Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 11, 2009 13:57:47 GMT
Just wondering why the interest..its not like we go around cutting people and getting in duels in the streets...
for me its just the history of them and weapons in general...I suppose the inate human interest in war, weaponry, etc. Also, some are quite nice in their skill to make.
What say ye...why do you like swords?
David
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 11, 2009 14:46:53 GMT
It has a lot to do with my general interest in matial arts- Personal dicipline (It takes a lot to train dilligently without someone to make you, instead of just playing) and developing skill. It's always nice to be good at something. Also, Some people like paintings, some like sculptues, i like swords. Be it Japenease, Chinese or European, they are all works of art, even the sub-300 ones that this forum promotes are mostly hand made, even if it's a production sword. The specific interest in Japenease ones is part of my general interest in Japenease culture and history.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 11, 2009 14:54:10 GMT
Because they're Swords! What other reason does anyone need?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 11, 2009 14:59:09 GMT
Myself I have always had a interest in the Samurai and Japanese culture. The sword has some what of a mythical feature to it which I really feel into. That and it is just cool to own and cut with a sword or take lessons just an overall awesome weapon. ;D
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 11, 2009 14:59:59 GMT
I've just always thought they were interesting from the moment I read my first King Arthur and Robin Hood stories as a child. When I finally had the chance to hold a real sword in my hand as an adult (an actual historical piece, it was a Ming dynasty Straight sword) it was something that felt so natural and right to me I couldn't deny it. Not to mention a long stand interest in various martial arts has had its effect also.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 11, 2009 15:37:48 GMT
For me, the sword symbolizes many things, like birth - life - death, and that's why i have such an interest in them. I personally like the Japanese sword, and will elaborate as to why... What can be simpler than an edged piece of steel? But, so much goes into that very basic concept. - The careful choosing and gathering of raw materials
- The tedious process of turning those raw elements into workable components
- The understanding of chemical & mineral properties which are manipulated for the weapons task
- Then the delicate construction & finishing of those pieces, to form an effective & deadly instrument
A man is no longer a variable if he is in pieces, there is nothing simpler than this. The sword is so very simple in its final form - just an edged piece of steel. Yet, at the same time, nothing could be more complicated... A sword forged by the hands of a man - or - several men, designed for the sole purpose of protecting - or - slaying other men. The Life Giving Sword... The Life Taking Sword... A sword has the same intimate relationship that we humans do, in that we all come from this earth. Just like anything else, like guns, rockets, or bombs... The difference is, a sword is forever... When a guns ammunition is gone, it is useless. Once a rocket has been fired, or a bomb detonated, they are spent. Planes & tanks can run out of fuel, electronics can fail or deceive their users. When all those weapons of war are either spent or no longer effective, the sword will still be there in the same capacity as it always has been.
|
|
ecovolo
Member
Review Points: 95
"Ich bin ein Landsknecht."
Posts: 625
|
Post by ecovolo on May 11, 2009 15:38:39 GMT
For me, it started with a love of the fantasy genre: Books, movies ("Conan The Barbarian" and D&D ;D), and an appreciation for how *cool* they looked . After that, I engaged in hobbies that required swords as part of a character's appearance: Ren Fairs and reenactments. This also progressed into studies of martial arts. With reenactment hobbies and martial arts came an appreciation for well-made weaponry, and studying and their use for various purposes: self-defense, war, as presentation gifts, the roles they play in history, and so on. The more I study them, the more I appreciate them . --Edward
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 11, 2009 17:08:38 GMT
I have to say it started with my general interest in martial arts, and enthusiasm for the Japanese culture and the samurai. In addition, the sword is a rather interesting tool. As James said, "the sword that takes life" and "the sword that gives life" both exist in every sword. It becomes and extension of the wielder and is used as needed at that time. Unlike open handed martial arts (which I also have an interest) you are wielding a very sharp hunk of metal. It is simplicity at it's best, but in the right hands can be very complex and do many amazing things. It doesn't require any ammunition, or special technology (to craft or use) and is one of the few things that has survived the centuries since the first melee weapons were conceived by humans.
I also really appreciate and enjoy the artistic nature of making swords, and their physical beauty.
|
|
SlayerofDarkness
Member
Review Points: 65
"Always give everyone the benefit of the doubt."
Posts: 3,067
|
Post by SlayerofDarkness on May 11, 2009 17:10:06 GMT
Because they're Swords! What other reason does anyone need? I most certainly agree. ;D ;D ;D However, James put it quite nicely as well. +1 to both of you, once I recharge. -Slayer
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 11, 2009 17:13:43 GMT
James, Wow, +1 for that.
|
|
|
Post by randomnobody on May 11, 2009 17:19:32 GMT
I like sharp things. That's about it... Some are kind of nice to look at, too, I guess... Mostly because they're sharp.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 11, 2009 17:40:18 GMT
i think between Jame's and Random's responses the full spectrum of interest has been covered for me...
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 11, 2009 17:53:22 GMT
I grew up with swords,knives,old flintlock and percusion guns and many historical items.My great grandfather was the first curator of the Springfield Armory museum in Mass back in the late 1800's.I have pictures of trucks that were backed up and unloaded with swords,guns and things now very historical but back then considerd left over goverment junk. So my dad had a pretty large collection but I always gravitated towards the swords.I saw them not just as weapons and things to be swong around as a kid but the beauty of them reminded me sometimes of pieces of art.I now collect all different types but I have to be drawn to it #1 because even just sitting and looking at it hung on the wall is pleasurable.As I said to me the great ones are not just weapons but works of art.
|
|
Marc Ridgeway
Member
Retired Global Moderator
"The best cost less when you buy it the first time." - Papabear
Posts: 3,122
|
Post by Marc Ridgeway on May 11, 2009 18:05:10 GMT
Mankind is separated from other life on this planet by a sense of self-awareness, and spirituality.
As such, man is drawn to symbols... from the dawn of civilization man has used totems, and symbols as icons of power, as prayers, as a focus for spirituality, a rallying call for loyalty...as a balm for the soul.
Also setting man apart is the ability to make and use tools, and to better his situation. It is a cold hard statement of truth, that the purest, most efficient tools man makes are tools of violence and warfare and death.
But these tools of violence are powerful symbols of more than violence. They are the things which early societies used to defend their homes, and kin... the tools which allowed them to conquest other lands, as necessary to some peoples survival as defending hearth and home was to others.
And of these ancient weapons, which shaped the peoples of the earth, our ancestors, none has become a more powerful symbol of the struggle of man than the sword.
More than a symbol of death and violence , as it is to many people , the sword is a symbol of nobility, of the indomitable spirit of man , and his relentless pursuit of perfection and improvement.
The very materials a sword is made of are a quest for constant improvement... stone to bronze, bronze to iron, iron to steel... The processes to make both the materials , and then the implements has been a quest for perfection as well... the best raw materials, forged to be the toughest, sharpest, most well balanced... no wonder man has bestowed magical qualities on so many ancient swords... at their best , swords are a symbol of the most magical qualities of mankind.
As the steel is forged to form the blade, so is the swordsman forged from a much more impure raw material...man. The sword as a weapon is fierce, and deadly, but innately flawed in unskilled hands. A longaxe, a spear, even a simple wooden staff all hold a large advantage facing a man with a sword, untrained in its use.
And so swordsmen forged their skills through through constant training, from the time they could raise the tip of a wooden sword from the ground... they tempered their skills in battle... some noble some ignoble... until the way to being a warrior of the sword became a way of such dedication, discipline, and sacrifice, the the sword became largely a weapon of nobility.
And eventually, the training in deadly perfection led to training in spiritual perfection as well... knights were men of God, bound by Chivalry, their swords defended right by might... ideally anyway... as the Samurai code of Bushido also forged the spirits of the men who wielded the steel.. and other codes , from other cultures.
The sword is a powerful enduring symbol of mankind's spirit of achievement, and quest for perfection.
To pick up the sword in this day and age is to do just that... the sword is no longer necessary to defend our homes, families , and way of life. It is no longer a weapon of warriors.
The person that takes up the sword today, and endeavors to learn its use, embarks on an inner journey. He makes war upon the imperfections in his heart... and seeks through discipline and dedication to hone his mind to be as sharp as the sword, and forge his spirit as true as the steel.....
This is not what drew me to swords.... but it is what keeps me. This makes them a lifelong passion, rather than a fleeting interest.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 11, 2009 18:08:07 GMT
For me, it goes back to the my 10th birthday, when my mom, in her usual foresightedness, presented me with an excellent edition of Bulfinch's Mythology- rather than the 10 speed bike I wanted (which I later got for Christmas); oh what did she go and do that for?
I was instantly transported into ancient Greek times and rode along with the Argonauts in their Quest for the Golden Fleece, and sat at 'ringside' as Hercules took Antaeus skyward and in doing so, defeated him after a hellacious battle. I was there when the Greeks stormed Troy- all of which was incredible (I was always a good imagination) but it wasn't until I read of the Knights of the Round Table that I found something that struck a chord within me like nothing else I'd ever seen, heard or read before. These were KNIGHTS...and even though the actual significance didn't settle in til I was well into the story still, there was something about being a Knight that seemed so natural to me, that I should aspire to be chivalrous and upright, even in the face of opposition.
Then of course, it was Tales of Charlemagne that came next with the unmatched Peers or Paladins of the Realm - and certain of the Viking sagas and stories followed after that, all in the same book.
That was just the beginning of my love affair with the sword; but it wasn't until I hit adulthood, mid 20s that I actually got to hold what I call a real sword in hand. Up until then I'd bought a few wallhangers and quickly ascertained that they were not and could not be what I was looking for.
Even now, today, when asked or if given a preference for weapon types, I would always choose a sword over a gun or any other weapon. After I belt on a sword and loose it from the scabbard, well...it is a feeling like none other I can describe. Its like, this invisible 'coat' settles over my shoulders, my posture straightens and there's probably a weird gleam in my eye. That my wife thinks its sexy is icing on the cake!
That's the why of it, for me.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 11, 2009 19:43:11 GMT
keep em coming guys...I love the varied opinions....
David
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 11, 2009 19:48:01 GMT
I like sharp things. What he said. That and as a kid, I was always fascinated with knights/medieval times. Read a lot of fantasy novels during from elementary through high school and that only fueled my interest. Funny thing is I think I still prefer a long sword over a katana. I just opted to learn a Japanese art first for various other reasons.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 11, 2009 21:04:50 GMT
Very poetic there Paladin. I get some of that same feeling in me when I get on my Shinkendo uniform, and tie my saya into my obi.
|
|
|
Post by sparky on May 11, 2009 21:09:29 GMT
I have always had a fascination with edged weapons from as far back as I can remember. It may be that as a toddler my parents read stories to me with swords, I don't know. But as I got older I discovered books, and man could they take you away to a better place. To a place where you and your sword were in control of your destiny. And the adventures of the mind that a sword represents to me are priceless. Also a sword is personal, not a spray and pray weapon, I like that. Oh and they are sharp and pointy.......
|
|
ecovolo
Member
Review Points: 95
"Ich bin ein Landsknecht."
Posts: 625
|
Post by ecovolo on May 11, 2009 22:17:56 GMT
Forgot to add two great things about swords:
1) No need for ammo, and 2) No waiting period when you purchase one in California ;D
--Edward
|
|