)

My personal choice would be an arming sword with some sort of rapier handguard and a big dagger in the left hand. And a whole lot of luck.

what.... I'm the only Khopesh vote?

I can take a wild, educated guess: most of the voters are those taken in by the mythos of the Katana.
Except on THIS board, there's a number of folks who seem to think the same of the Zweihander, which has its own shortcomings as well. :p

I'll pick the sabre only because I'm a Buffalo Sabres fan :D...although whenever I do think of a sword I think of the sabre (and not because of the Sabres)...it's graceful and seems the sturdiest to hold.

All things considered, what's up with all of the Katana votes?

I can take a wild, educated guess: most of the voters are those taken in by the mythos of the Katana. You know, "all-powerful" sword, that kind of thing. Basically, the Katana is a big razor. Effective at cutting flesh, but not quite so much at cutting through plate or even chain armor. It could go through maybe once, but it'd be ruined after doing so. And it would be a hell of a gamble to even try.

The No-Dachi is a different story. It's a much larger sword, and it has the swing velocity to rip through (certain types of) armor. Stabbing, not so much... Due to the curvature of the blade, it's not really fit for that sort of thing.


Honestly, I'd take the Zweihander over both. It's useful in distance combat and close quarters fighting, it's sharp and heavy enough, as well as properly balanced, to cut pikes in half (it was actually made to do so), and speaking of balance, it's quite comfortable to wield.

actually i would say its because the history of the martial arts associated with the katana are more widespread the schools better established, the blades themselves being more cheaper and widely available and the easy use of wooden alternatives.

where i'm at i have an Iai jitsu school, a kendo school and an aikido weapons school in walking distance. if i want to use european weapons its either fencing (useless toff style, not that all fencing is like that but the nearest school is) or historical ren-enactment.

Bastard sword FTW. The Roman Gladius also.

would that skill in their use were so easily aquired as depicted in movies and anime. but then again that's the whole thing isn't it. if guns had never been invented, the idea of requiring both skill and facing your opponent/challanger personaly. i can't help thinking, the average joe sixpack, under such conditions, just might be a wee tad less inclined toward voilence. at least if he realized the limitations of his skill. or dead if he didn't.

=^^=
.../\...

Except on THIS board, there's a number of folks who seem to think the same of the Zweihander, which has its own shortcomings as well. :p

Most notable of which is the strength required to wield a 72" blade.

Definitely not a sword for the little guys. :D

My favorite sword is a gun. It's more effective, faster and easier to use,with a longer range.

:sniper::mp5::sniper:

The Cutlass, the slightly curved, short/medium-bladed heavy sword of the seas! Aharrr!

Brilliant for combat in cramped areas, and not difficult to weild either.

Except on THIS board, there's a number of folks who seem to think the same of the Zweihander, which has its own shortcomings as well. :p

I know of its shortcomings, and I've openly stated them quite a few times in the various sword threads. It's a very poor weapon for up-close fighting. Thus the need for punches, kicks, and the like.

And to the guy who called it a 72" blade... That's only true for the ceremonial versions of the sword. Most Zweihander swords were anywhere from 55" - 68" in total length, the lightest weighing just over four pounds, and the heaviest weighing just over six. As heavy as they were, they were very well-balanced and fast weapons. They weren't, and still aren't, the slow, lumbering "tree cutters" many people mistake them for.

Granted, they're not going to be as fast as a Longsword, but they're plenty fast enough for how massive they are.

My favorite sword is a gun. It's more effective, faster and easier to use,with a longer range.

But a tube doesn't slice well!

My favorite sword is a gun. It's more effective, faster and easier to use,with a longer range.

:sniper::mp5::sniper:

All of these statements are true, but a sword has a certain elegance even an Enfield Mk. 4 can't match. (No points for guessing what my favorite firearm is, by the by.)

What a surpise, Katana's in the lead; I'll take a good proper multi-use sword over a giant razor blade, thank you very much.

I know of its shortcomings, and I've openly stated them quite a few times in the various sword threads. It's a very poor weapon for up-close fighting. Thus the need for punches, kicks, and the like.

And to the guy who called it a 72" blade... That's only true for the ceremonial versions of the sword. Most Zweihander swords were anywhere from 55" - 68" in total length, the lightest weighing just over four pounds, and the heaviest weighing just over six. As heavy as they were, they were very well-balanced and fast weapons. They weren't, and still aren't, the slow, lumbering "tree cutters" many people mistake them for.

Granted, they're not going to be as fast as a Longsword, but they're plenty fast enough for how massive they are.

I thought I'd overestimated, the Zweihander was never my specialty. Thanks.

What a surpise, Katana's in the lead; I'll take a good proper multi-use sword over a giant razor blade, thank you very much.

You mean you didn't know? Anything Asian is automatically better! :P

I've always wondered about what the allure of it is as well. An elegant weapon, yes, but not any better or worse than any similar European or Middle Eastern swords.

It’s got to be Ogami Ittō’s battle sword, a dōtanuki (lit. ‘sword that cuts through torsos’) from Lone Wolf And Cub. I don’t care about the real applications of blades, death-defying samurai nonsense is where it’s at.

Son for hire. Sword for hire. Suiō Ryū, Ittō Ogami.

I like this one:

http://www.starwarsverzamelaar.nl/fotos/lightsaber.jpg

:D

I like this one:

-snip lightsaber picture-

:D

They're nice, until you try to wield it, realize the blade has no weight, and accidentally lop your own leg off.


Yes, I'm that big of a nerd.

OK, I have not actually ambushed/assassinated anyone yet ;), but I can theorize.

Physically, I am not strong. Nor do I have any martial arts training of note. What I do have is a good tactical mind (I play enough wargames for that), decent agility, and no sense of fair play. I am therefore suited for planning and executing an ambush, rather than facing my opponent head-on and defeating him through strength or skill.

OK, I have not actually ambushed/assassinated anyone yet ;), but I can theorize.

Physically, I am not strong. Nor do I have any martial arts training of note. What I do have is a good tactical mind (I play enough wargames for that), decent agility, and no sense of fair play. I am therefore suited for planning and executing an ambush, rather than facing my opponent head-on and defeating him through strength or skill.

Hmm...I'd recommend a gladius then. It's a shorter sword designed for stabbing, good ambush weapon.

Of course, in my book a good tactical mind, decent agility, and no sense of fair play means you'd be the general behind the lines than the guy doing the fighting. You'd know how to exploit your strengths (and enemy's weaknesses), have no qualms about using underhanded tricks, and be able to duck quickly when the random arrow (or bullet) comes at your head! :D

I like my fencing sabre best.