Advice requested by newbie: Sword choices and general advice
Nov 7, 2020 14:29:19 GMT
Post by mansword on Nov 7, 2020 14:29:19 GMT
Hello SBG forum members!
I'm seeking your advice and assistance in developing my new hobby - I would like your advice on sword handling (including the development of real fighting technique and other good practice, such as sword-care skills and safety practice), and maybe some suggestions on sword purchasing.
So, firstly... A little information on me to tell you what I'm interested in, and how you (lovely people) can help me with your advices!
I have virtually no knowledge of swords, sword handling, or anything about them minus what I've learnt over the last couple of weeks of looking into them.
I'm attracted to 'real' medieval European bastard/longswords, enjoying them as ornaments (aesthetically, and to handle), and practicing with them (backyard cutting and developing martial art skills with them...real medieval combat sword handling ability).
I've just this moment put an order through theknightshop.com for a Windlass Battlecry Bosworth and Hanwei Tinker Pierce longsword blade (both sharp)... Hopefully I've made a decent start in my entirely new hobby, and hopefully passion.
So.. Here are the questions I would like to put to the forum.
1. Advise me on how to develop my new hobby!
Any suggestions you have as to how to enjoy my new purchases (how I might go about developing sword handling skills, for example) would be appreciated. Maybe i should read medieval treatises (133?), or watch youtube videos? join a HEMA club???
I ordered 200ml renaissance wax, and intend to avoid touching the blades, and wipe them down with wd40... unless you would suggest different handling?
2. Advise me on the buying of swords!
I have my eye on the Darksword Armoury Medieval Knight's Bastard Sword (#1329), as well as their Two-handed Norman Sword , and possibly even their Two-handed Medieval Sword , Which I think was formerly known as the 'two-handed gothic sword' (with the 39" blade, and apparently highly regarded in this community).
Do any of you have any thoughts on these blades? I think DSA has made massive improvements of late to their range, but have a reputation for making clunky crowbars with all sorts of customer handling issues and dubious manufacturing practices... I'm not sure if these issues are still haunting the company, with recent reviews describing them as remarkably improved. It might be worth checking out some recent reviews of them...
My attraction to these swords was driven by the desire to have a truly commendable 'real sword', that I could perhaps enjoy by laying waste to offending small trees in scrubby areas in my local vicinity (YAH!!!), so the tank-like 5160 DSA's, now commended for quality and handling (more so than previously), appealed much.
I liked the look of the two-handed Norman sword as a real classic, and maybe a heavy-duty lopper (a sharp baseball bat ). I was attracted to the Knights Bastard as a true bastard (apparently handling well one and two handed), commendations for it's handling ('a sharp feather', responsive, quick, a good cutter and thruster etc.), and the gothic sword for it's apparently remarkable handling and surprising toughness.
I liked the look of the two-handed Norman sword as a real classic, and maybe a heavy-duty lopper (a sharp baseball bat ). I was attracted to the Knights Bastard as a true bastard (apparently handling well one and two handed), commendations for it's handling ('a sharp feather', responsive, quick, a good cutter and thruster etc.), and the gothic sword for it's apparently remarkable handling and surprising toughness.
Of all my pics I'm leaning towards the bastard... any thoughts?
3. Do you think I should go ahead and get one of these weapons, or take the time to get to grip with my new purchases before I rush into getting another sword?
Maybe an Albion is so far beyond a DSA I ought to forget my 'woodland-carnage' fantasies and hold out for a really 'real' sword. I don't know... what are your thoughts?
4. On modifying my Tinker blade... what would you suggest?
I have notions of crafting my own hilt, grip, and pommel. Am I being ludicrous, or is this as possible as I imagine?
I thought buying stainless steel rod for the hilt, and a thicker piece for the pomel, and drilling/shaping them with angle grinder and file would be manageable. This way I would save money and enjoy some crafting, producing a truly customised and preferential design. An oak rod drilled and filed to fit snugly on the tang, wittled to agree with the hand, cord wrapped and bound in calfskin, super glued in place etc... It all seems very doable, maybe with a little research. What are our thoughts?
Failing this, I could try and acquire an LG martial arts viscount hilt set for the tinker... but I would like to craft my own!
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Sorry that turned out to be a lengthy introductory post, and I don't expect an answer to every (or any!) question. Or even for you to read it all ( ), but any feedback you have for the rookie would be truly appreciated.
Also, please take the time to enjoy my ridiculous title - derived from 'Swordsman', but in the style of a satirical superhero... 'MANSWORD!!!! Fighting crime... WITH A SWORD!!!!!!'