I've noted that many makers and collectors refer affectionately to a certain 'chiming' sound when various swords are struck lightly. Much like the ring of fine crystal. Clearly this is related to resonance upon impact.

Some questions on that phenomenon.

- Does the duration of the chime have value in determining a sword's quality?
I would think a sword's build 'tightness' (all parts fitting properly together) would create a longer, sustained ring.

- Does the pitch of the chime have value in determining a sword's quality?

- Is pitch determined by the size and / or shape of sword blade?

I hope I'm not being to overly abstract here. Thanks for you thoughts.

Jon

If something absorbs the energy of the vibrations, it won't ring. Loose hilts would be a typical cause. Maybe leather spacers, anything shock-absorbent around the tang (like some glues), etc.

A serious defect in the blade - like a crack - might do the same (but might not).

The pitch is affected by the shape of the blade, where you hold it, and where you strike it. Also by the size, but that has less effect. I don't think the pitch has anything to do with the quality.

A "ringing" sword is not necessarily a good sword. It might be, or it might not be. As you suppose, it can indicate tight assembly. Lack of ringing can indicate loose assembly.

Not sure what you mean by 'Ringing', did you mean something like this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=316yM-wjlrI

Not sure how to attach the link but this topic was covered well and is in the spotlight section under Dynamics,Properties, and performance and is titled The Ring of Steel.

Here it is: http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=1488

different alloys will also have different qualities in a 'ring' for instance stainless steel truly rings and holds a tone for a while, where carbon steel sound like you plucked a rubber band.

i'm wondering if this is coming up from the first conan movie where he's seen plucking swords to estimate their quality. i think it's more of a myth than any reality to believe if a sword rings true it's better quality.

i usually like to bend a blade a little to make sure it bounces back to shape to test the steels quality, or make sure that a file skips across the blade to test it's temper. i don't know if there's any visual ways other than looking for cracks on the surface of the steel that might lead someone to believe a blade is of inferior quality.

If you tuned your swords you could play a song. In my inexpert opinion, the sound of a sword could possibly used to test a sword, but only very specifically. For example, two swords that are similar should make similar tones. Also, I suppose some swords ring so high, they can't be heard?