rschuch
Member
Sharp blades are good to have, if Shire-folk go walking, east, south, far away into dark and danger.
Posts: 805
Member is Online
|
Post by rschuch on Nov 30, 2023 15:47:09 GMT
Just curious how other members approach having friends and guests entering your home for the first time with swords all over the place. I try not to over emphasize it so as not to freak them out, but I do get the sideways “holy crap” look from time to time, especially females. I do say, “Assume it’s sharp” because they are and I display them outside of the scabbards. I do think it’s interesting how people can have a gun collection and visitors don’t think twice (other than you may be some NRA nut), but you have a collection of swords and you’re a wacko.
|
|
|
Post by AndiTheBarvarian on Nov 30, 2023 17:14:49 GMT
I don't have swords all over the place. Hell, I don't want them to think I'm a wacko! (I am, but they shouldn't think I am) (Heeheehee...)
|
|
|
Post by takitam on Nov 30, 2023 17:29:16 GMT
Tbh, even as an enthusiast of historical weapons and armour, I would find it a bit cringe if I visited someone in a small apartment or a house, with a big collection of repros, displayed in a prominent place. If you have a house, you can either keep it somewhere away from your guests' eyes, or keep it displayed in a separate hobby room. It's then up to you to offer your guests to see it, if it comes up in a conversation. It should be cool this way. If it's a lot of stuff, and especially if displayed without good taste in a central location of your house, where it is impossible not to notice it, then I would feel something to be a bit 'off'. I say it as a hobbyist myself, so I imagine people who are not would judge in a harsher way. In general, if a hobby becomes an identity, things become a bit embarrassing. Don't ask me how I know
|
|
rschuch
Member
Sharp blades are good to have, if Shire-folk go walking, east, south, far away into dark and danger.
Posts: 805
Member is Online
|
Post by rschuch on Nov 30, 2023 17:52:38 GMT
Tbh, even as an enthusiast of historical weapons and armour, I would find it a bit cringe if I visited someone in a small apartment or a house, with a big collection of repros, displayed in a prominent place. If you have a house, you can either keep it somewhere away from your guests' eyes, or keep it displayed in a separate hobby room. It's then up to you to offer your guests to see it, if it comes up in a conversation. It should be cool this way. If it's a lot of stuff, and especially if displayed without good taste in a central location of your house, where it is impossible not to notice it, then I would feel something to be a bit 'off'. I say it as a hobbyist myself, so I imagine people who are not would judge in a harsher way. In general, if a hobby becomes an identity, things become a bit embarrassing. Don't ask me how I know "Hobby becomes identity"... yeah, I get it. I have a 900 sq ft condo and my spare room is filled with art and music, so I really don't have any other place to put them. And as we all know here, it didn't start OUT as a collection, just one or two items I always wanted which developed into the need to have one of everything. I've found a stopping point because of lack of room (and I don't get any now unless I sell one in the spot it's supposed to go in) but yeah, it got... out of control at some point. Definitely a focal point and no way to look away. Maybe I need to reconsider the size and location of my collection, especially if my fellow wackos think I'm more wacky than your average nutjob. It's not like I do cosplay or SCA and play dress-up, but I guess if I'm at the point where I'm explaining myself now on the SBG forum, something may be a bit "off" as you say.
|
|
|
Post by curiomansion on Nov 30, 2023 18:10:40 GMT
I mean...this hobby does make us wackos doesn't it? Collecting weapons = wacko. Collecting archaic weapons = wacko +1. Collecting archaic weapons and being pedantic about them = wacko +1.
|
|
rschuch
Member
Sharp blades are good to have, if Shire-folk go walking, east, south, far away into dark and danger.
Posts: 805
Member is Online
|
Post by rschuch on Nov 30, 2023 18:25:30 GMT
I mean...this hobby does make us wackos doesn't it? Collecting weapons = wacko. Collecting archaic weapons = wacko +1. Collecting archaic weapons and being pedantic about them = wacko +1. HA! Yeah, I deliberately try not to talk about them and go off on steel types, peens, appleseed edges and all the other stuff we're prone to ramble on about. I have a Swords coffee table book which has a bunch of the history and Oakeshott typology for anyone so inclined (i.e. no one) but to the outside observer I'm probably wacko x 5, not even considering my art or taste in music.
|
|
|
Post by curiomansion on Nov 30, 2023 18:38:32 GMT
I mean...this hobby does make us wackos doesn't it? Collecting weapons = wacko. Collecting archaic weapons = wacko +1. Collecting archaic weapons and being pedantic about them = wacko +1. HA! Yeah, I deliberately try not to talk about them and go off on steel types, peens, appleseed edges and all the other stuff we're prone to ramble on about. I have a Swords coffee table book which has a bunch of the history and Oakeshott typology for anyone so inclined (i.e. no one) but to the outside observer I'm probably wacko x 5, not even considering my art or taste in music. Haha. For a more serious answer...I think any imposing collection will give off wacko vibes (Funko Pops, Guns, Sport Memorabilia, Expensive Movie Figurines, Waifus (merited)), but I personally judge less when the collection is organized and the general decor of the place is well thought out. As long as it looks like you have your house in order and your collection isn't coming at the expense of a nice dwelling, you're golden. Not saying that's what my place looks like, but a good goal.
|
|
rschuch
Member
Sharp blades are good to have, if Shire-folk go walking, east, south, far away into dark and danger.
Posts: 805
Member is Online
|
Post by rschuch on Nov 30, 2023 18:51:20 GMT
OK so better, neater and more simple displays = less crazy. Got it. Imagining if Martha Stewart did a sword display for Better Homes and Gardens... My problem is I could sell half my collection and still be considered looney, though I've seen much worse on this forum.
|
|
|
Post by fayebarca on Nov 30, 2023 19:06:08 GMT
I have them all squirreled away in a room not normally accessible to guests. Can’t be having sharp dangerous objects within reach for anyone and everyone who comes into my home..
|
|
|
Post by skelley on Nov 30, 2023 19:20:49 GMT
I keep all my crap in the bedroom. I'm more interested in efficient storing than tasteful display so that helps a bit in my opinion. Also helps in keeping them away from my cousin's kids when they visit. If someone comes by and it comes up and they want to see them I'm always happy to give a quick tour. Just got to make sure I don't ramble on for too long. I mean...this hobby does make us wackos doesn't it? Collecting weapons = wacko. Collecting archaic weapons = wacko +1. Collecting archaic weapons and being pedantic about them = wacko +1. I was shaving in the bathroom some months ago and Dateline was playing on the TV in the next room. I heard the narrator doing his thing, introducing possible suspects, and an investigator was going on about the boyfriend and said something like 'this guy collected knives, swords and daggers. Who collects that kinda stuff?' with a good amount of befuddlement in his voice. My only thought was, "What the hell!? I didn't do anything, man!"
|
|
rschuch
Member
Sharp blades are good to have, if Shire-folk go walking, east, south, far away into dark and danger.
Posts: 805
Member is Online
|
Post by rschuch on Nov 30, 2023 20:24:43 GMT
I keep all my crap in the bedroom. I'm more interested in efficient storing than tasteful display so that helps a bit in my opinion. Also helps in keeping them away from my cousin's kids when they visit. If someone comes by and it comes up and they want to see them I'm always happy to give a quick tour. Just got to make sure I don't ramble on for too long. I mean...this hobby does make us wackos doesn't it? Collecting weapons = wacko. Collecting archaic weapons = wacko +1. Collecting archaic weapons and being pedantic about them = wacko +1. I was shaving in the bathroom some months ago and Dateline was playing on the TV in the next room. I heard the narrator doing his thing, introducing possible suspects, and an investigator was going on about the boyfriend and said something like 'this guy collected knives, swords and daggers. Who collects that kinda stuff?' with a good amount of befuddlement in his voice. My only thought was, "What the hell!? I didn't do anything, man!" I do remember seeing something similar in my Facebook feed (probably the SBG group) and the guy had like 4 weapons and they were all mall ninja rainbow colored anime trash. Not that the general public differentiates, but come on?!? There has to be some accounting for taste and historical accuracy! Gotta say I was hoping for a bit more solidarity from this group along the lines "No! You're not crazy for having a collection in your living room" but it seems the tide of popular opinion has ruled against me. I'm a divorced guy with no kids and no visitors, so I really don't care what people think in general if it's just me looking at it... but I do have a girlfriend who "understands" but has made it known I don't NEED any more swords and has gently offered to help make my place more "friendly" and feng shui.
|
|
|
Post by curiomansion on Nov 30, 2023 21:30:18 GMT
I have them all squirreled away in a room not normally accessible to guests. Can’t be having sharp dangerous objects within reach for anyone and everyone who comes into my home.. Actually I have known a few ladies who had problems with purses and shoes and they all skirted judgment by stuffing their collection in their closets!
|
|
|
Post by curiomansion on Nov 30, 2023 21:32:12 GMT
OK so better, neater and more simple displays = less crazy. Got it. Imagining if Martha Stewart did a sword display for Better Homes and Gardens... My problem is I could sell half my collection and still be considered looney, though I've seen much worse on this forum. You just need to make your whole house sword themed! Edit: I looked up "swords on display" on Pinterest for ideas and 95% of the picks make you look psycho.
|
|
rschuch
Member
Sharp blades are good to have, if Shire-folk go walking, east, south, far away into dark and danger.
Posts: 805
Member is Online
|
Post by rschuch on Nov 30, 2023 22:22:12 GMT
OK so better, neater and more simple displays = less crazy. Got it. Imagining if Martha Stewart did a sword display for Better Homes and Gardens... My problem is I could sell half my collection and still be considered looney, though I've seen much worse on this forum. You just need to make your whole house sword themed! Edit: I looked up "swords on display" on Pinterest for ideas and 95% of the picks make you look psycho. Thanks for the reassurance! Wait, make ME look psycho or the people on Pinterest that have the displays look psycho? You haven't seen my living room...
|
|
|
Post by madirish on Nov 30, 2023 23:40:06 GMT
I was shaving in the bathroom some months ago and Dateline was playing on the TV in the next room. I heard the narrator doing his thing, introducing possible suspects, and an investigator was going on about the boyfriend and said something like 'this guy collected knives, swords and daggers. Who collects that kinda stuff?' with a good amount of befuddlement in his voice. My only thought was, "What the hell!? I didn't do anything, man!" It's like the news reports on the "gun nut"...."He had 4 rifles 5 handguns, and a thousand rounds of ammo in his basement".....I'm like, "uh, 'a thousand?', sheesh, that's nothin'...that's barely a good Saturday at the range!" My collection lines my 2nd floor home office/den walls. 1 coffee table book in the living room. At some point, I might have a couple antiques in the formal living room, but that'll be it. Almost everybody, but my 13 year old nephew (who fought with foam swords and viking shields in the back yard on Thanksgiving), think the swords are nuts.
|
|
|
Post by curiomansion on Dec 1, 2023 1:20:00 GMT
You just need to make your whole house sword themed! Edit: I looked up "swords on display" on Pinterest for ideas and 95% of the picks make you look psycho. Thanks for the reassurance! Wait, make ME look psycho or the people on Pinterest that have the displays look psycho? You haven't seen my living room... The displays on pinterest make whoever owns them look psycho!
|
|
|
Post by eastman on Dec 1, 2023 2:44:38 GMT
If I am willing to let someone into my home, they probably already expect to see walls covered with swords.
|
|
|
Post by curiomansion on Dec 1, 2023 13:11:42 GMT
I think what we must all do is have those little sword shaped toothpicks to serve with hors d'ourves when guests come over. It'll tie the whole place together.
...or 100% cement that we're nuts.
|
|
rschuch
Member
Sharp blades are good to have, if Shire-folk go walking, east, south, far away into dark and danger.
Posts: 805
Member is Online
|
Post by rschuch on Dec 1, 2023 17:34:20 GMT
I think what we must all do is have those little sword shaped toothpicks to serve with hors d'ourves when guests come over. It'll tie the whole place together. ...or 100% cement that we're nuts. Only if you do a wall mount display for them. And I loved those as a kid! I had one big one that was all black that was my Stormbringer! So... Just found the panorama setting on my camera. This is most of them. Sane or insane? tinypic.host/image/IMG-20231201-1222215182.XMZl4
|
|
|
Post by crazyjons on Dec 1, 2023 17:43:05 GMT
Lol, that looks familiar!
Jon
|
|