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Post by Dan D'Silva on Nov 19, 2024 17:15:22 GMT
Hello everyone,
I'm pretty sure this is a long shot, but figure it wouldn't hurt to ask. I'm trying to find live double-edged thrusting blades for under $200 for various projects (early smallswords, militia and modern military dress swords). I've gotten a Rogue Steel Schlager and a Hanwei replacement rapier blade, but the Rogue Steel has very thick blunt edges and the Hanwei is too flexible. The length isn't important since I prefer them under 30 inches anyway and can cut them down at home. I would prefer a bare blade so as not to be left with spare parts, but would consider a whole sword if it's suitable and cheap.
Thanks very much for any recommendations.
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mrstabby
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Post by mrstabby on Nov 19, 2024 17:51:04 GMT
Welcome. I think this thread might be in the wrong place though if you are not looking to modify the ones you own. Do you want recommendations or are you looking to get something second hand? For recommendations go to the General section or maybe Rainessance/Military sub forum and for buying go to the Marketplace section (either look through the items on sale or post a wanted ad).
EDIT: Not that it's a sin to post it here but it's less likely the right people see it.
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Post by curiomansion on Nov 20, 2024 5:10:52 GMT
Under $200 might be tough if you're picky. If you're willing to double your budget, Arms and Armor's bare blades are probably the best you'll get.
By live do you mean sharp? If so, this may be a bit strange, but I think you're best bet at your price will be to yank blades from jians. They'll have good edge geometry, roughly the right dimensions and weight, and can be found pretty cheap.
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Post by Dan D'Silva on Nov 20, 2024 21:58:41 GMT
Do you want recommendations or are you looking to get something second hand? Recommendations for new blades, preferably off-the-shelf. I did check ahead and it looked like there were previous similar posts in this one, but I'll look into the other subforums. Thanks. |
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Post by Dan D'Silva on Nov 20, 2024 21:59:02 GMT
Under $200 might be tough if you're picky. If you're willing to double your budget, Arms and Armor's bare blades are probably the best you'll get. By live do you mean sharp? If so, this may be a bit strange, but I think you're best bet at your price will be to yank blades from jians. They'll have good edge geometry, roughly the right dimensions and weight, and can be found pretty cheap. I picked $200 as a cutoff because I have gotten a couple custom-made at that price, but with the number of projects I have on the drawing board, I would have to put them off for several years to save up. Plus if you get everything from the same maker, it all winds up looking the same.
I do mean sharp, or at least sharpenable, and stiff enough to be used as an actual thrusting weapon. A jian sounds like a good idea. I considered a Hanwei Hsu jian but since they're out of production it looks like they're not easy to find. Thank you.
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Post by curiomansion on Nov 21, 2024 7:55:47 GMT
Under $200 might be tough if you're picky. If you're willing to double your budget, Arms and Armor's bare blades are probably the best you'll get. By live do you mean sharp? If so, this may be a bit strange, but I think you're best bet at your price will be to yank blades from jians. They'll have good edge geometry, roughly the right dimensions and weight, and can be found pretty cheap. I picked $200 as a cutoff because I have gotten a couple custom-made at that price, but with the number of projects I have on the drawing board, I would have to put them off for several years to save up. Plus if you get everything from the same maker, it all winds up looking the same.
I do mean sharp, or at least sharpenable, and stiff enough to be used as an actual thrusting weapon. A jian sounds like a good idea. I considered a Hanwei Hsu jian but since they're out of production it looks like they're not easy to find. Thank you.
I did recently pick up a Cold Steel Colichemarde from Midway USA for about $230. Wonderful sword for the price. Not a bare blade, but a sword in your period and basically in your price range. You'd have to dismount it, which shouldn't be that hard. |
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Post by Dan D'Silva on Nov 22, 2024 13:49:17 GMT
Well, I don't want to reject any suggestion out-of-hand, but $230 would take longer to save up for than a $200 bare blade. Also, while I understand colichemardes existed by the late 17th century, for the smallswords I'm kinda looking for a more archaic blade type like a shortened double-edged rapier, with a hexagonal or diamond cross section and possibly a fuller. The others really need a diamond cross section. Attachments:
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mrstabby
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Post by mrstabby on Nov 22, 2024 14:06:55 GMT
Stupid idea maybe, but contact LK Chen if they would sell you a bare Han or Ming Jian blade, most of the price of these swords is in the fittings after all.
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Post by curiomansion on Nov 22, 2024 17:16:23 GMT
You have some tough parameters. My suggestion would be to learn how to grind yourself if budget is that big of an issue. That Rogue Steel schlager would normally be my suggestion. Otherwise at that price you could probably buy a few indian made swords, or chinese made jians and disassemble. You have makers like Castile who can also supply blades, but not with an edge. castillearmory.com/product/spadroon-blade/castillearmory.com/product/basic-rapier-blade/ |
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Post by Dan D'Silva on Nov 24, 2024 18:48:56 GMT
Stupid idea maybe, but contact LK Chen if they would sell you a bare Han or Ming Jian blade, most of the price of these swords is in the fittings after all. Thanks for the idea, I'll look them up. Wouldn't call it stupid -- the worst possible response would just be "no," so like I say, never hurts to ask. |
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Post by Dan D'Silva on Nov 24, 2024 18:51:00 GMT
You have some tough parameters. My suggestion would be to learn how to grind yourself if budget is that big of an issue. That Rogue Steel schlager would normally be my suggestion. Otherwise at that price you could probably buy a few indian made swords, or chinese made jians and disassemble. You have makers like Castile who can also supply blades, but not with an edge. castillearmory.com/product/spadroon-blade/castillearmory.com/product/basic-rapier-blade/Thanks.
By the way, any thoughts on Hanwei's practical tai chi sword? It is the narrowest-bladed "real" jian I've seen by a reputable maker and the blade might do for certain American Civil War militia swords. The fluted grip might also be reusable if it's not too big.
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mrstabby
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Post by mrstabby on Nov 24, 2024 18:55:55 GMT
The Tai Chi is what they call "semi rigid", I bet it's not enough for you when the rapier blades aren't rigid enough. Probably pretty similar to those, although the shorter ones should be better. I can't bend the Gale wind or my other "rigid" Ming Jian like that.
BTW just remembered LK Chen also has a few rapiers now, maybe even could get one of those blades.
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