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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2008 6:29:35 GMT
Hello a few weeks ago I re-started the sword handling class I am taking. Unfortunately due to sheduling conflict I wasn't able to take the advanced class. But this time, instead of using a wooden waster, I'm using my Hangwei hand and a half (practical). I'm finding there is a *huge* difference between the two. Not only is the steel blunt longer and heavier, the PoB is totally different. The waster has a PoB at around 7 inch, while the hand and a half is at a bit past 3 inches. In a way it's a good thing I am re-taking the basic class, because it feels like I'm starting from scratch again (at least the footwork isn't totally new..). Because the sword is longer and heavier (and because I'm not the strongest of guys), I *have* to tumble it around the centre of gravity for it to move with any sort of speed. But when I do... damn. The first time I did it right was during a transition from salute to guard position, and I almost hit myself in the face with the blade... At this point I'm wondering what the value of training with wasters is, at least ones with a balance that is so different from a steel sword. Seems almost like a way to pick up bad habits, you just don't get the same feedback and blissfully think you're doing it right... Ancalagon
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Post by Brendan Olszowy on Feb 9, 2008 7:05:50 GMT
Ancalagon, glad you're enjoying your class. Its interesting that you make these comments.
Many cut biased swords have a balance point from 5 to 7". You haven't listed the weight of your waster, as that would help with the comparison. You do say it's heavier than the H&H, so it's not light.
A 2lb sword with an 8" balance point can feel heavier than a 3lb sword with a 3" balance point. The H&H does handle beautifully though, doesn't it?
The waster is probably not without its merits, when handling a heavier sword with a longer POB. And you'll get one of those one day. Something like a G2 Crusader.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2008 18:40:42 GMT
Ancalagon, whose classes are you taking?
Wasters and blunts are weighted and balanced differently, truly, but your movements should be pretty much the same.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2008 23:29:00 GMT
In my WMA class, we don't use wasters at all. Everyone has blunts and we even have a spare one. We do have some wasters handy for those few occasions where we might get 2 or 3 newbies in one shot but that is rare. The issue is that if your just going to do pairs drills, you might as well use blunts if you have them. If you want to sparr, the wasters are still too dangerous to use without armor. So padded weapons like RSW are a better choice for sparring without armor.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2008 4:45:32 GMT
Brenno: The waster is lighter than the H&H, not heavier... I would guesstimate that it weights between 1.5 and 2 pounds. Because it's lighter, I can be "sloppier" with it and still get decent speed (hence the blissfully unaware comment). On a totally unrelated topic, go green bastard!
Kortoso: The class is given by the South Tower Armouring Guild. Although the movement are the same, the feedback I'm getting from the waster is so different that for the "subtleties", it's almost misleading.
tsafa: I think that because it's a beginner's class, it probably would be unrealistic to expect everyone to train with blunts. We definitely need heavier pommels on those wasters though.
Ancalagon
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Post by Deleted on Feb 13, 2008 6:28:19 GMT
I have felt few wasters. Generally I find that the $50 ones tend to be 1.5 lbs. You might as well use broomsticks. The $100 ones tend to be 2.5 lbs. Still underweight and the balance is off. My suggestion is to 8 large washers into the pommol. Tape the end good, all the way up the handle so that the washers don't go flying. I have done this with a rattan longsword and it works well.
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