I've been hunting for two cutting swords, a one-hander for sword-and-buckler practice and a bastard for longsword style. Having settled upon the Albion smiths for both, and comparing swords in their line this evening, it dawned on me: perhaps the Mercenary, Castellan or Constable could serve in both steads for now. Have any of you used one of these swords for I.33? While the shorter, one-handed Type XIV swords are more typical, and the three Type XVas are bladed about a fifth again as long as the XIVs and have longer handle proportions, what I've read of the Mercenary et al.'s handling suggests that blade and hilt works very well one-handed.

Sound logic? Dopey logic? Thanks for all opinions.

Rod

Good question I would also be curious about and I would add that the A & A Black Prince is also a moderate length longsword that is very easy to use one handed and might work well in the same suggested scenario and would give the option of using a carried buckler in 1:33 style or as a longsword.

If both options would work well for these swords I wonder when one would choose to use the buckler or not ?

Oh, but to stay closer to your question: First, are you looking for a blunt to train with a partner or a sharp for " solo " training ?
The Squire Line Bastard sword is blunt enough for " careful " training and is identical to the sharps you mentioned in profile and handling ( Good control and safety equipment obviously: A member of my training group uses the Albion Squire Line knightly sword for 1:33 without any safety issues. Another member has the Maestro line 1:33 sword which has a greater safety margin with thicker and more durable edges ).

http://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/sq...astard.htm

Having had the opportunity to cut some with Addison Delisle's Mercenary, I would say it would be a decent compromise. That being said, I would prefer to have 2 swords if finances allowed.

Thanks for suggestion of the A&A Black Prince, Jean. It looks like a good candidate.

I'm looking for a solo practice and test cutting sword. I currently use a waster for 1.33, and am purchasing a waster for longsword to replace my trusty dowel. In time I'd like to get 1.33 and longsword blunts.

As for when would a contemporary swordsman chose to use a buckler or not, I imagine that depended upon circumstance. In judicial fights, duels and battlefield, I'd expect opponents to be similarly outfitted. On the street, one would perforce use what one had at hand.

I too would prefer two sharps, Allen. My thoughts on training have leapt to future work with partners, and the value of having blunts and safety equipment. Under that scenario there's no money left in this year's budget for two cutters.

So, I'll get one sharp this year, to help me ensure correct mechanics, and get another in '09. Thanks for helping me work through this, fellows! :)

Rod

Well...you have to make some adjustments...but it's doable. The only thing about the A&A black price is the cutting power one handed. With such a slender blade and PoB so close, some of the cuts maybe ineffective. Oh well, maybe somebody who has one can comment on that :) .

I see A&A's Black Prince is nearly half again heavier than the typical 2.5 lb. 1.33 sword. My one-handed work with the A&A would likely be less precise and quick than it already isn't.

Rod

Hello! I have no experience with 1.33 form, but I will throw in my opinion that the Mercenary is fast, and easily useable in either one or two hands. I'm not sure if the one and a half handed handle would get awkward after a while though.

Well the black prince is heavier...but it's pretty easy to control.

You should get two swords - as you planned right away. You won't be able to do I.33 stuff properly with a longsword. It will be too slow and akward. You may compromise for a while but you should get two swords. There is no sword which serves both categories well.

Herbert