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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2010 7:43:13 GMT
[glow=red,2,300][shadow=red,left,300]So you want to get a sword, but there is so much out there, what do you get?[/shadow][/glow]
Do you go with that giant Braveheart sword? Or maybe some artistic fantasy piece. Maybe your more inclined to katana, or maybe a Jian.
Well for me I do some research, but maybe not the way others do so I think I will share. Ten steps to pickling a sword for you.
step one, Do an image search for swords, go through the vast set and pick out styles you like.
step two, Image search those styles you find yourself attracted to and narrow down the selection more to only two or three styles you like most
step three, Research those final styles, using wiki, SBG forum, etc.. Find out what you can about the style its strong points weak points and what to look for in that style. Pick which style you prefer.
step four, Again image search your chosen style but with eye for sources selling this style. Get an idea of the swords pricing, and whittle out the too expensive (look at these for the details that make them more expensive) and too cheap.
step five, Get a few choices. Read reviews posted on this blade, manufacturer, or at least general style. Ask on SBG forum or other forums about manufacturer and the blade.
step six, Make a decision based on all you learned, and your heart/gut feeling. Make a decision to please yourself, not others.
Step Six and One Half Make sure that you find the sword that fits you the best, physically. Do some research and find proportions and measurements that suit your physical characteristics. Your height and arm length play major roles into how you will use your sword. Nothing is worse then falling in love with a sword only to find out it doesn't 'fit' you once it arrives. contributed by Greg (Veldruk)
step seven, Wait for your sword and learn how to do a review, so your prepared when it arrives.
step eight, Receive your sword. Take plenty of pictures, and notes. Write down your impressions, vital stats etc...
step nine, Post a review of your new sword
step ten, enjoy your sword ;D
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2010 7:57:55 GMT
Nice check list But if I may add an addendum. It would fall somewhere after you've decided what style you like. - Step Six and One HalfMake sure that you find the sword that fits you the best, physically. Do some research and find proportions and measurements that suit your physical characteristics. Your height and arm length play major roles into how you will use your sword. Nothing is worse then falling in love with a sword only to find out it doesn't 'fit' you once it arrives. - The only reason I mention this is because I go to a friends house and cut from time to time. My longsword fits me perfectly (out of shear luck) but it is about 3-4 inches to long for him. He loves the way the sword looks, but has trouble handling it.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2010 8:09:22 GMT
I added yours in Greg, I could not agree more that one should pick a sword with their own use in mind.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2010 8:11:49 GMT
;D of course there is the obligatory step 11,Start saving for the 3-5 others swords you couldn't afford but saw and loved, you know your going to end up buying at least one or two of them later. Aren't ya!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2010 4:15:06 GMT
Step 1: Buy a sword that speaks to you. Save up to do so, if necessary.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2010 4:18:01 GMT
Don't just buy the first thing that looks like a sword, consider your options and your budget. Don't consider saving up a bad thing.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2010 4:18:24 GMT
mm....they all speak to me, Taran.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2010 4:24:38 GMT
Step 2: When you become like Phillip, also become fabulously wealthy...
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2010 4:26:48 GMT
mm....they all speak to me, Taran. Do you hear voices often? Any recent head injuries? ;D
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Post by sicheah on Apr 17, 2010 5:53:00 GMT
Step 0: Realize that sword collection is a pretty expensive hobby. If you don't keep track of your sword expenses, you end up penniless and you will need to hunt for food with the swords you have (I've come to realize that some people are happy with that).
**does not apply if you could easily afford a Jake Powning sword with your hourly income.
;D
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2010 7:18:35 GMT
Usually I get a feel for what's good by looking at different forums, sites, and reviews. Then I have a shortlist of wanted swords. Then I think, ponder, think and ponder for months. Though sometimes when I see a sword, it's instant love. The SBG leafie was such a sword; style-wise, it's exactly what I want in a fantasy leafblade sword. The AT-1518 that I picked up from a classified was another. Seeing the pictures, the combination of specifications, XIIa sword type, narrow, blackened fuller with blackened hilt spoke to me. It's a very light bastard that handles quickly one-handed, and feels like a damned lightsaber with two hands. If only the At-1420 was offered as a classed-up maker's mark version as originally planned
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2010 9:29:39 GMT
Start with something moderate quality, Hanwei, VA, even a windlass if you feel it really grabs you, then save up and dont over spend on swords, if a sword starts to bore you think about tweaking it, customise the grip leather, make a new scabbard for it I do all my custom work with wood, leather and steel with no power tools (to poor and lazy to get them and hey I feel "like so authentic" doing it by hand). Also pay attention, dont overspend many forumites have found at one point including myself you got a little greedy with buying swords and your scraping it a little fine to pay a bill a couple of weeks later ........ the swords arent going anywhere and dreaming is free ........ so put like 40 dollar away a week and you would be surprised when you make your mind up HEY got enough for that . Are you into history, whats your favorite bit, it might give you an inspiring pursuit. Like fantasy, well they are getting represented too. Oh and dont be surprised if you do get a sword and its not all you hoped and dreamed, many forumites will agree it happens and your tastes mature and change, even if your just 15 by the time your 18 your tastes may be way different and refined. So dont go head long for that Atrim or Albion just yet, buy around, find out what really grabs you, its like owning a small Japanese car for years before you REALLY appreciate putting that first payment on a Mercedes wisdom comes with age if its 3 years or 13 years from your beginnings. Oh and as always treat the blade as if it was a firearm with respect to yourself and others, its better and cooler to be pro about it then a douchebag with a shiney thing. You bleed less, oh and watch yourself sharpening
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2010 19:37:29 GMT
First thing: get/make a wooden waster and start swinging. Maybe even watch Mike's vids to find out how to use that thing in your hands. Then get a durable, not so expensive sword. Learn cutting and how not to break it on harder targets. It will also teach you what kind of sword you like. Then you're ready for a more expensive sword that fits your style, thinking ATrim. That's how I did it and I think it was a good way. After owning some good quality but entry production swords I can fully appreciate the amount of engeneering that went into my ATrim and the kind of sword it represents.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2010 20:22:36 GMT
Yes I hear voices.
Megan Fox. She talks sword to me.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2010 23:49:40 GMT
Yes I hear voices. Megan Fox. She talks sword to me. HAHAHAHAH, well at least it is a plesent voice speaking a plesent subject. So enjoy. Thanks for all the great sword buying tips everyone. I think there are some great sugestions in here. I sort of view saving up as the prestep myself. That you have X $$'s and now your ready to buy. I use the visual searching for the simple openness to different styles. Even ones I might not have known before. Instead of being focused on just European swords, or Japanese, or Middle Eastern I can see them all, and pick out what currently interests me. Maybe discover a style or two I didn't realize I liked. Like my current interest in the Kogarasu Maru or Kissaki-moroha-zukuri style blades. Which has become my main focus for a new sword. I had not known about them, and was actually looking at more scimitars, European, and Chinese blades. I just happen to spot the Musashi Kogarasu maru Cloud Dragon. While not really likeng the fittings too much, the blade style I fell in love with. From there, I continued on finding many other makers of these very cool unique styled blades, which I had never known of before. Using visual searching, I have found many things that I had not known to look for. Those serendipitous finds are wonderful. Not deciding what you are looking for but letting it find you.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2010 0:00:50 GMT
for me its all about aesthetics and proportion, if It looks right I want it, the biggest problem is trying to translate a picture into what the real thing will feel like in your hand, sometimes I wish there was a K.O.A. in every major city! of course then I would never want to leave.
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