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Post by - on Aug 4, 2015 1:15:25 GMT
I kinda feel like I should just cancel my order and stop thinking about it. As much as I want to get involved with swords, I can't help but think that everyone I know will think that it's just some stupid hobby and that they'll think less of me for being interested in it. I have only told my parents about it (no one else, and I probably won't ever tell anyone else), and they act supportive, but I don't really think they are. I'd love to go outside and mess around and cut stuff, but what if my neighbors end up thinking I'm crazy and stupid? I can barely even type this post up, because I think that someone on this forum will think I'm stupid or something. >_> Meh.
Does anyone else feel like this at all?
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Aug 4, 2015 1:27:32 GMT
Sure, a little. But the same could be said of any hobby/collection. Guns, knives, anime, porcelain horses, velvet Elvis paintings, whatever. In the end, unless your sole aim is to leach vicarious enjoyment via the opinions and attitudes of your friends and neighbors I'd say get it.
That shirt you're wearing? Somebody hates it. Your favorite song? Totally lame. But it's not for them, it's for you. After all, somebody will love it/ind fault with it, so try not to worry.
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Post by chrisperoni on Aug 4, 2015 1:45:14 GMT
Trust me, at a sword forum you are not going to have people thinking you're stupid for liking swords. You're also not going to have people thinking you're stupid for worrying about how you'll appear to others for liking swords. We all go through some level of judgement or ridicule for our interests - but to the hellfires with those people! One thing I've also discovered is that most people, even while they are judging, are actually intruiged, they just don't know how to express their interest.
I'm taking a guess here, but I get the impression you are younger than most of us - in your teens maybe? It's very cliche for me to say it, and hard not to just roll your eyes at but, you've got to know that as time passes you'll care less what people think and more about just doing what makes YOU happy. If you don't get that yet then please, take time to actually focus and think on this idea. You deserve to do what you like.
The hobby of sword collecting and using is a much bigger thing than people who aren't in it realize.
So pull up a chair, grab a snack, and tell us what sword you are getting! Links and pics are great too! What brought you into this? What styles do you prefer? Have you practiced with something to get a feel for cutting? DO you know how to be safe!? That's a big one. I usually suggest to new backyard cutters to start with a basic diagonal down cut. Step into the cut and have your sword start at the top on the same side as your front leg, downward and diagonal to your opposite side, with the leg on that side back from your body.
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Post by LG Martial Arts on Aug 4, 2015 1:48:46 GMT
I've been studying Japanese martial arts since the mid-late 80's, and have studied Iaido for over a decade now - when my family/friends (except my wife and kids - super supportive) found out about my studying how to use Japanese swords, most of them were also "meh" about it, thinking it was just a phase... some were apprehensive about it, especially when it came time to buy an Iaito and a shinken. But, like Adrian just mentioned, I do these things for MY enjoyment/betterment (physical & mental), not for other's enjoyment or disapproval. Life's too short to let other's judgments hold too much sway over your life; as long as you're not hurting anyone, do what's best for you. You should read Tony Hawk's essay, "Do what you love" thisibelieve.org/essay/22870/or Steve Job's Stanford Commencement Speech, "'You've got to find what you love" news.stanford.edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html
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Post by - on Aug 4, 2015 2:26:18 GMT
I know that I do care way too much about what other people think of me. I wish I didn't. :/ I'm taking a guess here, but I get the impression you are younger than most of us - in your teens maybe? Yes, I'm 16. So pull up a chair, grab a snack, and tell us what sword you are getting! Links and pics are great too! I'm getting a Hanwei claymore. I'm on my phone now, but once I get on my computer I'll try to post some links and stuff. And once I get it, I'm going to try to take and post some pics. What brought you into this? This is something I've been trying to pinpoint myself. I really don't know, it's just a thing I can't remember not being interested in. It seems like a lot of people get interested because of games and TV, but that's not what happened for me. I really don't know exactly why I'm interested What styles do you prefer? Styles of what? If you're asking about my favorite kinds of swords, I'd have to say European hand-and-a-half/two-handed. I haven't ever actually handled a real sword though, so I don't really know what kind would work best for me. Have you practiced with something to get a feel for cutting? No I haven't, and I don't really know what to use I have some crappy wooden swords that I made but they're terrible, to be honest. Weird dimensions and proportions, crappy balance, no edge at all, etc. DO you know how to be safe!? That's a big one. I can't think of any exact tips or specific things to list here :/. I like to think that I'm probably not an idiot, but who knows. I usually suggest to new backyard cutters to start with a basic diagonal down cut. Step into the cut and have your sword start at the top on the same side as your front leg, downward and diagonal to your opposite side, with the leg on that side back from your body. If I do actually cut anything I'll keep this in mind.
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Post by - on Aug 4, 2015 3:45:40 GMT
Okay, here's the thing.
As of a few hours ago, my interest has been completely gone. Literally completely gone. I don't know what exactly happened, but I think I just got so discouraged from reading threads and stuff on here and reddit about how most people really do view this as a really stupid thing. Yes, it's that again.
There used to be some kind of magic or feeling every time I would think or talk about it, but that's dead too, and I don't think it's ever coming back. I don't feel any anticipation or excitement for my package to arrive, just the regret that I wasted $250. It's too late to cancel the order, so I guess I'll probably immediately return it or just put it in a closet somewhere or something.
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Post by Rifleman Lizard on Aug 4, 2015 3:56:00 GMT
As you get older you'll not care so much what others think and your own pursuits will bloom because of it. In the mean time try to be responsible, obey your local laws, and do your thing regardless.
The sword world doesn't have to be a weird thing and like all else it's only what you make of it. Many collectors are considered esteemed historians or martial artists, instead of "cringey, sword-obsessed weirdos". There's a lot to be gleaned from the hobby if you can get over what little stigma is there.
If you do get your sword, chances are you'll pick it up and your interest/curiosity will come flooding back.
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Post by AlvaroWang on Aug 4, 2015 4:11:04 GMT
You should try and look up for some hema club or even boffer groups around you, go and have some fun. If your interest ever come back to you, at least you know where to find people with similar interest, and maybe you catch up a few tricks to try on your closeted sword if the urge ever arises.
I gotta share an experience I had in a annual boffer meeting. There were all sorts of people there, people that were very serious about boffer, people who were more interested in hema related topics but had fun with boffers, some batshit RPG guys, some people who just enjoyed hitting each other with rubber swords and every shade of these kinds of people.
Talking to those RPG guys, he was explaining to me how the game he played worked, and was very serious about it, suddenly, out of knowhere he let a very serious, honest, loud and dedicated kamehameha-ish spell, with pose and everything, and as soon he finished it, he returned to the original position like nothing had happened, moving on to other topics of the game. I couldn't help but laugh very very loudly, oh dear, I was so ashamed of that, because I was literally laughing at the guy who was being very pleasant and helpful.
But there were people who were akin to my interests, who were dedicated to history, martial arts and stuff like that. That was a fun trip.
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Post by AlvaroWang on Aug 4, 2015 4:22:05 GMT
Hey, I am definitely, not saying you should be afraid of being laughed at. All I was saying is that there are millions of different people who enjoy these topics for thousands different reasons, you should have fun learning other's interest while you could find some really interesting people with whom you will enjoy spending time with.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on Aug 4, 2015 4:29:27 GMT
No worries. It's not indecent or against the law to vacillate or lose enthusiasm. You also would not be the first person to have the fun leached out of something due to the negative attitude and comments of others. Buyers remorse is also a very real thing. I love swords and the such, but also feel anxious very often after buying.
I'd say that you should wait for the sword, check it out, and go from there. If you like it, but don't want it to get out locally that you do, keep it in the closet or under the bed. It would not be, by an incredibly large margin, the worst thing somebodies hidden under a bed. If you don't like it, contact the seller and ask about a refund.
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Post by randomnobody on Aug 4, 2015 5:15:06 GMT
I leaned a long time ago to not care. Took several years, granted; into my 20's, I'd guess, so just because it's bothering you now doesn't mean it always will. Just keep that in mind as you go about whatever you choose to do. Heck, I'm 30, still live with my mother, ride around on a 50cc scooter because I've never gotten my driver's license, have a lousy retail job, and spend more than I make on anime and related merchandise, with the occasional sharp thing tacked on when I have spare cash. Laugh at me if it makes you feel better about your own insecurities, but remember I'm laughing at them, too. Hopefully when you get the sword in-hand it'll have that spark you're wanting, but if it absolutely doesn't, no big deal. If the seller won't accept a return, you can probably sell it for a small loss here; think of the difference as a "learning fee" for the opportunity to handle the sword for a short time. Use what you learn there next time the bug bites and either get something similar if you like it or something wildly different if you don't. Many here started out collecting/interested in one kind of sword exclusively, only to learn about some other kind/s and move on to those, instead. I came here, like so many, looking for a decent katana; now I'm far more interested in middle-eastern antiques. I used to think I wanted some epic, huge sword because I dunno, testosterone? Anyway, I've since settled into smaller blades and even prefer knives over swords now. Anyway, take your time, learn what you can, and when you're comfortable, make your own decision. Either it's for you or it's not, no big deal either way. Just know the "few thousand" members of this forum won't think any less of you one way or the other, regardless of what the "normal folk" think. Those guys are boring, they don't even have swords! The single most important part of any hobby or interest is that you have fun with it. If you do, it doesn't matter what anybody else thinks, as long as you're not interfering with their life (keep your music down and get off my lawn, darn kids) and if something doesn't bring you the joy/pleasure/amusement you wanted from it, it's totally cool to just drop it. Maybe try again later.
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Post by Croccifixio on Aug 4, 2015 9:59:48 GMT
I understand what you feel, but as everyone has already said so eloquently, you cannot let others' opinion of you define your self-esteem.
Let me share a bit, since this is the "friendliest sword forum," and in my several months here, I can tell you that SBG's claim is quite true...
There are plenty of people here who are highly esteemed by society but love swords. That love does not truly detract, in any reasonable way, from what others think of them. Any person who judges you, your character, your sanity, on the basis of just seeing you holding a sword or liking swords is inherently judgmental. It wouldn't matter if you had a more traditional hobby, such as modifying cars - they'd still judge you one way or the other.
If it (owning a sword) makes you feel too uncomfortable, maybe you're not ready or mature enough for it. Honestly, this is a pretty fun hobby! And the important thing is that it should stay fun. It shouldn't lead you to stress out. And if ever you feel misunderstood by others, well, that's what this forum is for. I know my wife doesn't really understand this hobby all too well for example, but she understands that I like having this hobby and that does not in any way make me crazy or mental - I just have a unique interest.
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Post by Dave Kelly on Aug 4, 2015 10:26:31 GMT
People have different reasons for life fascinations. Things that are totems to THEIR sense of being. Sustaining things that shape and carry forward in your life. Swords aren't just big knives. They're too damned expensive to buy just to impress other people that you have A SWORD. Swords knock me out because when I look at one I have a spiritual highway connecting me to every civilization and culture that is threaded to the marshall traditions of that sword type. It an intellectual journey and feast. Then there is the business of the profession of arms; learning the proper use of the weapon. All kinds of fascinating things involved in embracing the dragon. You got a taste of the calling when you decided to get a sword. Why not go for it?
Once the sword arrives take it up an investigate what that sword meant, how it feels and handles. Not convinced just come back here and sell it. Use the force Luke. ( and don't poke yer eye out... teeheeheehee...)
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Post by LemuelTheLemur on Aug 4, 2015 10:31:00 GMT
There seem to be a lot of older gent here telling you that you shouldn't care what others think (and their right). I'm 22, and I started collecting when I was 20 (got my best friend a big ol' Anduril wallhanger). My parents eventually found out about my new interest and flipped poo, they thought I was gonna be one of those idiots that end up cutting their friends up by accident. They had a long talk trying to get me out of it. I just hid my hobby from them, and told as few people as I could about my interests. My closest friends were pretty ambivalent, but whenever we went out drinking with other people, they'd always bring my hobby up cause it was an interesting thing to say, and most people (cause most people I know are complete nerds) were actually surprised and interested in a good way. I still don't tell everyone I know about swords, but it's not something I hide. It's an honest hobby, and with so much of modern media pressuring you do to into enjoying conventional things, it takes courage to admit that you like something unconventional.
Anyway my point is, you don't know what other people are going to think even until you tell them, and I've personally never had anyone react negatively when they find out about my hobby. Even my parents have accepted that this is something I'm just interested in, and trust me to be responsible about it. :) If it turns out this isn't something you're interested in then no worries either.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 4, 2015 11:49:04 GMT
I kinda feel like I should just cancel my order and stop thinking about it. As much as I want to get involved with swords, I can't help but think that everyone I know will think that it's just some stupid hobby and that they'll think less of me for being interested in it. I have only told my parents about it (no one else, and I probably won't ever tell anyone else), and they act supportive, but I don't really think they are. I'd love to go outside and mess around and cut stuff, but what if my neighbors end up thinking I'm crazy and stupid? I can barely even type this post up, because I think that someone on this forum will think I'm stupid or something. >_> Meh. Does anyone else feel like this at all? Hey man, Well, sorry to hear you're feeling beaten down by the idea of it. It is rough to feel like you're making a spectacle of yourself. When you do anything that kind of stands out, it draws eyes. Most people will probably shrug and move on with their day, other people will make stupid comments. It doesn't matter what you do, start jogging and sooner or later some jerk in a car will honk at you and yell stupid things as they drive by, it is just the way human beings are in this world. Do what you want to do. Discovering that obnoxious people can't actually stop you from trying something can be very empowering. The first couple times I tried doing some of my training out in a park I was extremely self-conscious. People will totally notice, some of them will watch quietly, some will be jerks and snicker at you or say dumb things while they film you for youtube or something. Discovering that it doesn't actually mean anything is something pretty awesome that words don't really describe until you experience it. Whatever you end up doing, hopefully you think about what you want and think would be interesting and don't let the opinions of other people hold you back.
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Post by - on Aug 4, 2015 12:23:50 GMT
Wow. Thanks for the replies, everyone. I didn't expect anyone to be so supportive. I just woke up, and I guess I feel kinda better about the whole thing. Some interest is returning. The first couple times I tried doing some of my training out in a park I was extremely self-conscious. People will totally notice, some of them will watch quietly, some will be jerks and snicker at you or say dumb things while they film you for youtube or something. I guess it's a good thing that I live in a place where only 1-2 neighbors can see my back yard
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Post by Bryan Heff on Aug 4, 2015 12:33:55 GMT
I wouldn't get to worked up about it. I think many of us are to a certain degree self conscious of this hobby...I know I am. For instance I don't really go out of my way to tell people that I make sword scabbards and that I own close to 20 real swords (which is a small collection compared to many). But if it comes up I don't shy away from conversing about it either. So what right? It is what it is. I like them...and so I collect them. I think most people accept that collecting things is a very personal thing to each person and can't be explained as to why this person collects thimbles...that person collects hub caps and this guy over here collects swords.
The out in public thing, cutting or what ever is something else though. The few times I have cut with my swords I do it in my garage with the door down. I admit, right or wrong to being self conscious about that. Tight neighborhood, houses real close.....lots of young kids running around (I have 2 under 13)...I figure its not worth it to make my neighbors get nervous. People are odd about edged weapons...almost more scary to many people than guns. Like if you have guns, well you're a sportsman or worried about home defense, if you have swords you must be a psycho ax murderer. Stupid stuff like that.
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Post by JGonzalez on Aug 4, 2015 13:12:57 GMT
I don't cut, I admire. Check that I cut an apple once....meh.
My swords are like art in the house. They are on the wall an they get handled, cleaned and very occasionally I swing one from side to side.
I'm not trained in their use and I always worry that I may hurt myself or the family cat.
For me, it's a collecting hobby not a lifestyle. :)
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Post by - on Aug 4, 2015 13:19:21 GMT
For me, it's a collecting hobby not a lifestyle. For me, personally, I don't want to have a collection; I don't really see the appeal of having swords just hang there. I might get one more sword later, but that's all that I really want. I actually want to learn how to use it, and maybe kill some fruit in the process
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Post by Jussi Ekholm on Aug 4, 2015 13:29:37 GMT
I think you might enjoy posting here as there are people who share your enthusiasm about swords. Very few really understand this hobby and it's nice to chat with some likeminded folks. Welcome to the forum and hopefully you will enjoy being in here. I like the Hanwei Claymore and I think it's good sword for the price.
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