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Post by NIM7 on May 7, 2013 4:49:21 GMT
I always wonder what is the "ideal" length should a sword be for each individual? For example for a Chinese Tang Dao.
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Post by Timo Nieminen on May 7, 2013 10:17:32 GMT
The perfect length is a compromise, so it isn't perfect for anything. But not too bad for a few things. Where the best compromise is depends on what you want the sword for, so there is no universal "perfect" length.
The main things: reach, handling, carry, strength, cutting/thrusting blade geometry, protection.
Reach: As long as possible is best - this brings more weight. Handling: Short and light is best. Too long and you can't easily bring the point between you and your opponent. Long grips can be good, but can get in the way - the grip length alone involves compromise. Carry: Short and light, with small grip and no guard is best. Strength: Thick and wide is best - this brings more weight. Cutting/thrusting blade geometry: For cutting, thin and wide blades are good, for thrusting, narrow thick blades are good. Now make it work with adequate strength. Protection: Large cross, cross with rings, knucklebow, or full basket. All add weight, things that can snag on clothing, and make it harder to wear.
For a two-handed Tang dao, I'd go for about 36" of blade. These are worn suspended from the belt, and this is drawable from such a scabbard. For one-handed, somewhere from 20" to 30", depending on what one wants it for.
The historical range is from 14" of blade to 2.23m (this last one is probably ceremonial/decorative rather than functional, 2.56m long overall). About 65-80cm of blade might be typical for long one-handers. Art shows swords with pommel reaching to about the armpit with scabbard tip on or very close to the ground; could be 36" of blade with two-handed grips - the Tang dao version of a longsword.
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Post by LastGodslayer on May 7, 2013 13:03:30 GMT
Since I am not familiar with the historical combat context of a tang dao, I cannot say. Timo said everything I was going to say too, except for a small detail: It greatly depends on your skill and ability. You'll find that shorter blades are popular because they are "easy", but if you can do it (as in your body is capable and your skill makes you proficient) you can use bigger weapons. The weight that comes with reach (longer weapons) CAN be compensated, up to a point, with an appropriate physique and technique.
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Post by Cold Napalm on May 8, 2013 8:29:44 GMT
Don't forget size of the wielder. The ideal length for somebody 6'5" ain't gonna be so ideal for somebody 5'0". Also how your should joints up can change what is a good length as can the ratio of arm to leg you have. Basically ideal is a personal thing because there is so many variables in there...the greatest of all being your own personal preference.
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Post by NIM7 on May 8, 2013 17:30:11 GMT
Thank you. Very informative guys. I have selected 75cm for blade and 25cm for handle. My height would be 170cm. I appreciate the information/s. The kind of info I seemingly expecting was something like; The ideal length for individual for "normal/average/general" sword would be the height to his/her belly button, or something like that (heard that somewhere but was not sure if to be true).
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Post by LastGodslayer on May 8, 2013 20:16:36 GMT
If anything, in JSA they have a "preferred window" of dimensions for their specific koryu. Those "arm strechd out" "from the bellybutton to the..." and "4x elbow-wrist length" (just made that last one up) are guidelines to see where in the window you place.
I am only a couple of cm taller than you (175cm) and I realized (through sparring) that I NEEDED more range than my "recommended" blade length. Your sword is ideally an extra limb.
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Post by Lukas MG (chenessfan) on May 8, 2013 20:47:09 GMT
Apart from personal preference, the length also depends on the sword style you want to practice. 75cm is medium length of a european single hander, way to short if you want to train in Liechtenauer longsword.
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Post by NIM7 on May 12, 2013 6:52:42 GMT
Thanks guys. Understood. As for style it is similar towards Jian style ( ) ( ) ( ), while having strength and power similar to a two handed/Long sword ( ). Here is a bit of history of the Tang Dao; www.thomaschen.freewebspace.com/custom.htmlAnd a cutting vid of an Tang Dao
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Post by LastGodslayer on May 12, 2013 23:25:23 GMT
The 1st video is impressive. Might not look like it, but he was very much in total control of the sword. 2nd one is fun for awareness training. The 3rd video really shows how to move from the forms into combat. Dodn't know there were chanbara like jian. Not even gonna comment on Mr. Rodell's clip. Thats a man I'd hate to fight.
From the first video the form doesn't really allow for a very long blade on the sweeping cuts, but I'd say that for an average body type, at 170cm you could probably push a 80785 blade length. It would be less nimble, but as long as its well balanced and you can clear yourself and the ground, I'd say go for 5/4ths of your arm length!
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