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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2009 2:43:06 GMT
So, as I've stated in my intro, I've developed a taste for swords, and wanting to use and handle them with finesse. Granted, I realise that it'll take some time for that, but I need to start somewhere, right? My ideal sword (in my opinion) my DROOL worthy sword is a Claymore. But knowing that I've never truly handled a sword, I have the intelligence and wherewith all to know that that's too much sword for me at this juncture. That being said, what is your collective opinion on a good 1st sword? I've been eyeing the CAS Iberia Celtic (short?) Sword. Would that be a good starter sword for a female? Any and all opinions are greatly appreciated. Thanks Victoria
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Post by kidcasanova on Oct 8, 2009 3:20:19 GMT
A lot of CAS/Hanwei's older European swords are pretty clunky (though some are not). Were I to buy from Hanwei, it'd be from the new Tinker line. If you want a big-ish sword and you're looking at Hanwei, may I suggest the fullered bastard sword? Not too big with a nice two-handed grip. It's quick and it's light, I don't think you'll have any trouble with it. Tom K. did a review around here somewhere...Here it is:
/index.cgi?board=swordreviews&action=display&thread=12316
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2009 3:30:14 GMT
What is your budget?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2009 3:38:08 GMT
A lot of CAS/Hanwei's older European swords are pretty clunky (though some are not). Were I to buy from Hanwei, it'd be from the new Tinker line. If you want a big-ish sword and you're looking at Hanwei, may I suggest the fullered bastard sword? Not too big with a nice two-handed grip. It's quick and it's light, I don't think you'll have any trouble with it. Tom K. did a review around here somewhere...Here it is: /index.cgi?board=swordreviews&action=display&thread=12316 I can vouch for the Hanwei/Tinker Fullered Bastard Sword. I got it last month as my first sword purchase. If you check out Tom's review you can see that he did some work on it for me, but it was well worth it. I find it a bit awkward drawing the sword from its scabbard, and I think that has more to do with my height than anything else (I'm 5'6"), and I'm not all that sure I have a good drawing technique. Once it's out, though, it's light and fast. I think it is a good sword.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2009 3:38:36 GMT
I second the opinion that a nice not-too-big hand-and-a-half bastard sword would be a good choice to start with. Of course, it would help to know your price range before any particular sword could be recommended.
To those more experienced: isn't a one-hander actually more difficult to learn with? I hear stories about folks that can cut bottles easily with a two-hander suddenly find themselves batting them with a short sword.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2009 4:04:17 GMT
1) how much can you spend
2) what do you plan on doing? cutting or drills? do you plan on combining with any WMA training?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2009 4:06:08 GMT
budget is the best thing to know first, then we can advise you . Also which culture do you like most in terms of weaponry?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2009 4:10:56 GMT
I second the opinion that a nice not-too-big hand-and-a-half bastard sword would be a good choice to start with. Of course, it would help to know your price range before any particular sword could be recommended. To those more experienced: isn't a one-hander actually more difficult to learn with? I hear stories about folks that can cut bottles easily with a two-hander suddenly find themselves batting them with a short sword. you need to be stronger with one hand to cut a bottle as supposed to just using both hands and well, you need to have technique. what I would recommend to you Victoria is the windlass classic medieval sword, it's pretty cheap and so you can experience with it and then, after you figure out if that's the kinnda sword you wanna handle, you can go on a buy a tinker or whatever else... if you are more into the big slashers and cutters you can get a gen 2 claymore (pretty big though) or another newly discovered favorite of mine, the cold steel grosse messer. i would go for the celtic sword for now for two reasons: i like the sword and because after handling a claymore for a while, the beauty of it goes away, granted there is nothing like cutting 10 or more milk jugs with one blow, but it's a pretty hard sword to handle and needs an awful lot of strength to use it for extended periods of time... but that's just me...
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2009 11:05:54 GMT
Thanks for the replies. As it stands now, my budget is sub $300. Also, I don't want to invest a lot of money into a first sword that I'm more than likely going to beat the crap out of. ;D As far as culture of weaponry, I tend to lean towards the Scottish and Celtic cultures. I suppose it has to do with my ancestry, that I am leaning this way. Am I wrong for thinking it's best to start off with a short sword? The CAS Iberia Celtic that I've been eyeing, has a 23" blade, and overall length of 29+". Are there any pros or cons to learning with a one-handed sword, versus a two-handed sword? Or being a left-handed person? Oh, as far as my plans on use...I intend to cut. Cut, cut, and cut more. Milk jugs, Water bottles, Pumpkins, Watermelons...whatever's handy. Eventually, I'd like to get involved again with SCA and perhaps battle. But, I'm sure that won't be for a while. Thank again for your input. I look forward to hearing more from you. Victoria
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2009 11:35:44 GMT
If you do lean towards a Gen 2 or Windlass. Mention that it is your first sword at Arms of Valor, Ltd. and we will give you a 15% discount.
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Post by Dave(utilityslave) on Oct 8, 2009 11:48:25 GMT
Now there's a good offer! Very good of you Jason.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2009 12:42:49 GMT
You may want to look at a Gen2. They have an Anthro hilt Celtic sword as well, with steel furniture as opposed to brass. They run about $179, but Jason up there's offering you a heck of a deal if you take it. It's a little bit bigger and heavier than the CAS Iberia, but I hear that the Gen2 swords are a little better for cutting than CAS' Iberia line. Regardless, whatever you choose, I hope you love it as much as I loved my first real sword!
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2009 13:37:19 GMT
Maybe Gen2 Ringhilt Irish longsword? It's a good, not too heavy longsword. And at AoV you can get better grip for it than original round one.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2009 13:43:08 GMT
Victoria, hi and welcome to the forums. I think I know what you're looking for- based on your responses. Have you looked at any Viking swords? With a little work, one could be a Celt-inspired sword at the least- something Medb of Connacht would've wielded proudly. Might cost a touch over $300 but it'll be worth every penny- granted, I have not held one myself, but I value the opinions of those who have and they're all in agreement for the most part. It is a good sword.
For starter budgets, Windlass has a pretty ranged collection and they put out a nice color catalog (www.museumreplicas.com) - MRL is probably the most well known of different shops that sell Windlass products. On second thought, if you go to KoA (kult of athena) or WSS (wiwingtiswords.com) you'll probably find the same swords at cheaper prices so you really can't go wrong there.
Try perusing the Review Index, take a peek at over 300 swords already reviewed by your fellow forumites so you have an idea of what's out there; here's the link to that Index: /index.cgi?board=reviews&action=display&thread=10166
As for being left-handed, well...that just means you're one of the few in the 'right' mind so to speak. Nothing at all wrong with it- at least, hasn't proven to be so for me thus far.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2009 13:51:51 GMT
Now that it has been mentioned the Gen 2 Irish would be a good cutting sword, as it is easier to cut using two hands rather than one. It is light and quick and very sharp. With the 15% discount you would have the money to get the custom grip done. The only complaint people have had about the Irish is that the grip is round and could hurt edge alignment. With the custom grip we would flatten out the sides. The Gen 2 Celtic is an awesome cutter due to the extra weight in the leaf shape. It was designed to lop of heads. It is heavy for a one hander because of the blade shape. Another good cutter (single hand) would be the Windlass Arming Sword. It is very light and quick and with the sharpening option is razor sharp. www.armsofvalour.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AOVL&Product_Code=500972&Category_Code=WSC
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2009 17:08:10 GMT
As far as culture of weaponry, I tend to lean towards the Scottish and Celtic cultures. I suppose it has to do with my ancestry, that I am leaning this way. You mentioned the term "claymore". Point of specification - do you mean the large Scottish two-hander or the baskethilt? People tend to refer to either as claymores. I don't think it matters - better to look at things like weight and balance, and try figure out what kind of dimensions you yourself prefer in a sword. Me, I dislike heavy swords, but I'm also uncomfortable with blades shorter then the 30 - 29 range. It's a question of personal taste, pretty much. Well, two-handed swords tend to be larger/longer, but since you are using both hands there will be an element of leverage. A single handed sword will usually be lighter but might still require more arm strenght on average, depending on how it is balanced and how much forward pull it has, etc. As in all things, this is something you probably need to develop a personal feeling for. As for being left handed, we have a thread about that here: /index.cgi?board=swordtraining&action=display&thread=6846 Me, I'd say there are both advantages an disadvantages to being left handed, though the exact style you focus is probably a big factor.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2009 18:46:14 GMT
Well generally speaking, for women, shorter tip heavy blades are generally a good thing for cutting or SCA combat as gravity and hips make up for the lack of upper body strength. However, when considering unarmored combat, having a light sword becomes pretty paramount. Since your interest in the cutting and SCA, some good sword choices are the gen 2 celtic, Hanwei tinker norman, some of the windlass viking or the windlass falchions. Of those, only the gen 2 will come with a good edge. The hanwei norman and windlass sharpening service are both just okay...ish. That being said, you can probably get the most use out of the hanwei norman over the other swords over the course of sword collecting...and wigi is having a sale on the noman for 205 shipped til the 9th.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2009 18:56:19 GMT
If you do lean towards a Gen 2 or Windlass. Mention that it is your first sword at Arms of Valor, Ltd. and we will give you a 15% discount. damn... can you give me a refund for mine... it's coming later today...
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Post by sparky on Oct 8, 2009 19:38:35 GMT
Since you like the Claymore I thought I 'd share my favorite review --
/index.cgi?board=swordreviews&action=display&thread=10081
Good luck on your quest for a sword!
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2009 21:48:53 GMT
George,
Did you order it from Arms of Valor, Ltd.?
If so, which one?
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