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Post by schnitzelsandwich on May 23, 2019 2:49:50 GMT
So basically after years of researching of what the "best sword" is, I've come to the conclusion that you guys are correct. There is no "best sword". It depends highly on the context (Matt Easton), and the strengths and weaknesses of the specific person using it. Everyone is built differently and has different preferences. The question that I should have been asking is "What is the best sword for me in "x" context." Therefore, for my peace of mind, I was wondering if you guys could help me out here.
Some info about me: 5'11, 140 lbs. I'm of average build. Not particular strong, but not scrawny either. I would prefer a sword that wouldn't require a lot of strength to use though (either because you can use it in two hands or it's a light one-hander)
Info about the sword: Not too long (No blade over 40 inches), but not too short either. Effective at both cutting and thrusting.
Info about context: Generic fantasy. Up against both unarmored AND armored guys (ranging from leather/gambeson all the way to plate). I myself would either be unarmored or lightly armored. No shield for me. I would use only the sword.
I very much appreciate any replies to this thread.
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Post by elbrittania39 on May 23, 2019 2:52:22 GMT
So basically after years of researching of what the "best sword" is, I've come to the conclusion that you guys are correct. There is no "best sword". It depends highly on the context (Matt Easton), and the strengths and weaknesses of the specific person using it. Everyone is built differently and has different preferences. The question that I should have been asking is "What is the best sword for me in "x" context." Therefore, for my peace of mind, I was wondering if you guys could help me out here. Some info about me: 5'11, 140 lbs. I'm of average build. Not particular strong, but not scrawny either. I would prefer a sword that wouldn't require a lot of strength to use though (either because you can use it in two hands or it's a light one-hander) Info about the sword: Not too long (No blade over 40 inches), but not too short either. Effective at both cutting and thrusting. Info about context: Generic fantasy. Up against both unarmored AND armored guys (ranging from leather/gambeson all the way to plate). I myself would either be unarmored or lightly armored. No shield for me. I would use only the sword. I very much appreciate any replies to this thread. Well you and I have the exact same build so I'll say a sabre, thats what I like : P
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christain
Member
It's the steel on the inside that counts.
Posts: 2,835
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Post by christain on May 23, 2019 3:26:51 GMT
Sounds like a Hanwei/Tinker bastard sword would fill your requirements nicely. Fairly light, well built, easy to customize, and a decent price-tag to boot. I have the H/T longsword and it's fantastic.
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Post by Jordan Williams on May 23, 2019 3:49:07 GMT
Damn, everyone's taller than me.
I would say a sabre and dagger or rapier and dagger.
The sabre I think is probably one of the most well rounded weapons in history and the dagger will be good for armor.
The rapier and dagger set is a cheese weapon for one on one engagements and will destroy a sabre/other weapons just based on length (from my own experience fencing a 34" sabre blade against my 45" rapier blade, And more recently a rapier with a 37" blade being used as a sidesword, though this latter being done single sword).
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Post by leviathansteak on May 23, 2019 4:14:16 GMT
Since you're only lightly or unarmoured, i think a more protective hilt is warranted. Id recommend a sidesword. A sabre is fine too but not my personal preference
A sidesword/sabre is fine against unarmoured targets but you can halfsword with it against armoured targets. The blade length is within your requirement as well.
No offhand weapon/shield/buckler use with a one hander is a bit of a wasted opportunity imo. So, if you are confident in keeping your hands well protected without armour, a longsword in 2 hands is not a bad choice for its versatility.
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Post by AndiTheBarvarian on May 23, 2019 4:41:16 GMT
Sidesword, Jian, a good spadroon, perhaps a messer?
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Ifrit
Member
More edgy than a double edge sword
Posts: 3,284
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Post by Ifrit on May 23, 2019 5:38:33 GMT
Arming sword/Messer with a buckler. Maybe even a saber with a buckler if you are feeling up to it
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Post by zabazagobo on May 23, 2019 5:43:41 GMT
Probably either a dual wield combo (rapier/sidesword/jian + dagger or katana + katana/wakizashi) or a fairly light, stiff hand and a half or short longsword. Something like the Windlass Bosworth comes to mind as being perfect for what you described since it's great at thrusting, good enough at cutting, and would withstand impacts on armor and could easily be maneuvered to find the gaps in plate. Longswords are extremely versatile so if that's what you're looking for it would be an easy choice. Katana would be a great choice as well, so long as they're on the nimble side and not too thick. Arguably less ideal against plate though, unless the tip is fine as with a shobu zukuri or kanmuri-otoshi zukuri blade for piercing the gaps.
If you need to keep light on your toes (no armor) it's useful to have a sword that assists in the cut and is conducive towards moving through a target and not getting stuck in them. For this reason, something curved like a sabre or katana is recommendable, and something like a rapier is less so since a badly placed thrust can leave the sword stuck in place.
Really just depends on what you're comfortable with and the sort of strategies you want to employ. But based on the idea of only one sword, it's hard to beat a nimble hand and a half or longsword.
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Post by zabazagobo on May 23, 2019 5:44:00 GMT
Arming sword/Messer with a buckler. Maybe even a saber with a buckler if you are feeling up to it Also this, although he mentioned no shields, this is a really good combination.
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Post by Timo Nieminen on May 23, 2019 5:50:51 GMT
Info about context: Generic fantasy. Up against both unarmored AND armored guys (ranging from leather/gambeson all the way to plate). I myself would either be unarmored or lightly armored. No shield for me. I would use only the sword. The possibility of armoured opponents with no armour of your own = weapon effective against armour + long weapon for reach. The best sword: halberd. If you're fussy about the best sword actually being a sword, then a big longsword or similar (swiss sabre, changdao, odachi, etc.).
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Ifrit
Member
More edgy than a double edge sword
Posts: 3,284
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Post by Ifrit on May 23, 2019 6:20:25 GMT
Arming sword/Messer with a buckler. Maybe even a saber with a buckler if you are feeling up to it Also this, although he mentioned no shields, this is a really good combination.
Oops just noticed that Well... A buckler is more of hand protection than a shield anyway
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Post by schnitzelsandwich on May 23, 2019 13:30:40 GMT
Thank you guys!
I do think sword and shield is definitely OP, (I use that in Skyrim) and polearms were monsters on the battlefield.
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Post by schnitzelsandwich on May 23, 2019 13:50:49 GMT
Will the longsword feel lighter and/or expend less energy than the saber because of two hands on the grip and the increased leverage, or will the more generally lighter saber feel lighter?
I'm going off of this video by Shadiversity:
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Post by elbrittania39 on May 23, 2019 14:09:41 GMT
Will the longsword feel lighter and/or expend less energy than the saber because of two hands on the grip and the increased leverage, or will the more generally lighter saber feel lighter? I'm going off of this video by Shadiversity: It's a complicated question. It depends on the exact sword in each case, what muscles you already have or don't have, short term strength vs long term endurance, etc. In the end, anything short of a zweihander shouldn't really give you trouble. You might get tired drilling with a saber or longsword for a long period of time, but you'll still be strong enough to do it in the first place.
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Post by Darth Paunch on May 23, 2019 15:01:43 GMT
Albion XV Bastard, maybe? Cutting, thrusting, not too heavy, not too light, not too long. Works one- and two-handed.
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Post by markus313 on May 23, 2019 17:32:09 GMT
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Post by Sir Thorfinn on May 23, 2019 18:16:46 GMT
This thread makes me smile... I came to the same conclusion, and after thousands of dollars spent, and many swords rotated in and out of my collection, I have it about half narrowed down. Maybe. Sort of...
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Post by howler on May 23, 2019 18:48:01 GMT
A lighter weight longsword is what would seem to fit your requirements the best, with two handed option the key feature.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2019 18:55:53 GMT
Consider something along the lines of a glaive, shorter naginata, nagimaki.
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Post by AndiTheBarvarian on May 23, 2019 19:11:30 GMT
My ideal sword, the Hanwei Tactical Katana, matches some of your ideas. I didn't buy it as my ideal sword but it became it after experiencing many other swords over the years. It's no beauty but has the right balance for me.
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