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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2010 20:35:15 GMT
so what is your opinion, do you prefer your swords all shiny and new no dings chips or finger prints prominently displayed, or would you rather have a pile of rusty dirty worn well used blades cluttering up the place?
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Post by Dave(utilityslave) on Apr 17, 2010 20:52:08 GMT
Yes!!!
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Post by YlliwCir on Apr 17, 2010 21:04:17 GMT
Somewhere in the middle. I don't mind some dings and scratches as I use my swords hard. I try to avoid rust, that can be detrimental to the integrity of the blade over time.
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ecovolo
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"Ich bin ein Landsknecht."
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Post by ecovolo on Apr 17, 2010 21:11:26 GMT
I prefer to keep my swords as shiny and as oiled as possible. Good maintenance = long life.
--Edward
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Post by Dave(utilityslave) on Apr 17, 2010 21:12:13 GMT
I agree RicWilly. Worn, loved, and well used is one thing, a pile of rusty and dirty swords is another. It's not very responsible to let your steel stay dirty and get all rusty. It can not only affects the aesthetics, but the performance and as RW mentioned, the integrity of the blade as well.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2010 21:27:48 GMT
I prefer something a third option where the primary aim of the sword is practicality, but a little aesthetics doesn't hurt . I personally am more partial to an unpolished or rough finish along the spine where it's still blackened from forging except for the edges similar to many puukkos and leuku. The edges however are usually nice and polished for utmost cutting potential. This makes it so that a protective layer is constantly on the majority of the blade, and it doesn't need as much fuss as a highly polished one. They aren't the prettiest things to someone who loves completely polished and shiny blades, but I love them. I only wish more swords were offered with a rough finish on the spine with only polished edges. Angus Trim actually offers a few swords with the blackened fuller finishes*, so I hope to eventually get my hands on one. That isn't to say I don't like a good looking blade with a nicely designed handle or leatherwork as long as it's not to the point I'm afraid if I don't handle it like a newborn baby it'll be damaged or scratched up ^_^; EDIT *I'm not sure if the blackened finishes on ATrim swords are a matte, blued, or an unpolished finish. Matte and bluing is alittle more effective but can wear off eventually. ShooterMike might know if what kind of finish the blackened fullers have.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2010 21:53:46 GMT
See /index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=15796&page=3
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2010 22:31:50 GMT
Who the hell would want their blades to be rusty and dirty?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2010 22:40:14 GMT
Some shiny, some antiqued and some rustique, but not dirty and rusty.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2010 22:42:34 GMT
I'm inclined to agree. A practical, unpolished finish is one thing, but dirty and rusty is the exact opposite of practical in my opinion.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2010 22:51:49 GMT
I assoicate rusty with improper sword maintenace unless it is an antique sword. So I guess that would put me in the shiny camp.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2010 22:59:25 GMT
I cut with mine every chance I get-"which isnt often enuff"-but they get cleaned and oiled right after use.The odd scratch and such doesnt bother me-but rust is abuse in my mind.
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Post by sparky on Apr 17, 2010 23:24:21 GMT
I think I get your question, so with that I like both!
I have many new blades that are shiny but I have one from the 1500's that is not perfect, it has imperfections and I love it! It is my most prized sword, just thinking that this sword was used for it's intended purpose...... just blows my mind.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2010 23:37:28 GMT
funny my harley lives out side and has plenty of rust and I assure you it hasn't been detrimental to it's structural integrity, a sword is just a tool and many tools spend there whole lives out side getting dirty and rusty, as did real swords for thousands of years, remember not every one had the opportunity to clean there weapon every day or the luxury of having some one to do it for them, so blood and dirt and rust are natural parts of a swords life, so yes my swords get dirty and some times they even rust, but I assure you a little time with some steel wool and they are just fine.
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Post by Dave(utilityslave) on Apr 18, 2010 0:06:20 GMT
I guess if I was campaigning in the rain or wetlands on forced marches for days or weeks at a time I could live with a spattering of rust until I got the chance to properly care for my weapon. Actual neglect of your weapon is/was generally frowned on in organized military forces unless conditions dictate it and even then it is to be rectified at the first opportunity. Unless you're an orc anyway!
I also keep a good wax on my motorcycle and autos as well to protect them. I keep a coat of oil or silicon on my firearms. I do have some antique guns that have a patina on them that I won't alter and doing so could lessen their value. They're still clean and oiled though.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2010 0:21:43 GMT
I have a saying out here in the NW, A oily Harley is not a rusty harley!!! And A little pattina wont hurt, I just got that Nihonta from Hyoujinsama, and it has plenty of Patina and Says "I'm realy old, have been through many Battles" SO DONT SCREW WITH ME!!!!!!!!! Ya know, that kinda pattina! ..........SanMarc.
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Post by YlliwCir on Apr 18, 2010 0:34:26 GMT
Rust is a general term for a series of iron oxides, usually red oxides, formed by the reaction of iron and oxygen in the presence of water or air moisture. Rusting is the common term for corrosion of iron and its alloys, such as steel. Given sufficient time, oxygen, and water, any iron mass eventually converts entirely to rust and disintegrates.
To think that rust isn't detrimental to structural integrity is denial. My swords are far removed from pristine, even my Albion, and I wouldn't have it any other way because I like to use them and that's the natural result. However rust is evil and should be avoided.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2010 0:46:45 GMT
Given sufficient time, oxygen, and water, any iron mass eventually converts entirely to rust and disintegrates.
true but you realize that can take centuries?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2010 0:51:23 GMT
Just keep in mind that there's a world of difference between iron oxides, RicWilly. Red rust is the oxide that interferes with structural integrity, because the molecules take up more space than iron itself, and flake off. Black rust is actually a red rust preventative, which is why a stabilized patina of black rust is actually a good thing.
Even with red rust--though I for one never let it accumulate for sure!--I don't agonize either if it happens and gets cleaned off quickly with some solvent and Scotch-brite. An object as thick as a sword (I know we don't tend to think of them as thick, but compare them to automotive sheet metal) can take a long while to deteriorate enough to have an impact on function. Look at excavated swords that have been allowed to rust for many centuries and still are mostly intact. Frequent cleaning and oiling will keep even a sword that's started to rust from going bad it any appreciable way.
As for aesthetics though, I'll echo that I like them all--from old pieces with well-stabilized patinas to those that show use to fresh-off-the-line pristine ones!
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Post by YlliwCir on Apr 18, 2010 0:59:21 GMT
Good points, friends. Still, I plan on having my blades for a long time. Besides I enjoy giving them basic care. I'm not obsessive about it, as you said a bit of steel wool and elbow grease will fix it.
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