I hope this topic hasn't been too often repeated, but I am looking for advice on a new sword to be used for sparring and drilling, something to be used in the Liechtenauer tradition. I currently have the Albion Squire line 15th century bastard sword and absolutely love it. It has held up well in the light steel on steel sparring I have had a chance to participate in. I am now looking to purchase a longer sword for use in sparring. (On looks alone, I love swords that are long and lean.) In an ideal world I would like something with an overall length around 46 -48 inches. It also needs to stand up to the Arms and Armor Fechtbuch sword which a couple of my sparring partners use. I figure it will be something in the $300-$600 range. I have thought about the Albion Squire line 13th century great sword, but I think (hope!) I have talked my husband into purchasing that one, which means it will already be part of the family and I can look at something else.

How do swords that were designed to be sharp such as the Albion Next Gen or Arms and Armor swords handle as blunts? How do they hold up in sparring against other steel?

Here's your chance to give me all the advice you want. I listen to advice well. I may not use it, but I listen to it. :)

Thank you.

Very good topic!

according to Peter Johnsson blunts tend to get a different balance than a sharp sword and just blunting a sharp will not be the best choice. But I´ve got to leave the specifics to Peter to explain.

He is currently in Wisconsin with the good folks of Albion but hopefully they will lend him a computer with internet access so he can answer :D

Pamela,

If you can wait for a while, Angus Trim will be releasing a series of purpose-built blunts and flexible simulators. I don't know when the rest is going to be available to the public, but one of the blunt longsword models can be bought from Christian Fletcher. From what I've read, those who have had the chance to handle the new blunts have been quite extatic, including several highly respected HEMA scholars.

I think some of them are going to be available via Academia Della Spada at some point. Mr. Trim can propably give a bit more specific information on the matter if he happens to read this, though.

Rabbe

If you have to have it now, are willing to spend $400-$600 and you partners are already using them, I would HIGHLY recommend going with the A&A Fetchbuch since it is a known (to you) entity.

The ATrim SB1450 over at www.christianfletcher.com might be exactly what you're looking for.

Though CF calls it a XVa, Gus thinks of it as an XVIIIb

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Hey Pamela,
My Sovereign's a blunt. You've seen it, it's got nice wide and safe edges, and it handles like a sword should. Albion generally has a small charge if you request on of their sharps to be made as a blunt, but not much. If you decide to get an Albion Next Gen as a blunt, I'd recommend making sure that you tell them it's for WMA use. I don't know if it makes a difference in how they make it or not, but it couldn't hurt to let them know.

Thank you, gentlemen, for all the advice and helpful hints. You've given me a lot to think about and it looks like what I need to do is be patient and wait for some of these new toys to be available. In the meantime, "Honey, don't you think you really need that Albion Squire line great sword? I think a man with a sword is very sexy..." (Much batting of the eyelashes.) ;)

Bill Grandy wrote:

Angus Trim wrote: One of the swords I'm sending you is one of the longsword blunts. Not the SB1450 that has already been posted, but a XVIa. Its already been tap danced with a bit, during the 4W event, so its up for you folks to play with as much as you'd like....... This one specs out at 35.5, 46, and 2lbs 8........... 8 inch handle Can be made with longer blade, 9 inch handle....... Sweet, Gus! Hear that Pamela? Just be patient. ;)

Does this mean I'll get to play with it too?

Actually, I am the lucky one. I think a lot of you know that it helps to have a spouse/significant other that is indulgent of this hobby. Mark decided not to just indulge me, but join me as well.

And Aaron, you are right, that Maestro line looks exactly like what I had in mind! Now I have to resign myself to the wait....

I'm curious, since I'm such a fan of the Japanese bokken, if anyone has any opinions about wasters. Good? Bad? I'm aware that they won't handle like the real thing, but are they a good enough approximation for training/sparring purposes?