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http://www.rsw.com.hk/expert.htm

We were trying to make an upgrade for our RSW padded weapons and these were the first couple prototypes. It featured thinner blade cross section than the products of the other grades, while sharing approximately the same degree of shock absorption power along the edges with them. Well, maybe a little bit harder. For those who believed in "no pain, no gain" in martial arts training, this may be a bonus though. Nevertheless, the result was a more realistic appearing blade with the more discernable edges, flats and spine. Besides, the blade contacts and handling were better simulated too due to the reduced blade thickness. The only concern was hitting someone with the spine or flats of the sword, though. The reduced padding on these areas may inflict heavier impact upon your practice partners. Thus correct blade alignment during sparring was necessary, hence the name "Expert Grade". Of course, wearing padded armor like a gambeson would definitely help.

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The spine and edge of the Expert grade Katana respectively.

[ Linked Image ][ Linked Image ]The flat and edges of the Expert grade Bastard sword respectively.

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Thinner cross section.

Shown below was a custom made expert grade RSW longsword modeled after my new sword, featuring side rings. It also fixed the guard with a new, improved mechanism without the metal hooks sticking out so that it would prevent puncturing the opponent's sparring weapons.

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Very cool. Are you perhaps thinking of changing your standard German bastard sword offering to include the rings? That would be something I'd be interested in, as I own the A&A German bastard.

The video of the new sword in action can be checked here:

http://lancelot.servehttp.com/gathering/28-10-06/

Right click on those with my name on it and save as target to see the sword in sparring. In the second fight I had with Maurya, the side rings proved to be vital in defending against two weapons coming from high and low, left and right one after one. :D