Scottish Weapons
Jun 17, 2011 19:46:33 GMT
Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2011 19:46:33 GMT
I am pretty new to this.
Long story short, I am a long-time martial artist who was at the Highland Games recently and realized I don't know much about the martial history of my own ancestors. I have spent years studying the techniques, weapons, and warrior cultures of various parts of the world, but I became embarrassed when I found a Sgian Dubh on the ground and didn't know the history of the weapon, how it was used, or why it is traditionally tucked in the stockings of a kilt-wearer.
I rectified all of that through google and wikipedia, but it has gotten me more interested in learning about Scottish weaponry and fighting techniques. My hope is to use what resources I can muster to study the techniques of Scottish martial arts and collect some examples of the weaponry that I can eventually pass down to my son when he is older so that he knows something about the warrior history of his ancestors.
I've started with a Scottish Dirk from Hanwei and some books on Scottish knife fighting and the Dirk Dance.
I am planning on the basket-hilted broadsword next, since I have found a few books on that. Unfortunately, there is a wide range of prices out there, which I am assuming means a wide range of quality. What is important for me to look for? The pieces will be mostly decorative. I won't be cutting or hitting things with them, most likely, but I will be swinging them and practicing techniques that I find. I don't have any plans on sparring with them or doing re-enactments, and I have other things lying around the house for defense.
I see there is stainless steel that is cheap, but I seem to be reading a lot about high carbon steel. Also, how important will having tempered high carbon steel be to me? I've seen swords on strongblade.com that are high carbon, but not tempered. Tempering seems to add to the price. Is it necessary if I am not hitting other swords with it? I want to get a decent sword that looks good, is somewhat functional, but won't break me to get it.
I am aware of the dirk, sgian dubh, claymore, and basket-hilt. Are there any other blades I ought to look in to? Are there any particular stores or brands you would recommend for Scottish weaponry?
My collection may eventually branch out to other cultures, but for now, I am mostly interested in the Celtic/Scottish pieces. I appreciate any resources you can all give me.
Long story short, I am a long-time martial artist who was at the Highland Games recently and realized I don't know much about the martial history of my own ancestors. I have spent years studying the techniques, weapons, and warrior cultures of various parts of the world, but I became embarrassed when I found a Sgian Dubh on the ground and didn't know the history of the weapon, how it was used, or why it is traditionally tucked in the stockings of a kilt-wearer.
I rectified all of that through google and wikipedia, but it has gotten me more interested in learning about Scottish weaponry and fighting techniques. My hope is to use what resources I can muster to study the techniques of Scottish martial arts and collect some examples of the weaponry that I can eventually pass down to my son when he is older so that he knows something about the warrior history of his ancestors.
I've started with a Scottish Dirk from Hanwei and some books on Scottish knife fighting and the Dirk Dance.
I am planning on the basket-hilted broadsword next, since I have found a few books on that. Unfortunately, there is a wide range of prices out there, which I am assuming means a wide range of quality. What is important for me to look for? The pieces will be mostly decorative. I won't be cutting or hitting things with them, most likely, but I will be swinging them and practicing techniques that I find. I don't have any plans on sparring with them or doing re-enactments, and I have other things lying around the house for defense.
I see there is stainless steel that is cheap, but I seem to be reading a lot about high carbon steel. Also, how important will having tempered high carbon steel be to me? I've seen swords on strongblade.com that are high carbon, but not tempered. Tempering seems to add to the price. Is it necessary if I am not hitting other swords with it? I want to get a decent sword that looks good, is somewhat functional, but won't break me to get it.
I am aware of the dirk, sgian dubh, claymore, and basket-hilt. Are there any other blades I ought to look in to? Are there any particular stores or brands you would recommend for Scottish weaponry?
My collection may eventually branch out to other cultures, but for now, I am mostly interested in the Celtic/Scottish pieces. I appreciate any resources you can all give me.
(depending on where you live 
)
