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Post by brissybeater on Nov 15, 2012 10:04:37 GMT
Tactical Smallsword/Spadroon or Long Estock. Blade: Long Rectangular Stock of Spring Steel for Blade. Square Cross-Section. Tapers 20cm x 20cm to an Acute Point. Faint Hollow Grinding of 2mm Depth. Length: 34" Guard: Simple Dome Guard, Perforated, Rolled Edge. Centre "X" Cut in a measure square, four triangle bent inwards towards pommel, drilled and pinned to handle. Handle: Last part of stock is ground at the edges and rounded slightly to make a hexagonal stock back to the pommel. Simple Paracord Wrap. Pommel: If required for balance a simple, rounded edge disk of appropriate weight is weighed/measured and either screwed or riveted to butt. Finish: Ceracoat in desired colour scheme. Scabbard/Sheath: Moulded and Riveted Kydex to Length. Slight flare to nestle dome guard. I've noticed that the Smallsword can be a deceptively lethal blade, probably anyone who's a modern fencer can attest to its quickness and precision. I was thinking a more "Tacticool" version that might be a bit heavier due to it mostly being a straight, square cross section piece of spring steel stock pretty much just ground to an pointy taper. Essentially its a long needle spike with some weight authority and a simple dome guard to protect the fingers. Thoughts ? Anyone think this could be a reality
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on Nov 15, 2012 12:26:58 GMT
I have done a lot of sport fencing before getting into HEMA so I have a decent idea of the smallsword's capabilities. It is indeed a lethal weapon but for self defense, etc a poor choice IMO. I'm assuming by tactical you want to imply carrying it in an apocalypse scenario. The smallsword has no stopping power, yet a high chance of killing. While a normal sword still is very deadly, one can use is in a way that stops the opponent without killing him. A good blow to the arm should do well for example. A thrust to the thorax, the normal smallsword attack, doesn't stop an attacker but will likely lead to his death a couple hours/days later (as often seen during renaissance duels). For cuts, the smallsword is essentially useless. A fighter high on adrenaline will hardly notice a small scratch like that. So... it's a poor defense and limited in attacks. Yeah, I'd rather have something else. The smallsword is essentially a dress sword and highly restricted by its design in my opinion. For its intended purpose, duels between high society noblemen it was fine but overall, I'd take pretty much any other sword over it.
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Post by pinoyHerbalist on Nov 15, 2012 17:45:21 GMT
I think it would be more tacticool as stated... practically perhaps a dirk or stiletto would probably satisfy the desire to have a decently long pointy double edge tool, while being tactical (smaller in size, easy to carry around, possibly used for other things than fencing, etc.).
I also agree with what chenessfan said.
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Post by Elheru Aran on Nov 16, 2012 19:24:19 GMT
Yeah, a smallsword isn't what you're looking for.
Go cut-and-thrust or sidesword, maybe look at the Spanish 'bilbo' rapiers. That might scratch your itch.
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Post by brissybeater on Nov 20, 2012 1:10:06 GMT
Thanks guys, good feedback, yeah the idea popped into my head was seeing how feasible the concept would be. Yeah chenessfan brings up the greatest point in any SHTF weaponry (no I dont really even factor zombie fiction in much these days even though the content is still fun). Just like firearms or any other type of weapon the stopping power versus lethality must be considered (I member over on slinging.org and its been concluded that a sling has stopping power versus bow that has lethality). With weapon choice stopping power would be better consideration in these scenario's as personal defence entails a stopping of the aggressor it need not mean killing. However I want to explore the concept furthur. The acutely pointed thrusting of the fencing style has its pros/cons, this is where I'm arguing. The advantages how I see them; 1) Threatening Point: Going en garde allows for keeping an enemy at bay (if they have any sense) if they rush upon you it your point is on them they will get stuck. If they try to bat away the blade if you have had practice you can either avoid and bring on point again quickly or capitalise on their action. This would take training no doubt but this concept is similar to the spear and bayonet, the point is there and away from yourself which could be good in keeping an opponent who does not have full commitment in closing the distance. 2) Oppurtunistic Penetration: The arguement is that taking a better cutting sword which could disable muscle groups makes for the greater fight stopper. I am in agreement with this but I think the disabling potential of the thruster is overlooking. Penetration of 2+ inches into muscle groups is often sufficient to cause complication in the muscle groups. The biceps it would seize them up, the thigh would also spasm, shoulder might withstand more if the joint wasnt affected. Considering even with an uncommited thrust, either "harrassing" or "oppurtunistic" the penetration from a "poke" should place at least 4 inches of blade into the body, 2a) Thigh: In the thigh is could cause enough disruption that in recovery with footwork a follow up more commited thrust could be managed. If the femoral artery was struck and combat still continuing one could wait a bleed out. 2b) Chest: A poke to the chest cavity often risks collapsing a lung. If the opponent was under the affect of adrenaline and not completely berserk (you got complications there irregardless) and a poke to the chest cavity occured their lung/s would likely complicate breathing and with that much aerobic activity would take the fight out of them quickly. 2c) Throat: Even an unintentional poke to the throat could either result of a collapsed wind pipe or severed jugular. 2d) Hand: If they had gloves on an unintentional or oppurtunistic thrust might damage the hand's structure more than a slash but this is debatable as not many gloves short of steel gauntlets can prevent hand damage from a blade. 3) Body Armour/Clothing: If the opponent has either extremely thick clothing, tough LBE or kevlar on (unless the mad man is bringing a cuirass to this) the acute thrusting blade might chance more injury or death under these conditions. If the opponent wearing it is aware of this is might give cause for pause or even conflict avoidence if their weapon is not a projectile or longer that the small sword. These concepts would be held with the fighting conditions that; a) Footwork can be properly implemented and b) Training is good. Naturally any blade under SHTF scenarios has pro's/con's. What do you guys think ?, I'm pretty open to suggestions
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on Nov 20, 2012 17:35:26 GMT
I agree that a point certainly has its uses. However, it alone makes for a highly restricted weapon. A good type XVIII blade has an acute thrusting point that will do anything you mentioned above AS WELL as having a wide enough blade for effective cutting. In my opinion, that's what you want. Why settle for one thing if you can have both? Unless massive body armour is involved, there's no reason to trade thrusting for cutting ability. And seriously, this is meant as a SHTF weapon, not something for a medieval battlefield. I don't think you'd encounter much armor at all. Some thick clothing maybe but that's easily defeated by most swords with decent points.
So, what you want is a sword that does both cutting and thrusting very well. Use the point when you see fit, in the ways you mention. When the edge is the better choice though, you use that. I think that def. rules out a smallsword. It just has too many limitations by design. My personal favorite is a short and handy XVIII bastard sword. I feel it offers the highest versatility. Cut and thrust, usable with one hand or two, light enough to be easily carried yet powerful enough for an instantly lethal kill. What more could you ask for?
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