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Post by Deleted on Oct 20, 2009 23:14:58 GMT
Posted int he wrong thread ;D
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2009 7:12:02 GMT
Huh... and here I always thought that the reasons that swords had an edge on both sides was for the same reason axes do.
When one gets dull, flip it around!
If I were to take a guess tho, I'd say that the "prolonged usage" reason came first, and then all these people started attacking with the other side of the blades because they could.
I'm no historian, but thats my guess.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2009 9:24:15 GMT
...or swords were primarily thrusting weapons first, and two edges helps facilitate that. When used in formation two edges reduces the amount of swing/space required to make sequential cuts.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2009 11:06:40 GMT
In addition to what everyone else has said, I've read that double-edged swords actually behave plain differently in handling from backswords.
It's a matter of preference, though. Philosophically speaking, I like backswords better, since double-edged blades do not possess kindness.
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Post by ShooterMike on Oct 21, 2009 16:32:48 GMT
...It's a matter of preference, though. Philosophically speaking, I like backswords better, since double-edged blades do not possess kindness. What is "kindness" in a sword? (Not meant as "smartass question", but valid inquiry) Would that be like... "The kindness of breaking bones and crushing skulls with the blunt side instead of cleaving them in twain?"
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2009 16:52:21 GMT
...It's a matter of preference, though. Philosophically speaking, I like backswords better, since double-edged blades do not possess kindness. What is "kindness" in a sword? (Not meant as "smartass question", but valid inquiry) Would that be like... "The kindness of breaking bones and crushing skulls with the blunt side instead of cleaving them in twain?" As I said, it's question of personal philosophy. All swords, regardless of shape, possess the ability to be things of both of beauty and glory as well as pain and destruction. In that sense, they are rather similar to humans. Following this line of thought, it seems to me that a double-edged sword can't do anything except cut, entirely embodying the attitude of a dangerous weapon, and is thus limited. A backsword can cut and also not cut, which I think makes it more versatile. That is to say, it has a side not dedicated to destruction, even if only in a symbolical sense.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2009 16:55:34 GMT
Chris, that's the one...but I thought he did breach the mail...ah well, I see that he did not. Still in all, it appears the katana was the best cutter of all the swords listed.
Still love Euros though, I do.
I'm with Mike on this one, what is kindness in a sword?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2009 17:29:16 GMT
If you want to crush skulls with a two edged medieval longsword then take the forte where the blade us often left unsharpened. A two-edgeb blade can only cut? Well, you know, a sword is meant to cut. It's not a war club because of obvious reasons.
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Post by randomnobody on Oct 21, 2009 17:48:28 GMT
Let's not forget the murder stroke.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2009 18:00:24 GMT
I'm with Mike on this one, what is kindness in a sword? That, I think, is a question you have to figure out on your own. Provided you seek kindness in a sword to begin with, of course. If you want to crush skulls with a two edged medieval longsword then take the forte where the blade us often left unsharpened. A two-edgeb blade can only cut? Well, you know, a sword is meant to cut. It's not a war club because of obvious reasons. This rather misses my point, but I guess it doesn't matter either way.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2009 18:00:53 GMT
I think the point (no pun intended) was brought up earlier about double edged weapons being superior thrusting weapons, and I think this is particularly valid. The lichtenauer system makes heavy use of the thrust, and the thrust is more deadly than the cut. With a double edged blade, both edges of the sword are slicing open the edges of the wound wider in the thrust, making for a wider wound track and more blood-loss. This makes a double edged blade especially fatal in the thrust. It's the reason why in Kansas, double edged blades cannot be carried concealed, and that's only with knife-length in mind. Sword length? You're in trouble if someone stabs you. That's why rapiers were quite frequently double edged.
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Post by ShooterMike on Oct 21, 2009 19:46:54 GMT
I'm with Mike on this one, what is kindness in a sword? That, I think, is a question you have to figure out on your own. Provided you seek kindness in a sword to begin with, of course. If you want to crush skulls with a two edged medieval longsword then take the forte where the blade us often left unsharpened. A two-edgeb blade can only cut? Well, you know, a sword is meant to cut. It's not a war club because of obvious reasons. This rather misses my point, but I guess it doesn't matter either way. I can see your point, anders. Backswords have a "dangerous" side and a "not-so-dangerous" side. I frequently carry my Falchion and sabers around with the back side of the blade resting on my shoulder in a relaxed and comfortable way. That's because I know they'd never cut me. But I'd never trust a double-edged sword that way. They don't have a "friendly" side. I just thought "kindness" was an odd and entertaining way to state it.
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Post by YlliwCir on Oct 21, 2009 20:21:30 GMT
A single edge sword is a waste of a few feet of steel.
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Oct 21, 2009 20:29:32 GMT
THERE IT IS!!!! tell us how you really feel Ric!
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2009 20:44:29 GMT
Haha, way to be bold, Ric!
Myself, I used to prefer one edge blades for single-handers, and two-edges for two-handers for some arbitrary reason, but my interests are broadening. I'm currently looking to buy a fast double-edged one hander, and I've been eying that John Lundemo "Warder" sword from VA inappropriately. If I can look at the design and call it elegant and functional, then I like 'em all.
As far as cutting, I've seen Mike and Tom and Ric do some tremendous things with double-edged blades, and I've seen some crazy good stuff done with curved swords, too. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.
--Edited for clarity.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2009 22:52:55 GMT
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Oct 21, 2009 23:06:34 GMT
yet one of the ancient masters says that he'd rather be killed than to be hit thus with the sweaty end. which I wish I could find the refference. . .
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Post by ShooterMike on Oct 22, 2009 2:29:44 GMT
Heh, heh, heh. "The Sweaty End of A Sword"
I gotta remember that expression. ;D
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2009 4:00:52 GMT
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Post by Tom K. (ianflaer) on Oct 22, 2009 6:11:14 GMT
that's it Wraith! that is it! now where did you find it? +1 for getting it, thank you. I do love that quote.
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