Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2012 22:47:50 GMT
Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and I joined because of my renewed interest in swords. I lost interest when I was 14, and I'm interested again now at 19 haha.
Though I'm interested in swords, I tend to be practical, and I need reasons to justify buying a sword. The way I spend money is that I buy very few things, but when I do buy things, I get top of the line equipment, always, unless on some rare occasion, I find a quality substitute that works just as well as high end stuff, kind of like Classic Vibe Series Squier guitars vs my American Deluxe Stratocaster.
I'm particularly interested in Chinese Dao, and Japanese Dao (or better known as Katana), both of which my father had experience in training and teaching when he was much younger.
I decided that sheer curiosity does not justify buying an archaic weapon. My dad told me that Chinese Dao is a good weapon to learn, because the skills you use in the Chinese Dao can be applied to other, improvisational weapons such as baseball bats or champagne bottles. However, he also told me that katanas are the best swords around (debatable), and I really admire katanas for their simplicity in beauty. I still can't decide which one is more appealing to me either.
Then again, for home defense, I can just buy a gun, but I won't be able to carry it everywhere I go (I live in Queens, NY).
So, what do you folks think?
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Post by Dave Kelly on May 10, 2012 23:10:19 GMT
Welcome to SBG:
Let's face it, if the answer to that question isn't in your gut so there's no reason to even ask such a question, save the dough and spend it on sumthin else.
It's like buying a dog, cause ya think ya maybe oughta and then trotting the poor critter off to the city pound after three weeks cause it ain't your "thang".
Not tryin to put ya down; just being realistic. Ya get a sword because the art and style strikes a cord and ya want to smell the steel and follow the path.
As to going "first class". Payin full freight before you even know if you're going to go just might mean you'll wind up making somebody here a present of your now half priced resold sword.
Just some advise from an ole coot :mrgreen:
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Post by ineffableone on May 10, 2012 23:24:47 GMT
Well dao vs katana there are pluses and minuses for each. The dao is an amazing chopper and can cut through stuff that katana just can't handle. That said Chinese weapons you have a much more limited availability for functional weapons, more are the cheap floppy stuff that can't be used for anything but the sword dancing wushu. Katana however have a massive availability of functional weapons. Because of this you can find some amazing deals and you can find some great quality at reasonable prices. This also makes katana much more individualized as with so much more variety of sellers you can get more options making your sword more a reflection of you.
Now as to why to get one? Well that is up to you to find your reason. A Waki can make a good defence weapon in hallways of your home, and unlike a gun no danger of shooting through walls. A Dadao could theoretically be used to clear brush in your yard like a giant machete. Dadao has even greater chopping power than it's smaller relative daos.
You could pick up a sword just for the historic connection to your Father's past, to keep tradition alive in your family. Sword form training is excellent exercise, so you could do it for health reasons.
But really the reason has to be yours.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2012 23:40:57 GMT
There's absolutely no "practical" reason to own a sword of to have any hobbies. If you them enough then get one and have fun.
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Post by wolf_shade on May 10, 2012 23:47:03 GMT
I am inclined to agree with Dave Kelly. Put bluntly, if you have to ask the answer is you shouldn't. Especially considering your requirements of practicality. Unless you plan on taking up a sword art or backyard cutting the only use for a sword is display, and objects good enough for that purpose can be obtained for quite cheap. If you are into any sort of apocalyptic scenario planning swords can be reliable backup weapons if you get the right one.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 11, 2012 0:56:39 GMT
Just a 2-cents-worth opinion, here: I live in California, so a gun is probably just as hard for me to come by. People own them, but carrying one in pubic without a permit gets the cops upset in a big! hurry. We can all own the legal aquivalent of a machete? In Calif, carrying one concealed is for SWAT teams and the military only. Home defense is fine. That's mainly why I own a wall-hanger that's sharp now. I can learn Kenjitsu from my dojo when I have the time and money. Until then my wakizashi is sharp enough for me to give a healthy respect for the 'ha.' There you go; my opinion. wolf_shade said: I agree. Home defense on a budget is something to think about until, I have the money to get, say, a Musashi and learn at least the basics of Kenjitsu, thus becoming more involved in the sport and/or hobby. --Lee
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Greg
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Post by Greg on May 11, 2012 2:33:02 GMT
A sword is very similar to owning a guitar.
Some people own them to play. Other people own them to put on their wall.
A guitar is purely an item of luxury unless you are a professional musician and depend on it for your lively hood. A sword could be the same thing, but making a living by being a sword instructor is a very small market these days.
I find it highly entertaining to go out on weekends and use my sword, just like I find it entertaining to play my guitar. But owning "top of the line" isn't practical in both cases until you've been introduced to the hobby first.
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Post by ineffableone on May 11, 2012 2:45:46 GMT
I am amazed no one has yet posted the reply that popped into my head when I first saw the thread title.
question Why should I buy a sword?
answer To give to me because I am special and so need another sword, so thank you for your kind gift.
:lol:
It just pops right into my head every time I see the title of this thread.
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Post by johnwalter on May 11, 2012 3:40:11 GMT
Why should you buy a sword? To decapitate the zombies of course. No seriously.You play guitar.What drew you to that?What was it that made you say,thats it?Thats me?Why did you get that very first one? The reason you should,is because you are here asking us.Youve already bought the sword dude,you just havent picked it out and ordered it yet. The first for me,forgive my corniness please,lol.It just felt right,hard to explain when I held it,very primal yet elegant,powerful but subtle.It just felt right,like it was supposed to be in my hands.
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Post by William Swiger on May 11, 2012 4:16:44 GMT
To me, swords are a connection to our past. I want to feel the blade in my hand and think of those before me who had that feeling of the power of steel in the history of the human race.
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Post by Warlokk on May 11, 2012 4:33:31 GMT
Well put, Bill.
I buy swords because I like to be able to look at my small but growing collection, and say to myself, "Cool, I actually own real swords now." It's something I've always wanted to be able to have since I was young, and I finally can.
Unfortunately, I've found they're sorta like drugs... once you get your first decent, simple sword, you start thinking about the next fix... what historical period do I need to fill now... what style do I want next... oooh this one's just so cool looking... hmm I don't have one of those yet... and so on.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on May 11, 2012 6:30:43 GMT
The Top Three Reasons To Buy A Sword:
1. They can be beautiful art objects that help link us to the past. 2. They are great fun to use and collect, which helps to keep a calm and focused mind, body and spirit. 3. It'll get you laid.
* Reasons not listed by level of importance.
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jhart06
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Slowly coming back from the depths...
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Post by jhart06 on May 11, 2012 6:47:02 GMT
I can attest Adrian's third reason is indeed correct, if in the right crowd. But I think #1 is my biggest reason.
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Post by MOK on May 11, 2012 9:52:36 GMT
Swords fascinate me.
That's all the reason I need or want, and the only real reason there is. Everything else is just after-the-fact rationalization.
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Post by lamebmx on May 11, 2012 10:22:57 GMT
If you are looking for justification, it is not there. Its obvious you want it, otherwise you would not have registered and posted the question. I think you time would be better spent on the SBG main page getting edumacated before even looking at one to buy. Get some options together then pop back in the forums and research your specific options.
I would not say the katana is the best sword. The epitome of middle of the road it may be!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2012 5:17:47 GMT
you can admire the craftsmanship, the history(if you get one at least close to the original), the great feeling etc.
And as well as all that you get home defence, fitness, etc.
Also, you could argue that having something that requires some mental focus and slowing down from modern life, such as maintenance on a katana will give you benefits all on its own.
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Sébastien
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Retired Moderator
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Post by Sébastien on May 13, 2012 6:10:10 GMT
I wonder what the OP will reply to all our posts
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Post by Student of Sword on May 13, 2012 6:19:43 GMT
Very good question. Why buy anything at all? All you need to buy are basic clothing (two sets, same color); basic personal hygiene products, food, a small bed (twin), and a roof over your head. Ever thought of taking the vow of poverty and join a monastery?
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Post by Unit731 on May 13, 2012 6:19:58 GMT
This is seriously my main justification. While it is unlikely that there will be a zombie outbreak, I like to be prepared anyway. :?
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Post by KaOsBlaKbLaDe on May 13, 2012 6:32:02 GMT
IF you are as practical as you say, and needing to ask that question, i think you'd regret the purchase rather quickly. Practicality leaves little room for the little kid in you that "has to have it" whatever the cost. Considering that "top of the line" will require an investment closer to the strat than the squire , and can easily go up from there if a custom is considered. I'd suggest having a look around and seeing (like others have mentioned) what floats your boat. If your inner child speaks, then have at it, till then you might be better served to wait.
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