10 things to concider b4 buying a sword
Original Poster: BLACK PANTA
Forum: Martial Arts Weapons
Posted On: 16-10-2006, 02:52
Orginal Post: BLACK PANTA: http://www.bugei.com/tenthings.html
from Bugei.com
Post: MrPeabody:
I wanna pick one up when i'm teaching in Japan.>
Post: zefff:
Here is my 10 things to consider (Answer each one honestly then proceed):
1) Why do you want it?
2) Why do you really want it?
3) Can you use it?
4) Could you really use it for practice?
5) Do you live with your parents or alone?
6)Do you find yourself regularly excluded from groups and have you ever been called a weirdo by your peers?
7) Do you have a counsellor, probation officer, psychologist or social worker?
8) Have you taught yourself to use nuchuku at any time in your life?
9) Do you eat, sleep and breathe martial arts and have a bruce lee poster on our wall?
10) Do you make a "WAAAAATAHHHH!!!" sound twice a day and carry a pained expression or furrowed brow for no rational reason whatsoever?
answers:
1-5 = please be responsible and do not practice in the livingroom next to expensive ornaments and electrical goods.
5-10 = why not save money and order the 'rickety bamboo baby cart' with flip-out spears and darts. Those assasins intent on your demise wont know what hit em! Go on, listen to the voices in your head and order today! ;)>
Post: nbotary:
Zefff - I think I'm a combination of all ten... :lol: :lol: :lol:>
Post: Iron Knuckles:
LOL zefff.. thanks for the laugh and the reality check.>
Post: NathanRahl:
[quote=zefff Here is my 10 things to consider (Answer each one honestly then proceed):
1) Why do you want it?
2) Why do you really want it?
3) Can you use it?
4) Could you really use it for practice?
5) Do you live with your parents or alone?
6)Do you find yourself regularly excluded from groups and have you ever been called a weirdo by your peers?
10 things to consider in practical real world terms, here you go.
1. First, what kind of steel is it, this is rather important actually.
2. Will doe's it have a full tang, a push tang, or a rat tail. Is it penned, how is it held together.
3. What will you be using it for. Cutting siolids, cutting air, what exactly?
4. Do all the parts fit aolidly together, no rattle.
5. Does the blade fit securely into the scabbrd, without excess rattle.
6. Is the blade able to pass several flex tests without staying bent, this tells you if it is heat treated properly or not, very important.
7. What is the grip made out of, hardwood or soft. Avoid hard wood, doe's not absorb vibration nearly as well as a softer wood.
8. Edge angle. How sharp is this sword, and what kind of edge angle does it have. Is it heavily beveled, or not at all, or somewhere in between. This will greatly effect both the sound as well as the overal cutting of the sword, so pay careful attention to this. If it is not beveled at all, like many Japanese swords are, your not resharpening it yourself, so keep things like this in mind.
9. Blade length, and over all length. Is the sword too long for you. If you can not hold it parallel to the floor without the point clearing it by at least two inches, then the blade along is too long. Some people say one inch is enough, until they see sparks flying from where it scraped along concrete. Two to three inches.
10. Look at the blades balance, is it suitable for cutting, and for what you will be doing? Typically 5 inches is a good balance point for cutting. Lower, down to 4, is also acceptable. Any lower and it's cutting abilty decreases really. How doe's the blade feel, this is important, looks are largely irrelevant.
11. Weight. Most people use a sword far too heavy. Weight is one of the major things with a sword that throw off ones technique and control. too many think it is macho to use a big swod, and kep trying and trying to master a blade, even though it may be far too heavy. Lighter is better, to a point. That point being as long as it has enough meat to it to stand up to cutting bone, and meeting other steel, if necessary.
There are actually more categories I could list, however I wil leave it at 11. Basically chosing a good sword includes many factors, so you shoudl not take it lightly, or do it quickly. Take care.
7) Do you have a counsellor, probation officer, psychologist or social worker?
8) Have you taught yourself to use nuchuku at any time in your life?
9) Do you eat, sleep and breathe martial arts and have a bruce lee poster on our wall?
10) Do you make a "WAAAAATAHHHH!!!" sound twice a day and carry a pained expression or furrowed brow for no rational reason whatsoever?
answers:
1-5 = please be responsible and do not practice in the livingroom next to expensive ornaments and electrical goods.
5-10 = why not save money and order the 'rickety bamboo baby cart' with flip-out spears and darts. Those assasins intent on your demise wont know what hit em! Go on, listen to the voices in your head and order today! ;)[/quote >
Post: NathanRahl:
10 things to consider in practical real world terms, here you go.
1. First, what kind of steel is it, this is rather important actually.
2. Doe's it have a full tang, a push tang, or a rat tail. Is it pinned, how exactly is it held together?
3. What will you be using it for? Cutting solids, cutting air, what exactly?
4. Do all the parts fit solidly together, with no rattle?
5. Does the blade fit securely into the scabbard, without excess rattle?
6. Is the blade able to pass several flex tests without staying bent, this tells you if it is heat treated properly or not, very important.
7. What is the grip made out of, hardwood or soft. Avoid hard wood, doe's not absorb vibration nearly as well as a softer wood.
8. Edge angle? How sharp is this sword, and what kind of edge angle does it have? Is it heavily beveled, or not at all, or somewhere in between. This will greatly effect both the sound as well as the overall cutting of the sword, so pay careful attention to this. If it is not beveled at all, like many Japanese swords, your not resharpening it yourself, so keep things like this in mind.
9. Blade length, and over all length. Is the sword too long for you. If you can not hold it parallel to the floor without the point clearing it by at least two inches, then the blade is too long. Some people say one inch is enough, until they see sparks flying from where it scraped along concrete. Two to three inches.
10. Look at the blades balance, is it suitable for cutting, and for what you will be doing? Typically 5 inches is a good balance point for cutting. Lower, down to 4, is also acceptable. Any lower and it's cutting ability decreases really. How doe's the blade feel, this is important, looks are largely irrelevant.
11. Weight. Most people use a sword far too heavy. Weight is one of the major things with a sword that throws off ones technique and control. Too many think it is macho to use a big or heavy sword, and keep trying and trying to master a blade, even though it may be far too heavy for them. Lighter is better, to a point. That point being as long as it has enough meat to it to stand up to cutting bone, and meeting other steel, if necessary.
The Japanese swords, being very thick, are often used as a model for how thick a sword should be. This is rather misleading. Japanese swords were so thick more so they could be repolished many more times before they were useless, then for any real practicality. 1/4 to 5/16 of an inch at the base were not uncommon, nd many did not taper very much, both in thickness or width. 3/16 as a sworss thickness is actually acceptable, as long as it is the right steel and made expertly, which is hard to find cheap. Honestly it is hard to find period. Yes thicker at the base can be fine, but most smiths just don't taper it enough from base to point to give it acceptable weight and balance, it's a shame. Many smiths fancy themselves swordsman, and think they know what a swordsman needs, truth is they are just wannabes. They often don't know what a swordsman really needs, they are sword makers, not realy sword users. This is another reason why it is so hard to find swords with grips that are not super thick, or thin, or properly balanced. *Sigh*
There are actually more categories I could list, however I wil leave it at 11. Basically chosing a good sword includes many factors, so you should not take it lightly, or do it quickly. Take care.>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
I just bought a new Bud K Katana.
Because I like to chop some pumpkins in the fall and watermelon in the summer.
We have a watermelon chop on the 4th of July. Then a Pumkin Chop the weekend after Halloween.
We also wet down cardboard and roll it up. This has worked okay for cutting.
I do it because it is fun. I have no delusions of being a swordsman.
I could take most idiots that picked up a bokken but little else. So I stick to my faithful adivisaries the pumpkin and watermelon.>
Post: NathanRahl:
[quote=Robert_RedBeard I just bought a new Bud K Katana.
Because I like to chop some pumpkins in the fall and watermelon in the summer.
We have a watermelon chop on the 4th of July. Then a Pumkin Chop the weekend after Halloween.
We also wet down cardboard and roll it up. This has worked okay for cutting.
I do it because it is fun. I have no delusions of being a swordsman.
I could take most idiots that picked up a bokken but little else. So I stick to my faithful adivisaries the pumpkin and watermelon.[/quote
Yikes, which Katana did you buy. I am very familiar with Bud K. Most of what they sell is Junk, thought they have started to carry some higher end blades made by cold steel, and some other as of yet unkwown Chinese smiths. Well, unknown to most. Cutting pumpkins though is a low enough risk activity, however many of their katana's could not handle it. It is good that you could take most idiots with your Boken, though idiots provide little challenge. Hope that Bud K works out for you, was it a higher end or lower end commercial piece?>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
[quote=NathanRahl [quote=Robert_RedBeard I just bought a new Bud K Katana.
Because I like to chop some pumpkins in the fall and watermelon in the summer.
We have a watermelon chop on the 4th of July. Then a Pumkin Chop the weekend after Halloween.
We also wet down cardboard and roll it up. This has worked okay for cutting.
I do it because it is fun. I have no delusions of being a swordsman.
I could take most idiots that picked up a bokken but little else. So I stick to my faithful adivisaries the pumpkin and watermelon.[/quote
Yikes, which Katana did you buy. I am very familiar with Bud K. Most of what they sell is Junk, thought they have started to carry some higher end blades made by cold steel, and some other as of yet unkwown Chinese smiths. Well, unknown to most. Cutting pumpkins though is a low enough risk activity, however many of their katana's could not handle it. It is good that you could take most idiots with your Boken, though idiots provide little challenge. Hope that Bud K works out for you, was it a higher end or lower end commercial piece?[/quote
So far I have 2 Bud K Swords.
The Full Tang Katana: It was in some ugly shape. Bad edge and the hendle was very slick. Plus the Scabbard sucked.
I have had the Full Tang for many years now. Bought it for $50.
I spent a week hand sharpening it and making a new scabbard. I also burned a checker pattern into the handle as well as modify the tip.
The New one:
Item # BK1100 $80
3/4 tang.
Very Sharp
Traditional katana shaped blade.
I haven't taken it apart yet to check it out. So I am not sure about the shape of the tang. It does feel a little loose. But that is nothing a little taking it apart and fitting it better won't do.
My first Martial Art was Robert Bussey's Ninjutsu. I don't think he even calls it Ninjutsu anymore. I learned the wonderful skill of tinkering to make things better from my teacher.
So far I am imoressed with the Full Tang Katana. I have cut many pumpkin and watermelon. As well as about wrist sized trees and bicep sized rolls of damp cardboard. I use it as a machete when we are clearing out brush at the range.
P.S.
My Full Tang has bitten many a fool. People that have thought they could handle it after my many warnings of how sharp it was. One guy just grabbed the thing and started flipping it around.
He lost it in mid swing and then tried to catch it by the blade. Messed his hand up.
Another fool about gutted me when she grabbed it all the sudden and swung at a pumpkin. Almost got me with the follow through. Luck that I am fast. If I hadn't moved it would have gutted me. It missed so close that I wasn't sure it missed.
Many moons ago I stabbed myself in the back. That was real funny. LOL>
Post: NathanRahl:
Hmm, redbeard, I am going to offer you some unsolicited advice, which I now people hate, and might make you mad, but here goe's.
You need to take the sword more seriously, cause from your writing it sounds like you take it very lightly. If you ever got into real combat with someon like myself, you would lose. You must take it more seriously, it's not a game.
There, and if your mad, I am sorry, but I hate to see someone who is into swords not take them with the utmost seriousness.
As for improving things, I know what you mean. I ued to do that a long time ago, then I become tired of weilding junk, so I started making my own swords, but that's another story entirely. Take care.>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
[quote=NathanRahl Hmm, redbeard, I am going to offer you some unsolicited advice, which I now people hate, and might make you mad, but here goe's.
You need to take the sword more seriously, cause from your writing it sounds like you take it very lightly. If you ever got into real combat with someon like myself, you would lose. You must take it more seriously, it's not a game.
There, and if your mad, I am sorry, but I hate to see someone who is into swords not take them with the utmost seriousness.
As for improving things, I know what you mean. I ued to do that a long time ago, then I become tired of weilding junk, so I started making my own swords, but that's another story entirely. Take care.[/quote
The sword is just as much a tool as it is a weapon for me.
I do not take it as serious as I did years ago. Frankly I haven't had the training partner or time. But I do use my swords and try to break them.
I do try to cut right and gauge how well I am doing by how well I cut.
Against a highly trained swordsman I shoot first. LOL!
If the sword is all I have may fate be kind to me. I have no ego about it so no need to be angry at anyone for pointing out my lack of prowess.
My teacher calls me intermediate skilled.>
Post: NathanRahl:
Well it's good you don't have the hue ego, I see that too often. It really holds someone back, doesn't help them, don't know why more people don't see that.
While I don't try to break my swords, I do test them, and I am not happy with a sword that doe's not pass my tests. Cutting is not the hardest thing for a sword to pass though. If the blade is thick enough it can still be heat treated not so well but still stay in shape. Try and bend it though, and all that focused force on such a small area tell you if it has really been properly heat treated.
If your looking for good swords, I can hook you up. Being in china there are many excellent smiths here. Don't believe the BS, china has some of very skilled and proficient swords makers. Also has a lot of factories that pump out crap. Those are the business which have given cutlery from china a bad name.>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
My new blade says hand made in China.
Whatever that means.
I like to test through abuse. If it don't bend or break when I am cutting through a small tree, I judge it as okay. I have never had the chance to mess with a real nice sword. Hell, I wouldn't knwo what to do with it if I did.
But I do love having them and chopping my pumpkins. It is something fun to do on the holidays. Plus it has shown how most store bought swords can't even handle the pumpkin chop. We have broken many store bought swords doing just that.
If any of you guys are interested. I do have many old European sword manuals. I also have the ARMA's Knightly Art of the Long Sword. Most are on PDF. I can see abotu putting them up on a bittorrent.>
Post: NathanRahl:
Well yes, cutting through a small tree is certainly good. Tecnicaly speaking, this is something your never supposed to do tough, since even the best made blades can break.
You see a tree is your immoveable object, theres no where for your swords force to go. Another blade, or person, is not rooted to the ground, nor do they weigh many tons, so you see the problem.
That said, I did plenty of tree cutting when I was younger, and you do have to have atleast decent cutting technique, or you'll be breaknig swords.
And yeah, the whole commercial sword deal makes me sad. It's true that most of them won't even cut a pumpkin.>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
Well, I tested teh new sword.
Let's call it Phase One Testing.
I took some foam pipe insulators. Kinda like pool noodles but much cheaper.
I mopunt them on a broom stick. Just the end of the broomstick into the end of the foam tube.
Then I cut slowly. As in not full speed. This way I can see how it cuts when I cut right. You can kinda tell by how it cuts throught he foam.
My best sword so far took a pretty good swing to cut the tubes clean.
This new one cut them clean first time every time. Very little power otehr than the motion of the sword was needed.
I also bent it a bit and released it. Did some stabbing into 2x4's and slapping it broadside along a 2x4.
Nothing has hurt it so far.
I am encouraged. Though it still needs some mods. New handle and decorations for one. It is a little loose. That is totally fixable.
I like. It shall dispatch many a pumpkin, faithfully.>
Post: NathanRahl:
[quote=Robert_RedBeard Well, I tested teh new sword.
Let's call it Phase One Testing.
I took some foam pipe insulators. Kinda like pool noodles but much cheaper.
I mopunt them on a broom stick. Just the end of the broomstick into the end of the foam tube.
Then I cut slowly. As in not full speed. This way I can see how it cuts when I cut right. You can kinda tell by how it cuts throught he foam.
My best sword so far took a pretty good swing to cut the tubes clean.
This new one cut them clean first time every time. Very little power otehr than the motion of the sword was needed.
I also bent it a bit and released it. Did some stabbing into 2x4's and slapping it broadside along a 2x4.
Nothing has hurt it so far.
I am encouraged. Though it still needs some mods. New handle and decorations for one. It is a little loose. That is totally fixable.
I like. It shall dispatch many a pumpkin, faithfully.[/quote
What doe's this sword look like, do you have a pic. Usually bud k posts their ites online. I am simply curious. HOw is it put together, is it pinned, or the old rat tail design?
I remember going out and cutting down trees with a reproduction Tachi made by UC a long long time ago, two of them actually. Had I known what I do now, never would have. never had a problem with the blades though, although this may have to do with my proper cutting technique more then it did the metal. However, they never bent, broke, or had any such problem, though they were a 420 stainless. This hd something to do with the fact that they were properly heat treated. The steel is important, however proper heat treatment is much more important really.
I know the full tang sword you talkind about earlier, owned it myself once. Tangs that thick are great, except that the grip is too smooth, and often too thick to allow wrapping it, which would just add to the thickness problem. Also they always come with an aluminum scabbrd, whch is a dumb idea.
There are quitwe a few versions, generally the best ones tend to be mae in china, imagine that. UC makes one, but the heat treatment is kind of spotty/ Also, the full tang is nice, but make's the balance point a little to low for my taste.
Part of me still wishes I had my shop, but making custom made swords never paid well. Have a lot of free time hjere in china, wish I had somewhere I could work. Theres and old man down the road who runs a forge, might have a word or two with him about that. He lready makes decent blades, so should not be a problem.
Glad the sword is working out for you, let me know about the tang, construction, and a pic if you got it, then I can tell you who or where made it. Take care.>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
I had the same problem with the handle on my full tang. It was way to slick. Found that out the day I was swinging it and sweating at the same time.
It actually concerned me when I got it. figured it may be hard to keep ahold ofthe thing if it ever got bloody. So I spent several hours the next day with my wood burner and carved checkering into the handle like a pistols grip has.
It stays in the bare hand much better now. Even when wet.
The handle on this new one is pinned in two places. On about an inch below the tsuba and the other about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way down the handle.
I'll see if I can take some pictures.>
Post: NathanRahl:
[quote=Robert_RedBeard I had the same problem with the handle on my full tang. It was way to slick. Found that out the day I was swinging it and sweating at the same time.
It actually concerned me when I got it. figured it may be hard to keep ahold ofthe thing if it ever got bloody. So I spent several hours the next day with my wood burner and carved checkering into the handle like a pistols grip has.
It stays in the bare hand much better now. Even when wet.
The handle on this new one is pinned in two places. On about an inch below the tsuba and the other about 1/2 to 2/3 of the way down the handle.
I think I know what you have. Bud K has been selling some hanf made katanas from china that are decent replicas for the price. Overall quality of them is crap, yes, compared to the finest made pieces, but for the money they are very decent. Are the grips wrapped,and if so with what, cotton, or nylon. Better repro's will have cotton, while the cheaper ones will have nylon. Nylon is a sythenthetic, and will give a poor grip, cotton is much much better. If you payed 90 you did ok, though I could get them for 50 in the states myself, but I know where to shop, and have done some wholesaling of blades in my time.
The sword you got has a thick blade I am guessing. I am a one handed swordsman, I never use two hands. I would suggest, if you want to gain truely high skill level, to start using only one hand. It is the most proper way to use a sword. it takes a great deal more strength, control, and dexterity, is much harder, but will yield results that yuo will be surprised with. Many can not however, and the amount of control needed to wielsd a full katan without a fuller and a full tang on it is not easy. This is one reason you always see anyone and everyone who uses a katana using two hands. That and one hand katana use it not a popular style in Japan, though it is superior. Learning sword is hard enough for most I suppose *sigh* it really is the most proper way though. before you know it you will have forearms like popeye. If you'd like to talk more of forum about enhancing your sword work, I'd be happy to talk to you. Take care.
I'll see if I can take some pictures.[/quote >
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
Here are some pictures
New Blade's Pictures:
Old Blade's handle mods:
The handle of the new one is wrapped in cotton. We nicked one of them while cutting today. Jim hit one of the screws on the cutting platform when he over cut.>
Post: NathanRahl:
Not a bad job on the full tang, very good in fact. I see you put some norse runes on the grip. I take it you have been into western style fighting as well, some type of re-enactment and such? SCA perhaps?
The bud k sword looks ok, it did not come with the case I take it, not for 90 bucks. Loks like something that would come with a masahiro.
Where did you get the wood burner you used to make the checker grip anyhow, would love to get one when I return to the states, that is if I return. Everything is so damn cheap here, the yuan goe's a long as way here.
I don't know that I would have placed those tunes where you did though, your looking at a less sure grip because of the being there.
I see you did not wish to talk more about expaning your katana useage into the double sword realm, thats cool, though I think it's a mistake.
If you ever want something better then those swords, let me know, can hook you up with smiths here who make some very nice custom swords, and for dirt cheap, seeing as our money is worth 8 times more then theirs. Later ;)>
Post: angryrocker4:
You're still here?>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
[quote=NathanRahl Not a bad job on the full tang, very good in fact. I see you put some norse runes on the grip. I take it you have been into western style fighting as well, some type of re-enactment and such? SCA perhaps?
The bud k sword looks ok, it did not come with the case I take it, not for 90 bucks. Loks like something that would come with a masahiro.
Where did you get the wood burner you used to make the checker grip anyhow, would love to get one when I return to the states, that is if I return. Everything is so damn cheap here, the yuan goe's a long as way here.
I don't know that I would have placed those tunes where you did though, your looking at a less sure grip because of the being there.
I see you did not wish to talk more about expaning your katana useage into the double sword realm, thats cool, though I think it's a mistake.
If you ever want something better then those swords, let me know, can hook you up with smiths here who make some very nice custom swords, and for dirt cheap, seeing as our money is worth 8 times more then theirs. Later ;)[/quote
The runes are on the outside of the handle. Not inside against the palm.
So far it has worked pretty good. Even wet. At least it hasn't ever flown out of my hand.
And yes, the new one came with a case and a protective bag.
I got the wood burner at :evil: WalMart :evil:
came with several tips. Made in china. LOL>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
Videos up here:
Redbeard and Arsnel's Pumpkin Chop Videos>
Post: NathanRahl:
[quote=Robert_RedBeard [quote=NathanRahl Not a bad job on the full tang, very good in fact. I see you put some norse runes on the grip. I take it you have been into western style fighting as well, some type of re-enactment and such? SCA perhaps?
The bud k sword looks ok, it did not come with the case I take it, not for 90 bucks. Loks like something that would come with a masahiro.
Where did you get the wood burner you used to make the checker grip anyhow, would love to get one when I return to the states, that is if I return. Everything is so damn cheap here, the yuan goe's a long as way here.
I don't know that I would have placed those tunes where you did though, your looking at a less sure grip because of the being there.
I see you did not wish to talk more about expaning your katana useage into the double sword realm, thats cool, though I think it's a mistake.
If you ever want something better then those swords, let me know, can hook you up with smiths here who make some very nice custom swords, and for dirt cheap, seeing as our money is worth 8 times more then theirs. Later ;)[/quote
The runes are on the outside of the handle. Not inside against the palm.
So far it has worked pretty good. Even wet. At least it hasn't ever flown out of my hand.
And yes, the new one came with a case and a protective bag.
I got the wood burner at :evil: WalMart :evil:
came with several tips. Made in china. LOL[/quote
LOL, may be made in china, but things like that are not easy to find hear. There are no wal-marts where I am, and thats a real specialty item here, would have to contact my business partners, get a translator, then run around all day trying to find a store that carried something like that. No thanks, no need for it right now anyhow. I am surprised it came with a bag and a case. The case probably is just play wood or worse, how much did you pay for the sword again, will check online at their sight. Still not a bad deal.>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
I paid $80.
Box and all.>
Post: NathanRahl:
Hello bamboo, I realized you were against me, but to erase a post for no reason, no good reason, mod abuse. That post was exactly what Redbeard asked for, honest critiquwe, and I gave it. That post also illustrated I have a very high working knowledge of swordsmanship, is that perahsp why you erased it. Or was it just pure spite. Of course you can say waht you like, that it was bad or something, no one can refute you, except me, since it is gone. I tell you bamboo, you have got to be the worst mod I have ever seen. erasing perfectly fine posts for perfectly selfish reasons, your a joke.
When I edit a post I do it like this , I didn't touch your post -bamboo>
Post: angryrocker4:
How come everyone's laughing at you then?>
Post: NathanRahl:
[quote=angryrocker4 How come everyone's laughing at you then?[/quote
Your everyone, doe's everyone else know your everyone? Talk about delusions of grandeur. Have you seen a therapist yet about this problem yet?>
Post: angryrocker4:
Yes but the voices didnt like him. Just because others dont openly say it, doesnt make me wrong there. We have a pm system here in case you forgot, but I'm sure you havent since you've sent 6 to me already.>
Post: Haas:
I am afraid he is speeking for everyone Nathan. And I am sure if we had a vote on wether or not everyone (that is on this form mind you) is laughing at you I am sure you would get the point by now that you are annoying.>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
More pictures.
While you guys have been chatting. I have been tearing things apart.
I tore it all the way apart and tightened up the tsuba. Rewrapped the handle a bit tighter and without the gold charms. Not to keen on shine.
But that's the tang.>
Post: angryrocker4:
And me and Haas dont agree half the time if I remember correctly.....>
Post: angryrocker4:
Red: neat stuff man, keep posting, sorry for interrupting you.>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
If anyone else would like to comment in my video thread. I would welcome it.
I don't even care if NathanRahl comments. I'll take anything that sounds rational and shows an improvement when cutting.
I am going to wet down some cardboard and roll it up for my next feat of daring.
Oh, must remember the ball bat.
We did use a ball bat to pound that wonderful chopping stand into the turf. It's just a mailbox post we bought. We are going to add a couple features. A better vertical hold and a horizontal hold.
Should be fun.>
Post: zefff:
Thanks for the posts RedBeard!
All I would say is regardless of style and what you know or might not know, just relax. If you relax and dont force cuts you will start to feel whats happening in your own body and also whats happening with the target as its molecules split apart.
Try to imagine the target splitting before your blade rather than your blade actually making the target split. That way of thinking might help to reduce you forcing your way through a cut.
Practice thrusts too, not just cuts and practice them in conjunction with a simple, direct parry or step.
Maybe hanging the pumpkins from a tree might be better than the birdtable?
peace>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
Thanks Zefff.
I will try to focus a little more on what I am doing too. MAybe visualization will help. Like in basketball. LOL!
Where do i get those nifty tatami mats or something equally useful for cutting? Do they have that kinda stuff at :evil: WalMart :evil: ? Or the dollar store?
I use pool noodles sometimes too. Much harder to cut than you would think.>
Post: zefff:
WHat the hell is a pool noodle??? :lol:>
Post: NathanRahl:
[quote=zefff WHat the hell is a pool noodle??? :lol:[/quote
Zeff, tell me you did not tel him to imagine the molecules being cut, or some other such nonsense. Relax? I am going to refrain from critquing your advice zef, since I have no doubt you would object.>
Post: NathanRahl:
[quote=Haas I am afraid he is speeking for everyone Nathan. And I am sure if we had a vote on wether or not everyone (that is on this form mind you) is laughing at you I am sure you would get the point by now that you are annoying.[/quote
I'm sorry to hear that Hass, I do not doubt under different circumstances, and were you not so hostile, that we could have been friends. A shame, well, take care.>
Post: zefff:
Read my post again but more slowly this time as I didnt say what you gathered so you are wrong. Infact it is your reply that is based on nonsense my freind, as you and it are in error.
If you wanted to help RRB you would critique my post to raise the level of understanding in us all. Do you see how these forums work now? You have my full blessing to go ahead and extrapolate the correct from my posts.
peace>
Post: angryrocker4:
My point is proven twice more.>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
[quote=zefff WHat the hell is a pool noodle??? :lol:[/quote
foam tubes used as pool toy/floatation device.>
Post: Bloodybirds:
Now, Nathan, that was some cool advice.....that was helpful, fascinating, and useful. Would you alter the rules at all for the Chinese swords, or are those rules congruent for both Japanese/Chinese swords from a composition and manufacturing standpoint. Have you observed, in the making of both swords, folding or other composite difference, including the thickness, in considering production?
This applies to anyone out there. Here in Texas we have a company called Angel Swords in Austin that makes wonderful Japanese, Chinese, and European swords at relatively expensive prices...but their balance is exceptional and mindful of one's size in relationship to the sword.>
Post: angryrocker4:
I heard of them, do they have good axes and broad swords?>
Post: Bloodybirds:
They have great axes, broadswords, fencing, Japanese, even Indonesian snake swords!! I will try to find out their website so you can explore! And, the owner is both a tai chi sword master and a master swordsmith. They are in the hills (yes I know that hills are a relative term in Texas...lol) near Austin and usually show up at the Texas Ren. Festival in Magnolia, Tx. I will try to get the info.>
Post: Haas:
[quote=NathanRahl [quote=Haas I am afraid he is speeking for everyone Nathan. And I am sure if we had a vote on wether or not everyone (that is on this form mind you) is laughing at you I am sure you would get the point by now that you are annoying.[/quote
I'm sorry to hear that Hass, I do not doubt under different circumstances, and were you not so hostile, that we could have been friends. A shame, well, take care.[/quote
perhaps, if you took the time to spell my name right, as I did yours.>
Post: Bloodybirds:
Angry, the website for Angel Swords is www.angelsword.com...enjoy!!!>
Post: Haas:
link dosent work lol ^_^>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
take off the ...enjoy part of the URL.>
Post: Bloodybirds:
Haas, www.angelsword.com does not work? It worked here. Maybe you have to put http:// first? Dammit, Jim, I'm a martial artist and financial analyst, not an IT....LOL! Sorry buddy!! Angry, were you able to connect?>
Post: angryrocker4:
I found my new toy. :D Thanks BB>
Post: Bloodybirds:
Angry, when you and the others come down next summer, if we can get that together, we will take a trip to Austin to Angel swords and we can all have fun!!! You welcome....now please control your axe fondling urges, please!!!! :wink: :wink:>
Post: Marishiten:
I'd figured this was a good excuse to do my introductory post:
swords
1) Why do you want it? because I need it for training
2) Why do you really want it? because I need it for training and because I appreciate a good sword.
3) Can you use it? relatively speaking, yes
4) Could you really use it for practice? you bet
5) Do you live with your parents or alone? with one parent
6)Do you find yourself regularly excluded from groups and have you ever been called a weirdo by your peers? yes and yes
7) Do you have a counsellor, probation officer, psychologist or social worker? nope
Cool Have you taught yourself to use nuchuku at any time in your life? nope
9) Do you eat, sleep and breathe martial arts and have a bruce lee poster on our wall? yes yes yes, and no
10) Do you make a "WAAAAATAHHHH!!!" sound twice a day and carry a pained expression or furrowed brow for no rational reason whatsoever? ......no
also you guys are complete wacks - do any of you actually seriously train?>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
I used to train.
I call fitness training and getting in the ring with anyone I could serious.
I fell out of it. But I am in the process of getting back on the horse.
I chop stuff for fun. Sure I may have to use my pumpkin chopping skills on a bad guy or gal. So far I haven't and do not foresee it as something likely.
But it is still fun to me. And I still like to fight.>
Post: angryrocker4:
Yep many of us seriously train/fight/compete. Nothing wrong with being wacks and having fun.>
Post: zefff:
Welcome Marishiten!
Yes I would say all regular members do train seriously. We cant be serious all the time though. :)>
Post: bamboo:
Welcome to FightAuthority.com
I know I train. I spent my 20's training every single day.
I swing my boken most days as a form of moving meditation. I train empty hand a few times week now that I have a family.
Yes, I am a wack.
So are most here.
We seem to draw in the wackos...welcome. :)
Sooo, do you do formal training or is it more of a solo fun thing?
-bamboo>
Post: Bloodybirds:
Trained for years and continue to do so....but without humor the pain will only make you cry.....LOL...much more internal than external now though. No more jumping around and flying through the air....hard to root when ya do that!! Welcome to the forums!!! Love your avatar!!>
Post: samurai6string:
Was a wrestler all through school, studied Kodenkan Jujustsu starting in my early teens through early twenties. 26 now and I go to college, work, etc. but still run, lift, do bag work and occasionally spar with old training partners. Currently looking for a new dojo, may have found one. I take pride (as I'm sure everyone else here does) in being a complete nut-job. How about yourself?>
Post: Bloodybirds:
You cannot be a martial artist and not be a little bit of a nut job....who would usually voluntarily let someone else hit you, play with sharp objects all the time, lose family due to time spent in the old days, and be on a forum like this with the other crazies....we are not well!!! :lol: :lol:>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
Nah, it's the rest of the world that's nuts.
Yep!
That's it.>
Post: Bloodybirds:
Redbeard, okay to be nuts but do not be simultaneously delusional!!! :lol: :lol: :P>
Post: Marishiten:
yeh I train formally 5 hours a week, informally, about 1-3. But if someone has never had any formal training I don't think they'd get very far just swinging a bokken around unless they know what they're doing. Same goes for cutting. So many people have seriously injured themselves because they didn't know anything about swords or even how to hold it properly.
As for whacks, I meant it in the best possible sense :lol:>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
Well, I do know how to hold it. A few other basics.
And I know how stupid it is to flip the thing around. What do you use all that flipping around for in a fight anyway. Anyone I have ever sparred with a bokken that used flashy moves got stuck.
Plus as I have said before, I have seen plenty of people hurt themselves becuse they were doing something they shouldn't be trying with a sword.
Oh, and I won't try to cut anything with a sword I don't think will handle it.>
Post: Marishiten:
haha wise words Robert.>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
Here's an update on my rewrap of that new swords handle.
For those that just joined us, the Tsuba was a little loose. So I had to totally dismantle it. This included having to do a dreaded rewrap.
I always manage to do an ugly job. But I may be getting better. I need instructions on how to tie that knot that holds the little cap thing on the end of the handle. Other than that, I think I gotthe wrapping technique almost down.
Here's pictures:
>
Post: Marishiten:
hey that looks exactly the same as one of the boxes I have... where did you get the sword from, did it come with the box? I'm not sure how you could tie it, but the "cap thing" is the kashira.>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
Thanks for telling me the name.
I didn't have anything with a quick reference, so I just called it the cap thingy.
I know there is a certain knot used for it. I just haven't seen many good examples of it. So I could not replicate it.
I bought the sword at Sheel's All Sport. It came with a hardcase and a bag. There are more pictures of it around here some place on the forum.
I tore it totally apart to inspect the tang and other build features. I didn't wanna keep cutting things with it till I knew more about it's construction. Other than the metal being a little soft, I like this new sword.
BTW, I just got it a week ago.>
Post: bamboo:
Quote: But if someone has never had any formal training I don't think they'd get very far just swinging a bokken around unless they know what they're doing. Same goes for cutting. So many people have seriously injured themselves because they didn't know anything about swords or even how to hold it properly
Not sure if this was meant for me but just incase. I do have formal sword training so my swinging of the boken, use of fukoro shinai etc is done with actual understanding. I don't cut, I have no proper training in cutting.
Cheers,
bamboo>
Post: bamboo:
http://pages.prodigy.net/tlbuck/tsuka/tsuka.htm
For proper tying technique with pics and including the
kashira or as we now know it: "the cappy thing :D ".
-bamboo>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
That is awesome.
Thank you.
The little cap thingy is pleased.>
Post: samurai6string:
That's a pretty sweet lookin' sword ya got there, RR. I could never take something like that apart and do a rerap and all that jazz. 8O But, I see your electronics project board underneath the sword box, so I suppose you are mechanically and engineering inclined. :lol: Good job.>
Post: Bloodybirds:
RR, please send instructions!!! That was cool looking!! But I am good at a sailing bolen knot....LOL!!>
Post: Robert_RedBeard:
[quote=bamboo http://pages.prodigy.net/tlbuck/tsuka/tsuka.htm
For proper tying technique with pics and including the
kashira or as we now know it: "the cappy thing :D ".
-bamboo[/quote
This is what you are looking for Bloody!
I basically did the same thing except for using paper wedges as guides. I did mine free style.
Freestyle meaning I had no clue what I was doing. I just did it. LOL!
But Bamboo linked to solid how-to-do-it-right instructions.
Good Luck!>
Post: Bloodybirds:
Thanks RR and Bamboo!!!>
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