Considering Collection Size
Apr 21, 2023 22:52:33 GMT
Post by curiomansion on Apr 21, 2023 22:52:33 GMT
It took me a while to hone in on my collecting philosophy. I'm primarily a user and have given up on the collecting bug after heartache in other hobbies (Pokemon cards anyone?).
I am primarily a user; I'm a HEMA instructor, backyard cutter, and art lover. My collecting goals are pretty focused. After sparring with and cutting with a huge variety of swords, I've come to the conclusion that there are far fewer functional sword variants than there are historical/aesthetic variants. Furthermore a lot of the variation in sword designs boil down to different (most of the slight) solutions/means to the same variety of problems. Thus, if you have two swords that both solve the same problem well, they'll usually "feel" the same even if they're different on the outside.
Basically, swords are long/short, two-handed/one-handed, straight/curved, double/single edged, choppy/neutral, thick/thin. Everything is just some variant of that, minus the really weird ones that I'm always on the lookout for.
My main advice collecting swords though:
1. Buy used/discounted when you can. Furthermore, don't chase a sword if you don't have to. Most will pop up on the used market sooner or later.
2. Find a local collector who'll let you play with his collection so you can figure out what you like without buying anything yourself.
3. If one major function of your collection is visual, consider filling some gaps with an accurate training sword (which handle well, look good and are often cheaper).
4. Know why you're buying each and every piece. "I just really like it" is a perfectly legitimate reason. I wouldn't collect just to collect or to fill a gap.
5. Consider which swords need to be "fully functional" or to what degree. Pour most of your budget into your favorite swords. Keep your display pieces cheap. More and more company's are producing better swords for cheap as well.
6. Learn to modify your swords. Mainly learn to reprofile them if need be. This will allow you to add $100s worth of value to some pretty cheap swords.
7. Look a sword you can't handle from all angles and try to find a picture of it in someone's hand.
Happy Collecting! Please keep us updated! We love learning about peoples' collections!
P.S. I wrote down my personal categories for my collecting strategy in another thread. Here's it copy and pasted. Hopefully it helps you out.
1. Beaters - Swords I buy knowing I'll beat up, cut a bunch with, not care about fit/finish apart from the effect on function, not care about edge damage. E.g. my ronin dojo pro is currently on it's 4th edge, but has been put through 1000s of cuts, many of them hard.
2. Apocalypse/SHTF Fantasy Swords - Sword that I'd "trust my life too." I use these hard enough to know if I can trust them, but once I know I can trust it, I only use them when the cutting is interesting or social. I don't casually cut with these as I don't want to wear them down. I treat these with the mentality and respect that they are "real" weapons that I'd use if I had to. I don't care too much about keeping them prestine, but I avoid beating them up unnecessarily. Handling, durability and performance are all super important for swords in this category. Usually I'll also try to acquire a trainer with matching characteristics for any sword in this category.
3. Art Swords - Swords I buy for their look. I typically want these to be functional, but I rarely do anything but light cutting with these. I have a Neil Burridge Ewart Park Tarves that falls into this category. I've cut with it once or twice to know how it handles, but otherwise it's high level decoration. Historicity is typically important to me for these swords.
4. Sport/Competition/Performance Swords - These swords I use when I'm trying to show off cutting ability. I haven't been able to make any cutting competitions, but these swords I buy for that purpose. I don't really care about historical accuracy with these.
5. Project Swords - This category is relatively new for me. These are swords I buy in order to practice my blade grinding and sharpening technique. The game with this category is to try to add as much value as I can to an otherwise sub-par object. I try not to spend over a $100 for anything in this category.
6. Gimmick Weapons - Sometimes you want something because it's weird or stupid. Keep an open mind.
7. Training Weapons - Blunt swords for training, fidgeting, or costume.
I am primarily a user; I'm a HEMA instructor, backyard cutter, and art lover. My collecting goals are pretty focused. After sparring with and cutting with a huge variety of swords, I've come to the conclusion that there are far fewer functional sword variants than there are historical/aesthetic variants. Furthermore a lot of the variation in sword designs boil down to different (most of the slight) solutions/means to the same variety of problems. Thus, if you have two swords that both solve the same problem well, they'll usually "feel" the same even if they're different on the outside.
Basically, swords are long/short, two-handed/one-handed, straight/curved, double/single edged, choppy/neutral, thick/thin. Everything is just some variant of that, minus the really weird ones that I'm always on the lookout for.
My main advice collecting swords though:
1. Buy used/discounted when you can. Furthermore, don't chase a sword if you don't have to. Most will pop up on the used market sooner or later.
2. Find a local collector who'll let you play with his collection so you can figure out what you like without buying anything yourself.
3. If one major function of your collection is visual, consider filling some gaps with an accurate training sword (which handle well, look good and are often cheaper).
4. Know why you're buying each and every piece. "I just really like it" is a perfectly legitimate reason. I wouldn't collect just to collect or to fill a gap.
5. Consider which swords need to be "fully functional" or to what degree. Pour most of your budget into your favorite swords. Keep your display pieces cheap. More and more company's are producing better swords for cheap as well.
6. Learn to modify your swords. Mainly learn to reprofile them if need be. This will allow you to add $100s worth of value to some pretty cheap swords.
7. Look a sword you can't handle from all angles and try to find a picture of it in someone's hand.
Happy Collecting! Please keep us updated! We love learning about peoples' collections!
P.S. I wrote down my personal categories for my collecting strategy in another thread. Here's it copy and pasted. Hopefully it helps you out.
1. Beaters - Swords I buy knowing I'll beat up, cut a bunch with, not care about fit/finish apart from the effect on function, not care about edge damage. E.g. my ronin dojo pro is currently on it's 4th edge, but has been put through 1000s of cuts, many of them hard.
2. Apocalypse/SHTF Fantasy Swords - Sword that I'd "trust my life too." I use these hard enough to know if I can trust them, but once I know I can trust it, I only use them when the cutting is interesting or social. I don't casually cut with these as I don't want to wear them down. I treat these with the mentality and respect that they are "real" weapons that I'd use if I had to. I don't care too much about keeping them prestine, but I avoid beating them up unnecessarily. Handling, durability and performance are all super important for swords in this category. Usually I'll also try to acquire a trainer with matching characteristics for any sword in this category.
3. Art Swords - Swords I buy for their look. I typically want these to be functional, but I rarely do anything but light cutting with these. I have a Neil Burridge Ewart Park Tarves that falls into this category. I've cut with it once or twice to know how it handles, but otherwise it's high level decoration. Historicity is typically important to me for these swords.
4. Sport/Competition/Performance Swords - These swords I use when I'm trying to show off cutting ability. I haven't been able to make any cutting competitions, but these swords I buy for that purpose. I don't really care about historical accuracy with these.
5. Project Swords - This category is relatively new for me. These are swords I buy in order to practice my blade grinding and sharpening technique. The game with this category is to try to add as much value as I can to an otherwise sub-par object. I try not to spend over a $100 for anything in this category.
6. Gimmick Weapons - Sometimes you want something because it's weird or stupid. Keep an open mind.
7. Training Weapons - Blunt swords for training, fidgeting, or costume.