Sword collecting.

[Trodon]

So, I have recently decided that I want to collect swords/other weapons that I find cool. I have a scimitar and a small dagger, what dose everyone think I should get next? (Note: This will be a long term thing, I don't get to spend that much money that often.)

[Ilena]

Bastard sword! Aka hand and a half, makes me squee in delight for reasons im not entirely sure :P

[Kiren]

These look nice, and by nice I mean very big swords.

http://www.thearma.org/essays/2HGS.html

[Trodon]

Yeah, I am a fan of Bastard swords. And the giant two-handed sword is always good.

[Dienekes]

I own a xiphos, a bastard sword, and a gladius. Personally my favorite among them is the xiphos (probably because it was the first one I got). But really for most impressive looking of the batch I'd go bastard sword.

Or for most impressive sword go zweihander, assuming you have the money.

and ninja'd about the zweihanders.

[Trodon]

The xiphos looks cool, as dose the gladius. I just can't decide what to add to my future collection. :smallbiggrin:

[Spiryt]

Way to go! :smallbiggrin:

What price/level of accuracy you are thinking to start with?

[Trodon]

Way to go! :smallbiggrin:

What price/level of accuracy you are thinking to start with?

Thank you. :smallsmile: Not $1,000, and I don't really care. :smalltongue:

[Spiryt]

Thank you. :smallsmile: Not $1,000, and I don't really care. :smalltongue:

Well, in any way, you may consider these boards (http://www.myarmoury.com/home.php), there's a lot about people weapons collections. Like, "review" and "collection" sections.

[Whammydill]

I do historical swordsmanship so I have a varied cross section.

I have a 3-ring spiral port swept hilt rapier with a del-tin practice blade on it. A paul-chen practical arming sword. A pair of wooden hand and a half wasters. My pretty is an angus trim type XVIIIb hand-and-a-half.

I don't really have any pretty wall hangers though. I only have practice or functional weapons. I used to but when I moved from Maryland I literally dumped them in the dumpster when I was packing up.

[Trodon]

Well, in any way, you may consider these boards (http://www.myarmoury.com/home.php), there's a lot about people weapons collections. Like, "review" and "collection" sections.

Thank you, I will do that.


Edit:
I do historical swordsmanship so I have a varied cross section.

I have a 3-ring spiral port swept hilt rapier with a del-tin practice blade on it. A paul-chen practical arming sword. A pair of wooden hand and a half wasters. My pretty is an angus trim type XVIIIb hand-and-a-half.

I don't really have any pretty wall hangers though. I only have practice or functional weapons. I used to but when I moved from Maryland I literally dumped them in the dumpster when I was packing up.

I'm going to look in to that, considering that my name is Angus. :smallbiggrin:

[Dienekes]

If you're not interested in accuracy, go to ebay and search sword and pick whatever you think looks cool. After 10 seconds I found a 2 handed sword for less than $100

[Trodon]

I never think of ebay, thanks.

[Spiryt]

There are also some sites this (http://www.kultofathena.com/swords-medieval.asp) - shows quite many mass produced sword options - from 75$ stainless hangers that are dangerous to swing to serious recreations like Albion.

[Hazkali]

I don't have anything to add on what to buy, except be aware of local laws concerning the sale and ownership of weapons. In the United Kingdom there are restrictions on buying "curved" swords (katanas and so on), for example. A bit of research now might save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

EDIT: Actually, on the subject of what to buy, about a year ago I went on sword forums to look for pictures to commission a LRP-safe sword. The one thing I picked up was "you get what you pay for". Something that costs under £100 is likely to be mass-produced in Asia from bits of old car. Flashy to look at, but not suitable (or safe) for stage use.

[Trodon]

I don't have anything to add on what to buy, except be aware of local laws concerning the sale and ownership of weapons. In the United Kingdom there are restrictions on buying "curved" swords (katanas and so on), for example. A bit of research now might save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

That's true, I'll search real quick.

[Spiryt]

I'm going to look in to that, considering that my name is Angus. :smallbiggrin:

As far as I know Angus Trim no longer sells "his" swords, instead he works with Christian Fletcher (http://www.christianfletcher.com/Christian_Fletcher/Welcome.html) on several lines of swords.

I can be very wrong about the details though.


Flashy to look at, but not suitable (or safe) for stage use.

To be fair, most of them look rather hideous too (IMHO at least).

[zeratul]

I recommend before buying another sword you check out this site (http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/buy-swords-online.html). It's really informative in terms of what you should be looking for in a good quality but still relatively inexpensive sword, and it also has a good amount of tips on maintenance. It also has subsections on different types of swords and what companies make them well, if you already know what style of sword you want.

[Trodon]

I recommend before buying another sword you check out this site (http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/buy-swords-online.html). It's really informative in terms of what you should be looking for in a good quality but still relatively inexpensive sword, and it also has a good amount of tips on maintenance. It also has subsections on different types of swords and what companies make them well, if you already know what style of sword you want.

You see? This is why I ask questions here, everyone is so informative! Thank you. :smallbiggrin:

[Ravens_cry]

A sword I always thought was cool is the Khopesh, also known as the "sickle-sword", being shaped like a sickle, but with the edge on the other side. Technically more related to the axe, it is still a badass looking weapon (http://www.kultofathena.com/images%5CAH4316_l.jpg).

[308HTR]

Check out gunshows for swords. The ones in my area typically have a couple of vendors selling things from mass produced nonsense to antiques and war trophies.

[Trodon]

Ah the khopesh, I am a huge fan. And gun shows are a good idea, I have no idea when the next one is.

[CMOTDibbler]

I own a xiphos, a bastard sword, and a gladius. Personally my favorite among them is the xiphos (probably because it was the first one I got). But really for most impressive looking of the batch I'd go bastard sword.

Or for most impressive sword go zweihander, assuming you have the money.

and ninja'd about the zweihanders.

You know, I was wondering if anyone was going to use the word "zweihanders". I play a landsknecht 3 weeks out of the year, and almost everyday I handle zweihanders and katzbalgers. I sec-thir- whatever, I recommend zweihanders as well.

[Vaynor]

I have a Roman gladiatorial broadsword (https://www.fantasyblacksmith.com/images/categories/Sword%20Of%20The%20Roman%20Gladiator.jpg), a longsword (http://s3.amazonaws.com/readers/2008/11/30/longsword_1.jpg) (this pic is approximate, I couldn't find a picture of the actual sword), a Sting replica (http://www.cbswords.com/images/stingdetail2.jpg), and a katar (http://www.armae.com/Photos/Epees_sabres_glaives_poignards/144PDSW519.jpg). I like my broadsword the best. :smallsmile:

[Trodon]

I have a Roman gladiatorial broadsword (https://www.fantasyblacksmith.com/images/categories/Sword%20Of%20The%20Roman%20Gladiator.jpg), a longsword (http://s3.amazonaws.com/readers/2008/11/30/longsword_1.jpg) (this pic is approximate, I couldn't find a picture of the actual sword), a Sting replica (http://www.cbswords.com/images/stingdetail2.jpg), and a katar (http://www.armae.com/Photos/Epees_sabres_glaives_poignards/144PDSW519.jpg). I like my broadsword the best. :smallsmile:

Wow those are awesome, especially the katar.

[Dvandemon]

Are khopeshs swords? 'Cuz if they are you should collect them

[Trodon]

Yeah I'm thinking about getting one or two, but before anything else I have decided to get another scimitar (I prefer using two-weapons than a two-handed, single sword, or sword and shield). After that I'm thinking about either a katana and wakizashi, or a bastard sword. Leaning towards the bastard sword.

[Blas_de_Lezo]

My two cents:

Antiquity- Gladius
Medieval- Long sword
Renaissance- Rapier
Modern - Saber

Asia: katana
America: macahuitl
Africa: machete

[skywalker]

The one thing I picked up was "you get what you pay for". Something that costs under £100 is likely to be mass-produced in Asia from bits of old car. Flashy to look at, but not suitable (or safe) for stage use.

I used to work at an eBay store, actually. It was also a wholesale business, and we would buy out warehouses. Once, we bought out an Oneida warehouse. One thing I learned very quickly was despite the fact that Oneida sells kitchen utensils, they make everything sharp. We had all kinds of swords, knives, things you would never imagine. Weapons I had seen for sale by grossly different companies with grossly different "images" in fact all came from the same manufacturer. And, despite what the websites tell you, 98% of them are pieces of crap. Yes, it's got fine cocobolo grips and blah blah blah. It still sucks. We bought stuff that sells for literally $100 for pennies. And then sold it for a fifth of retail. Ridiculous.

They were (mostly) ugly as hell, and the most dangerous part of the warehouse was the swords, because if you took something out of the rack wrong, it might come apart in your hands and cut off a toe, or you could pull something out on your head, etc. But I think the most dangerous was the fact that the handles could come off the blades, leaving you holding a sharp piece of metal (the handle, not the blade).

As I said, we also sold more conventional Oneida products, and after much testing (we had lots of old cardboard boxes laying around from stuff being shipped), I determined that the most useful, sharpest weapon in the place was actually... An 8-inch, serrated bread knife, that came in packs of five.

[Octopus Jack]

I have a few katanas, a rapier, longsword, a few kukris and some others. Looking at getting hook swords next. At the moment the katanas are my favourite.

[Trodon]

Nice, nice. The macahuitl looks really cool.

[Dienekes]

You know, I was wondering if anyone was going to use the word "zweihanders". I play a landsknecht 3 weeks out of the year, and almost everyday I handle zweihanders and katzbalgers. I sec-thir- whatever, I recommend zweihanders as well.

It's such a fun word to say, and spell.

@Trodon, of the ones you've listed I'd go bastard sword. But then I've always found straight edged swords to look cooler and feel more natural when wielded than curved.

[Anuan]

Wall o'text Alert.

I consider myself a little knowledgable on this subject, so instead of giving a little list of my swords and other weaponry (When you don't count crappy wallhangers my parents bought me when they thought it was a phase, it's pretty short.) I'm going to give you a little advice.

Read websites selling the gear carefully. Things you do not want; stainless steel, rat-tail tang.

Things you definitely do want; high carbon steel (between 1045 and 1060 are generally the best), tempered, full tang, details on whether or not your weapon is Live or Practical. These terms mean either the weapon is sharp and designed in all ways to be a functional weapon for killing people brutally, or they're blunt and usually round-tipped, for re-enactment, practice, training, etc.

You also want to look at price. It is completely possible to get good, high-functionality weapons for $500 or less. Even >$300. Don't be over-picky to start out with; a high-carbon steel katana is just as functional as a traditionally hand-forged, clay-hardened katana with 18 carat gold on the tsuba (guard). Difference being, you can find the first for three hundred dollars, the second will cost in the vicinity of 1200 to 1600. I'll give a few links at the end of my post to give you an idea of decent priceranges for good gear. Be warned, some of these websites will be Australian, so postage may hurt. Some aren't, though.

Maintain. Your. Swords. Get some good quality Choji oil and a maintainence kit, or some highquality cotton rags and some Renaissance Wax. If collecting high-carbon swords/axes/anything else, DO NOT TOUCH THE BLADE. If you do, make sure to clean it thoroughly then reapply the protective coat of oil/wax/whatever. Human skin contains oils and acids and other nastiness that's not good on steel with that level of carbon.

Don't believe the myths. A katana, should you choose to buy one, is nothing but a lightweight sword with an emphasis on slashing. It is not magical, it is not the ultimate blade, it can and will chip, bend, have its edge turned, or snap completely if you abuse it too much. Be careful.

On a less...chastising (:smalltongue:) note, congratulations. Should you get into this in depth, you will learn a lot about the subjects of your collection, the history of the people who used them, the physics behind their application, and yourself and your preferences/choices. And now for the good part :smallbiggrin:

Kult of Athena (http://www.kultofathena.com/)
Sword Buyer's Guide. (http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/) Will give a lot of info I've already told you, but also has reviews on some good swords in a good price-range.
Medieval Fightclub. (http://www.medieval-fightclub.com/) Australian, but gives you the choice of viewing prices in American Dollars.
Global Gear. (www.globalgear.com.au) Australian. Good prices on a lot of good stuff, but also a lot of crap on there. Be careful, heed my previous advice. Also sign up for the newsletter, as you get a monthly password that gets you 10% off all orders, and they often have Free Postage Deals.
King Arthur's Armoury. (http://www.kingarthursarmoury.com/) Pretty good stuff, decent selection.

Good luck, and congrats on a new hobby :smallbiggrin:

Edit: Scimitar is a fantasy term not actually applied in history. The swords 'scimitars' as depicted in most movies/book covers/games/everything else resemble are Talwars, Shamshirs and Cutlasses. Sorry, just my little nitpick :smallwink:

[ScottishDragon]

I own a rapier:smallfrown:thats all.D: Soon I might buy an energy sword off amazon for the fun of it,i also want to buy a:Longsword,spear,flail(HAFTA GET ONE!!)and a double bladed axe,then I will(hopefully)be content.

[Trodon]

Wall o'text Alert.

I consider myself a little knowledgable on this subject, so instead of giving a little list of my swords and other weaponry (When you don't count crappy wallhangers my parents bought me when they thought it was a phase, it's pretty short.) I'm going to give you a little advice.

Read websites selling the gear carefully. Things you do not want; stainless steel, rat-tail tang.

Things you definitely do want; high carbon steel (between 1045 and 1060 are generally the best), tempered, full tang, details on whether or not your weapon is Live or Practical. These terms mean either the weapon is sharp and designed in all ways to be a functional weapon for killing people brutally, or they're blunt and usually round-tipped, for re-enactment, practice, training, etc.

You also want to look at price. It is completely possible to get good, high-functionality weapons for $500 or less. Even >$300. Don't be over-picky to start out with; a high-carbon steel katana is just as functional as a traditionally hand-forged, clay-hardened katana with 18 carat gold on the tsuba (guard). Difference being, you can find the first for three hundred dollars, the second will cost in the vicinity of 1200 to 1600. I'll give a few links at the end of my post to give you an idea of decent priceranges for good gear. Be warned, some of these websites will be Australian, so postage may hurt. Some aren't, though.

Maintain. Your. Swords. Get some good quality Choji oil and a maintainence kit, or some highquality cotton rags and some Renaissance Wax. If collecting high-carbon swords/axes/anything else, DO NOT TOUCH THE BLADE. If you do, make sure to clean it thoroughly then reapply the protective coat of oil/wax/whatever. Human skin contains oils and acids and other nastiness that's not good on steel with that level of carbon.

Don't believe the myths. A katana, should you choose to buy one, is nothing but a lightweight sword with an emphasis on slashing. It is not magical, it is not the ultimate blade, it can and will chip, bend, have its edge turned, or snap completely if you abuse it too much. Be careful.

On a less...chastising (:smalltongue:) note, congratulations. Should you get into this in depth, you will learn a lot about the subjects of your collection, the history of the people who used them, the physics behind their application, and yourself and your preferences/choices. And now for the good part :smallbiggrin:

Kult of Athena (http://www.kultofathena.com/)
Sword Buyer's Guide. (http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/) Will give a lot of info I've already told you, but also has reviews on some good swords in a good price-range.
Medieval Fightclub. (http://www.medieval-fightclub.com/) Australian, but gives you the choice of viewing prices in American Dollars.
Global Gear. (www.globalgear.com.au) Australian. Good prices on a lot of good stuff, but also a lot of crap on there. Be careful, heed my previous advice. Also sign up for the newsletter, as you get a monthly password that gets you 10% off all orders, and they often have Free Postage Deals.
King Arthur's Armoury. (http://www.kingarthursarmoury.com/) Pretty good stuff, decent selection.

Good luck, and congrats on a new hobby :smallbiggrin:

Edit: Scimitar is a fantasy term not actually applied in history. The swords 'scimitars' as depicted in most movies/book covers/games/everything else resemble are Talwars, Shamshirs and Cutlasses. Sorry, just my little nitpick :smallwink:

Wow, thanks! :smallbiggrin: Don't worry about your nitpicking I don't mind. Thanks for all of the pointers, I will keep them in mind.

[Dr.Epic]

Um, don't swords cost well over $100? I mean, my only experience with buying such blades was looking at weapons at a Ren Fair, and yeah, sure they had smaller stuff for like $25, but I definitely think this hobby is gonna cut a huge hole in your wallet.

[Lorn]

If, at some point, you're willing to spend a bit more (lot more) money on a slightly nicer (absolutely beautiful) handcrafted (authentically pattern-welded) medieval sword, take a look at Paul Binns. (http://www.paul-binns-swords.co.uk/)

Waiting list, expensive, but really really worth it. I know a lot of people with a Binnsy that they use for re-enactment combat, and they basically swear by them.

[Trodon]

Yeah, there will be a huge hole. Paul Binns' swords look really cool.

[Octopus Jack]

Just looked at Paul Binns, and I have decided the next weapon I must have

[Cleverdan22]

My friend has a fairly good collection of swords, not to mention a fair sized box of knives that his uncle owned then passed down to him.

However, I am currently swordless, though I do have a hidden blade neckless. Next thing I'm getting is a cane sword. Evidently I like concealed blades.

[Crimmy]

America: macahuitl

Macehuatl, please.
That's the original.

[Spiryt]

Macehuatl, please.
That's the original.

Hey, it even has the "mace" in name this way. Nice.

[Hannes]

You guys got it all wrong. Who likes swords anyway? Get shields!

Or halberds.

[Crimmy]

Hey, it even has the "mace" in name this way. Nice.

Yeah, well, theoretically hewas right, but that's the latest way to call it.

Macehuatl, or even more accuratelly (but harder to understand for most people, including mexicans) māccuahuitl (Which can be said either as macahuitl (Really weird, but still), or Maceouatlli.

[Blas_de_Lezo]

Um, don't swords cost well over $100? I mean, my only experience with buying such blades was looking at weapons at a Ren Fair, and yeah, sure they had smaller stuff for like $25, but I definitely think this hobby is gonna cut a huge hole in your wallet.

A toy sword does. A collector sword does. A real sword, hand forged, hard, flexible, enduring and sharpened costs about 1.500 € at least.

[Firestar27]

I highly support the buying of any fencing weapon. Especially rapiers. :smallbiggrin:

[Trodon]

I've been trying to start some fencing lessons but I have had no luck so far, so a rapier is on my list. :smallbiggrin:

[Renegade Paladin]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/RenegadePaladin/Personal/Arsenal.jpg

:smallbiggrin:

But since I have not had trouble getting fencing lessons, the dagger now looks like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/RenegadePaladin/SCA/DaggerDamage1.jpg

[Lolzords]

I'm a fan of butterfly knives, I picked on up in Italy in the summer and I think they're very cool. Although, turns out mine wasn't fantastic quality, it's broken now.
:smallannoyed:

[Ravens_cry]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/RenegadePaladin/SCA/DaggerDamage1.jpg
Wow, it has a Blur special ability! Does it work for the wielder as well?:smalltongue:

[Renegade Paladin]

Wow, it has a Blur special ability! Does it work for the wielder as well?:smalltongue:
My good digital camera decided that it doesn't want to retract the lens cover when I turn it on, so I had to use the still image mode of the camcorder, which sucks. :smalltongue:

[John Cribati]

as "Katana" has been mentioned 12 times already, may I suggest looking into a few spears as well. I'm a big fan of the Pudao (the spear version. Depending on who you ask, the pudao can be a sword or a spear).

[Anuan]

I'm a fan of butterfly knives, I picked on up in Italy in the summer and I think they're very cool. Although, turns out mine wasn't fantastic quality, it's broken now.
:smallannoyed:

Butterfly knives, or Balisong? Butterfly knives are short Chinese knives used as a pair in Wing Chun and Hun Gar. Balisong are knives with two handles that can be flipped and spun around.


as "Katana" has been mentioned 12 times already, may I suggest looking into a few spears as well. I'm a big fan of the Pudao (the spear version. Depending on who you ask, the pudao can be a sword or a spear).

A polearm is not necessarily a spear. The Pudao is another Chinese weapon, a polearm with a Chinese style sabre/broadsword blade.

[BizzaroStormy]

I own a damascus katana and a tanto. both of which are fairly high quaility. For my collection of wallhangers I have a ninjato, han-and-a-half sword, and a rather large bowie knife. From what I can tell, if al you're loking for is wallhangers, then pakistani blades tend to be better than most chinese ones.

[Cleverdan22]

So as my cane sword is coming soon, I was wondering what my next step might be. I was thinking falchion, or perhaps even a broadsword. Thoughts?

[Anuan]

So as my cane sword is coming soon, I was wondering what my next step might be. I was thinking falchion, or perhaps even a broadsword. Thoughts?

An actual broadsword, or an arming sword? :smallwink: You'd be amazed how many people get that wrong.

I vote for a Falchion, because they're awesome. If you can find one that's historically accurate.

[Ravens_cry]

My good digital camera decided that it doesn't want to retract the lens cover when I turn it on, so I had to use the still image mode of the camcorder, which sucks. :smalltongue:
Oh, I am sorry. I can be such a dork sometimes.:smallsmile:

[Lolzords]

Butterfly knives, or Balisong? Butterfly knives are short Chinese knives used as a pair in Wing Chun and Hun Gar. Balisong are knives with two handles that can be flipped and spun around.

Ah, in that case it was a balisong.

[Anuan]

I have to say, I thought as much. I'm sorry I'm such a mean person about these things, but if I wasn't, people may never learn.