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Post by Anders on Dec 2, 2010 12:58:53 GMT
Lately I'm pondering swords with two-handed grips that curve forward, away from the body. You usually only see them on fantasy swords:  This kind of look seems rare on historical swords. Most seem to have straight grips or - in the case of Japanese swords - hilts that curve in the opposite direction in line with the blade. I'm just wondering if anyone has handled a sword like this and if so, how they compare to other two-handed swords. Are there any practical advantages or disadvantages with this style, or is it just an aestethic thing? |
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Post by Vincent Dolan on Dec 2, 2010 13:07:19 GMT
The only historical sword I can think of off the top of my head that is two handed with a canted hilt like so is the Baguadao, but it's more of a training tool than an actual weapon, though it could certainly work as such. From what I understand of regular swords that have a canted hilt, it increases control of the weapon, much like a pistol grip in modern Epee sport fencing; I've never handed one, so I can only guess. It serves to reason that it would lend itself to the two-handed weapons, as well, but don't quote me on that.
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Luka
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Post by Luka on Dec 2, 2010 16:36:47 GMT
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Post by Enkidu on Dec 2, 2010 17:00:52 GMT
I guess it could be used by the off-hand as a lever to provide more torque in the cutting motion. I just opened a thread in the japanese section for a custom Nagimaki i ordered, and it will have a downward curve in the tsuka ( not shown still in the picture, i plan on making a fantasy style sword with it ) when i'll get it i'll be able to tell you how it affects the handling  |
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TomK
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Post by TomK on Dec 2, 2010 17:52:25 GMT
I remember in the late 80's they were making baseball bats with grips the bend like that (not for the major league obviously) and they were supposed to speed up your swing and add more torque, but I never liked the way they felt. haven't handled a sword like this though.
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Greg
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Post by Greg on Dec 2, 2010 18:34:59 GMT
www.albion-swords.com/swords/alb ... ivamus.htm I was lucky enough to pick up one of these blades from their moat sale. I've hilted it, torn it down, hilted it again and torn it back down. But while it's been hilted, it's handled like a dream. Granted a bit on the heavy side, but that curved forward grip was incredibly useful to flick the tip around. Keep in mind that this sword was based off a work of fiction (if I'm not mistaken) so it's not a historic example or even reproduction. I just wanted to throw this out here as an example of how it handles.
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Post by Enkidu on Dec 2, 2010 18:50:40 GMT
Hey... you just remember me that i have one of those blades at home... i should do something with it !
You got pictures of yours Greg ?
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Post by MrAcheson on Dec 2, 2010 21:54:08 GMT
Many European swords are double-edged. If you twist the grip towards one edge, then you will twist it away from the other. This reduces the usefulness of the modification. I would think they'd stick with with straight grips just to maintain symmetry. You do see some grip asymmetry on historical backswords and sabers although most of these aren't two-handed.
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Post by Anders on Dec 3, 2010 13:18:48 GMT
The Lady Vivamus is a single-hander, though, and there are tons of single handed sabers with canted pistol grips. That's why I specifically asked about two-handers.
Yes, that was pretty much my point. Of course the usefulness of the hilt design will depend on the shape of the blade and how exactly the sword is wielded.
I'm asking if there is any potential benefit to this design at all or if it's ultimately just something that gets in the way.
The one thing I can think of is that when used single handed as a bastard sword, the hilt would be more out of the way and less likely to strike your wrist. It may also make two-handed thrusts easier, but don't quote me on that because I'm just theorizing.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2010 14:15:07 GMT
What sword is that in the op's picture?
I like it.
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Post by Enkidu on Dec 3, 2010 14:17:55 GMT
A Jody Samson saber.
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