Swords and their history.

[Chako]

I was going to post this in the weapons of war thread...but thought that if I continue with the logical progression of each of the swords in my collection, it might sully that thread. So instead of doing that, I will post some sword history and the pieces I have in my own collection here. If anyone would like to contribute to this thread...by all means please do so.

First off, I am going to start of with my example of a Viking sword. Before I do so however, please follow the link to some real good Viking sword history and photographs.

http://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/manufacturing/text/viking_sword.htm

My example is a Tinker Pearce Viking Sword collaboration with Hanwei. Tinker Pearce teamed up with Hanwei to produce a series of swords for both martial artist, re-enactment, and collectors. The one I have is sharp and not the blunt version.

Oakeshott Type: X
Peterson's Type: E
OAL: 37-3/8 inches
Blade Length: 30-7/8 inches
Blade Width @ Base: 2-3/16 inches
Blade Width 5 inches from point: 1-1/2 inches
Blade thickness at base: .200 inch
Blade thickness 1 inch from tip: .085 inch
Distal taper is Straight
Hilt OAL: 6-1/2 inches
Handle length: 4 inches
COG: 4-3/4 inches from base of blade
Blade Node: 20-1/4 inches from base of blade
Primary Hilt Node: On handle approx 1/2 inch from cross
Weight: 2lb 8oz.

This sword was inspired by historical examples from the early 9th C. but was not copied from any specific sword, most notably finds from the area around Trondheim, Norway, where the circular indentation hilt decoration was popular. The scabbards are provided with suspension points and a period chape, giving the sheathed sword a very attractive appearance. The construction of the Viking "pair -sharp and blunt" differs from other swords in the Tinker series inasmuch as they are tang-riveted (peened) in period fashion at the pommel, primarily to satisfy Viking re-enactment requirements.















In use, it is important to hold the sword in the handshake grip, which will allow the pommel to slide past the heel of the hand. If you hold this type of sword wrong, the sharp end of the pommel will hit your hand and will cause a lot of pain to the user. In hindsight, Viking swords are not the most comfortable type of sword to swing around. The sword itself is fairly light and maneuverable and fairly sharp from the factory. There are some reports that some extra sharpening was required to get it up to speed...but I have found my example to be sharp enough. The Tinker Hanwei Viking sword is well built.

[Chako]

The Mortuary Hilt Sword, a subset of basket hilt swords of Britain.

Background history.

http://books.google.ca/books?id=x7rcopE_SmgC&pg=PA1&lpg=PA1&dq=mortuary+hilt+sword+history&source=bl&ots=J-2ghwcqZr&sig=SFIJnUQpVz-IURcxh1cIfDz-PUo&hl=en&sa=X&ei=pgvkUqOHGsSEygGzq4GoCw&ved=0CEwQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=mortuary%20hilt%20sword%20history&f=false

The example I have is a Sir Oliver Cromwell Mortuary hilt sword replica produced by CAS/Hanwei. The original, which is said to have been held during the battle of Drogheda in 1649, is today found in the collection at the Royal Armories in Leeds.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Drogheda

The handle is is 10 3/4", and the blade is 32 3/4" long.

This sword is the most decorative I have in my collection. It is a rather striking and beautiful mortuary hilt sword. CAS/Hanwei gave the sword a nice antique application all over which adds to the overall beauty of this show piece.





The hilt has a key that sets the sword into the sheath nicely.



The scabbard has nice decorative chaps designed for a sword belt frog. The furnishings are nice with the antiquing applied to them.





The pommel is nicely decorated with a gold leaf motif.



The handle features real ray skin with a wire wrapping for added grip.



Accents include wire Turkish head knots on the pommel.





As you can see, the sword offers plenty of protection to the users hand.

[microbe]

Very nice sword Chaco. I always wanted to have a real sword since my wood ones as a kid 
If I had the cash to spare I'd get me Zombietools Mac Daddy'O. 
For now, I will just look at your pics.

[Chako]

Third installment - Small Sword.

A little history of the small sword.

http://ahfi.org/weapon-descriptions/small-sword-court-sword-town-sword/

Typical of later styled small swords, this Cold Steel version features a triangular blade designed strictly for thrusting, and a common shell and light knuckle guard. The sword only weights 22.6 ounces. The small sword is a progression from the longer, heavier, and more unwieldy Rapier.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 31 1/4"
Overall Length:38 1/4"
Steel: 1055 Carbon
Weight: 22.6 oz
Handle: 7"
Scabbard: Leather Scabbard

Because this is a Cold Steel sword, you can't miss the usual Cold Steel video. 







I will have to say, the Cold Steel version of the small sword is beautiful and tastefully done.









The scabbard's hardware matches the sword nicely.





Here I am showing the light knuckle guard.

[Chako]

Thanks Microbe. I was always fascinated with military history, and for some reason, I love swords and sailing ships. I can't afford frigates and ships of the line, but I can indulge my interest with swords. I tried to get some key examples from the long history of swords. So I have a little of almost everything...it is by no means an extensive collection, and I do have holes in it from a purely historical timeline point of view. I have tried to stay away from purely decorative swords, preferring what people call "battle ready" swords. I still have my first which was a gift from my parents when I was in grade 10. It is a cheap Toledo junker that I have held onto for sentimental reasons. 

[jerseydevil]

Very nice Chako.  I currently don't have any swords, though two I'd love to have (preferably originals, but I'll take a good quality replica) are the US Army's Model 1850 field officer's sword and the Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber.  I've seen originals for sale.  One day......

[JAfromMn]

Excellent Thread

sorry I don't have anything to contribute

[Chako]

Forth installement - 1796 Light Cavalry Saber.

Some background history.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattern_1796_light_cavalry_sabre

The example I have here is produced by Cold Steel and comes with a polished steel scabbard.



Now this is a terrifying weapon to hold and to look at. This Saber is a pure slashing weapon that can also be used for thrusting. In fact, this weapon was so terrifying on the battlefield that the French wanted it removed from the conflict.

Specifications:
Weight: 34.2 oz.
Blade Thickness: 5/16"
Blade Length: 33"
Handle: 4 3/4" long
Steel: 1055 Carbon
Overall Length: 37 3/4"











Now this Cold Steel version is a fairly close approximation to the real thing. Some minor handle variations are evident if you had this sword next to a real 1796 Light Cavalary sword. With that said, mostly everything is correct. Super sharp and all.

[Chako]

Fifth installment - US Marines Mameluke Ceremonial Sword.

A little history.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mameluke_sword

http://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/article/history-mameluke-sword-united-states-marine-corps

This sword is certainly one of the more flashy swords in my collection. Like all military ceremonial swords the world over, this one features a stainless steel blade that is not sharpened except for the point. This sword came with a sword bag and the usual military steel scabbard.

[Chako]

Jerseydevil, I mostly have good quality replicas. Originals are hard to come by for the most part.

JAfromMn, that is ok.

[Chako]

Sixth installment - Hanwei Renaissance Side Sword.

Some background history.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spada_da_lato

http://www.thearma.org/essays/thrusting_vs_cutting.html

http://www.strongblade.com/history/rapiers.html

This sword is simply beautiful, superbly balanced, and extremely sharp from the factory. Designed to both cut and thrust, the side sword is considered to be a precursor to the longer Rapier...however, the sword existed alongside the Rapier and has seen use right up to the American Civil War. Although the Rapier was mostly favoured by civilians, the military quite often preferred the side sword.

Statistics

Blade Length: 30.0"
Handle Length: 6.0"
Overall Length: 38.0"
Guard Width: 8.0"
POB (Point of Balance): 0.50"
COP (Center of Percussion): about 20.0"
Weight: 2 lbs 4oz







The grip features beautiful wire work.

[Chako]

Seventh installment - Camel bone short sword.

I do not know much about this other than it was dirt cheap as far as swords go. I bought it at a local shop that sells East Indian/East Asian decorative goods. I was looking for a dagger to decorate a wall, and found this instead which fit the bill nicely.

Surprisingly enough, even though the blade is hand made and roughly at that, it is razor sharp. Furthermore, for the price, the handle exhibits a little movement especially towards the pommel end...but not as much as one would expect. This decorative item is rather functional and serviceable. The blade however is made of stainless steel which is inferior to carbon steel...but then, for something designed to be hung on a wall that is ok. I am still puzzled over why they sharpened the blade in the first place. 

The scabbard is of cheap design. Leather upper and lower sandwiching a foam core. Standard cheap scabbard. It does look ok hanging on a wall however. So no complaints here.

[ducttapetech]

Wow! Nice read and pics! I love swords. Thanks for sharing.

that's us mobile

[Chako]

Eight installment - CAS/Hanwei Mercenary Sword.

A little longsword history to start things off.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longsword

This sword is a beast that come in at 4lb 8 ounces. The Mercenary is an imposing sword in the 15th century style. This sword comes with a triple-fullered blade, steel S-curve guard and scent stopper pommel. Supplied with a leather-covered belt scabbard around a wood frame.

Statistics.

Forged High-Carbon Blade
Weight: 4lb 8oz
overall Length: 47 1/4''  Blade: 35 1/8''   
P.O.B.: 4''
Thickness: 5.6 mm - 4.7 mm
Width: 51.8 mm
Grip Length: 8 3/4''
Pommel: Peened

This sword is longer than my 4 foot table.













A big two handed sword with not very sharp edges...mostly designed to stab into weak spots in armor, or to bludgeon armored foes into insensibility.

[Etherealicer]

Here is my modest collection of Swords

Longsword 1350–1550
In my case its overall length is 122cm and weights just about 1.3kg. The blade is double edged, 91cm of length (unsharpened as I use it for training). The hooked guard is made for disarming. Center of balance is 5cm in front of the guard. Center of percussion is 30cm from the tip.
The longsword is a thrusting sword. Thrusting is very precise you can hit a fly with a thrust, its also very fast.

Oh yeah and a remark if you parry a swordstroke, you glide in, meaning you do not block the opponents blade but you let it glide along yours to take the blow (except for the low blows, very difficult to glide there). As a result you get a screetching sound (metal scrapping on metal). This is also the reason why my blade, after a year of abuse is still in such excellent condition.

Oh and next to my Longsword, you can see a typical Meyer Fencing Feather (tip of the blade is very elastic and bends when you thrust). The design dates back to the early 16th century. And thanks to that thick blade part, close to the guard you get similar weight and balance as in a normal Longsword.

Oh, and I got scooped

[Spatha]

Fascinating stuff and excellent detailed photographs as always.    Thanks for the links to all the historical information.     The Mortuary Hilt Sword is a very attractive piece, and I found it interesting to read about how the basket-hilted type sword was probably developed in response to a change in sword fighting style.  I am tempted to go on a mission to the Royal Armouries to see if I can locate Cromwell's sword.
   

Also, the Cold Steel small sword video was the funniest thing I've seen this week.   

[Chako]

Etheralicer, those look very nice.

Spatha, all Cold Steel videos are mall ninja funny.

[JAfromMn]

I love this thread.

[Chako]

Ninth installment - Hanwei Tinker Pearce Longsword.

Here are a few longsword links to start.

http://www.lordsandladies.org/longsword.htm

http://www.worksofrichardmarsden.com/historyofthelongsword.htm

Now onto this particular sword. Tinker Pearce is a fairly well known sword maker, and he teamed up with Paul Chen of CAS/Hanwei to produce a few Tinker Hanwei collaboration swords. The biggest focus of this series, most of them come with either a sharp or blunt blade which are easily interchangeable via a threaded tang and a hollow tubular nut that fits flush into the pommel. You can easily replace a damaged blade via a hex key, or buy a sharp and blunt blade for the best of both worlds. The nice thing about these swords, the blunt and sharp blades are carefully balanced and weigh the same for practice and cutting.

Specifications.

Oakeshott Type: XVIIIa
OAL: 47-1/4inches
Blade Length: 35-1/4 inches
Blade Width @ Base: 2-1/8 inches
Blade Width 3-1/2 inches from point: 3/4 inch
Blade thickness at base: .254 inches
Blade thickness 2 inches from tip: .090
Distal taper is convex
Hilt OAL: 12 inches
Pommel Type: T-1
Guard Type: 2
Sword Family: n/a
COG: 3-1/2 inches from Base of blade
COP: 21-1/2 inches from base of blade
Weight: 2lb.15oz.
Steel: 5160 Spring Steel

This sword is very light and fast for its size. This is the sharp version, and it came very sharp from the factory.











Overall, this is one fantastic longsword. The balance feels just right, making this one super quick sword to use. There is a misconception out there that longswords are big heavy brutish things that require a lot of strength to use. 5 seconds with this sword in your hands would dissuade anyone of that mistaken concept.

[jerseydevil]

These are lovely, Chako.    You've got me looking at swords now! 

[Chako]

Tenth installment- Hanwei Tinker Pearce Great Sword of War.

A few more interesting links.

http://www.thearma.org/essays/armoredlongsword.html#.UuXR3BAo5aQ

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Half-sword


Statistics

Type: Oakeshott XIIIa
Weight: 3 lbs 7 ounces
Overall Length: 47 inches
Grip: 9 and ¼ inches
Blade Length: 35 and 1/8inches from guard
Point of Balance: approx. 5 and 1/2 inches from guard
Center or Percussion: approx. 21 and 1/2 inches from guard
Distal Taper

This sword type was most popular in the 13th and 14th century, but some examples where still in use right up to the 16th century. The sword features a spatula tip which was designed for cutting and slashing from horseback and eliminated the point from digging into flesh/armor and possibly unhorsing the rider. Once off the horse, both hands can be used to devastating effect. This sword's spatula tip was excellent against textile armor, and the weight and size of the sword could cause blunt trauma to armored opponents. One could also half sword using the blade as leverage, or using the guard to hook and topple an opponent. Like all Tinker Hanwei swords, the blade is easily replaced.

[Chako]

Here are a few good links into sword classification - Ewart Oakeshott.

http://www.oakeshott.org/Typo.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakeshott_typology

http://www.albion-swords.com/articles/oakeshott-typology.htm

[Etherealicer]

Ninth installment - Hanwei Tinker Pearce Longsword.

Here are a few longsword links to start.

http://www.lordsandladies.org/longsword.htm

http://www.worksofrichardmarsden.com/historyofthelongsword.htm

Now onto this particular sword. Tinker Pearce is a fairly well known sword maker, and he teamed up with Paul Chen of CAS/Hanwei to produce a few Tinker Hanwei collaboration swords. The biggest focus of this series, most of them come with either a sharp or blunt blade which are easily interchangeable via a threaded tang and a hollow tubular nut that fits flush into the pommel. You can easily replace a damaged blade via a hex key, or buy a sharp and blunt blade for the best of both worlds. The nice thing about these swords, the blunt and sharp blades are carefully balanced and weigh the same for practice and cutting.

Specifications.

Oakeshott Type: XVIIIa
OAL: 47-1/4inches
Blade Length: 35-1/4 inches
Blade Width @ Base: 2-1/8 inches
Blade Width 3-1/2 inches from point: 3/4 inch
Blade thickness at base: .254 inches
Blade thickness 2 inches from tip: .090
Distal taper is convex
Hilt OAL: 12 inches
Pommel Type: T-1
Guard Type: 2
Sword Family: n/a
COG: 3-1/2 inches from Base of blade
COP: 21-1/2 inches from base of blade
Weight: 2lb.15oz.
Steel: 5160 Spring Steel

This sword is very light and fast for its size. This is the sharp version, and it came very sharp from the factory.

Overall, this is one fantastic longsword. The balance feels just right, making this one super quick sword to use. There is a misconception out there that longswords are big heavy brutish things that require a lot of strength to use. 5 seconds with this sword in your hands would dissuade anyone of that mistaken concept.

That is a beauty. No one would mistake this sword for a slashing weapon.

Yup they are fast, the weight is only one factor, important for speed is also the COG, the closer to the guard the faster the sword and that's where the pommel comes in.

[Chako]

A few more videos.

[Chako]

Eleventh installment - Musashi Tomoe Katana.

A few links.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katana

http://www.japanesejujitsu.org/a-brief-history-of-the-katana/

http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/samurai-sword-history.html

Musashi produces some very nice Katanas for dirt cheap. There is a saying that you get what you pay for, but for the price, a Musashi Katana is a very big steal in the Asian sword market. Mind you, plenty of martial artist firmly believe that you need a $1000+ sword to use it, and I don't doubt them to a point. However, for around $100 dollars, you can't go wrong with a Musashi, especially if you are a sword collector and want something sharp and somewhat authentic...as in, you can actually use it for its intended purpose.

Detailed Description
* Hand forged carbon steel blade with bo-hi
* Hand sharpened
* Beautiful hamon
* Black iron Tomoe tsuba
* Black brass dragon fuchi and kashira
* Cotton and rayskin wrapped tsuka
* Black laquered wood saya
* Fully functional
* Comes with sword bag

Measurements:

Blade: 27 1/2"
Tsuka: 11"
Overall: 39 1/2"
Weight: 2 Lbs

What originally drew me to buying a Musashi Katana were all the positive online reviews of the sword, and its manufacturer. The word was this is one of the best Katanas at any price point for the beginning practitioner. There were several favourable comparisons to swords that cost 3X as much. Seeing that I didn't want to spend a fortune on a functional wall hanger, I got one to see what all the fuss was about.

I will state that this sword is seriously sharp, as in can cut a piece of paper floating down on the blade sharp. This sword also features a real hamon. Many cheap swords have them etched for show. Not this one. The handle is also traditionally constructed with real ray skin, wooden pegs, etc. A very nice Katana for an unbelievable price.

[Chako]

Twelfth Installment - Maxam Katana / Ninja Sword.



If the above Katana is of a more traditional sword in both shape, form, and construction, this one is purely tactical mall ninja stuff. With that said, for a very cheap sword, it comes fully sharpened from the factory, is very sturdy with the full one piece tang construction, and is somewhat more than a cheap wall hanger in some key points.

Very cheap wall hangers are very poorly built, and quite often, may come apart whilst swinging them. In other words, very cheap poorly constructed wall hangers are a danger to everyone in use. This cheap katana style sword is robustly built and dare I say it, can be used.





The menuki is just glued ontop of the cord wrap. I must say, it is very well glued as I have tried to move it. Possibly pined through the handle but I strongly suspect I would damage the handle to see its inner construction...so I won't. The handle is also oddly shaped as it is just cord wrapped around the metal. There is no play in the wrapping...which is a good thing.





This sword does not feature a traditional buttcap, but has this somewhat frightening end that can be used to good effect in combat.



The scabbard or saya is not badly made for what it is. I have seen worse. 







So as far as a sword goes, this one is strictly in the realms of mall ninjas and zombie hunters.

[JAfromMn]

Eight installment - CAS/Hanwei Mercenary Sword.

A little longsword history to start things off.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longsword

This sword is a beast that come in at 4lb 8 ounces. The Mercenary is an imposing sword in the 15th century style. This sword comes with a triple-fullered blade, steel S-curve guard and scent stopper pommel. Supplied with a leather-covered belt scabbard around a wood frame.

Statistics.

Forged High-Carbon Blade
Weight: 4lb 8oz
overall Length: 47 1/4''  Blade: 35 1/8''   
P.O.B.: 4''
Thickness: 5.6 mm - 4.7 mm
Width: 51.8 mm
Grip Length: 8 3/4''
Pommel: Peened

This sword is longer than my 4 foot table.













A big two handed sword with not very sharp edges...mostly designed to stab into weak spots in armor, or to bludgeon armored foes into insensibility.

this is my favorite so far.

keep em coming

[Chako]

Thirteenth installment - Hanwei Military Dadao.

WARNING: First link has some gruesome beheading photos.

http://chinesemartialstudies.com/2012/11/26/693/

http://www.chineselongsword.com/dadao.shtml

There is even a song called The Dadao March that was based around this weapon.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dadao_March



Blade Steel: Specially Heat Treated High Carbon Steel
Blade Length: 23" (58 cm.)
Sword Length: 37 1/4" (94 cm.)
Scabbard Length: 23 1/4" (60 cm.)
Sword Weight: 2 3/4 lb. (1.24 kg.)
Decoration/Materials: Steel fittings with leather wrapped grip and scabbard.
Each blade is individually hand forged so lengths & weights may vary slightly.

Hanwei saw fit to include a nice leather sheath for protection which is a nice touch. A heavy tough and cheap chopping weapon designed to be effective in mostly untrained hands. The Dadao was based on peasant weaponry and saw action against Japanese troops armed with Katanas. On the battlefield, it was found to be effective against such weapons as its heavy bulk could break opposing blades.

[Chako]

Fourteenth installment - Cold Steel 1917 Cutlass.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 25"
Overall Length: 29 5/8"
Steel: 1055 Carbon
Weight: 33.7 oz
Handle: 4 5/8" Hardwood
Scabbard: Leather Scabbard w/ Brass and Copper Fittings

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutlass

http://www.history.navy.mil/library/online/uniform_sword.htm

And of course, the usual Cold Steel video. 


http://www.thepirateslair.com/9-m1917-us-navy-naval-cutlass.html

Taken from the Cold Steel site.

"In 1917, the U.S. Navy decided to replace its Model 1860 cutlass which had been in continuous service for 57 years, with a new model. Cold Steel's® modern recreation of this classic fighting sword is as authentic as possible, it is virtually an exact copy of an original in the personal collection of Cold Steel President, Lynn C. Thompson. Our 1917 Cutlass features the signature 25" curved blade and a half basket guard that’s stamped out of heavy 18-gauge high carbon steel, and both the blade and guard are blued to resist rusting. The handle is made from carefully shaped hardwood, painted brown and secured to the tang by three heavy brass cutler's rivets.
The scabbard is an accurate reproduction of the original and is made of high quality leather and features brass and copper fixtures. It can be worn comfortably at the side on a pistol belt without chafing its owner."

This cutlass is a sturdy piece of kit. It came factory sharp and with all the brass hardware, it sure is a beautiful sword. Mind you, like every Cold Steel sword out there, they are not exact replicas, but modern interpretations of what it should look like in the eyes of the Cold Steel owner. Cold Steel's main focus is to make modern interpretations of old gear for use...but nobody uses swords anymore. I bet Cold Steel arms plenty of mall ninjas the world over. With that said, they do make sturdy functional umm...battle ready swords.

[Chako]

Fifteenth installment - Hanwei Taza Rapier and Main Gauche.

http://www.swordhistory.info/?p=59

http://www.thearma.org/Youth/rapieroutline.htm



SPECIFICATIONS
Overall: 46 1/4“
Blade Length: 38 1/4“
Weight: 2lb 1oz
Point of Balance: 5"
Point of Harmonics: 20"
Width at Guard: .75"
Width at Tip: .40"
Thickness at Guard: .25"
Thickness at Tip: .10"

The Taza Rapier is of the 17th century Spanish Cup Hilt form and is absolutely stunning and functional. There is also a matching main gauche or left hand dagger with a sail/triangular guard. This is a very well made sword and dagger set.