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Thomas Hoogendam




Location: The Netherlands
Joined: 20 Jun 2004
Reading list: 8 books

Posts: 252

PostPosted: Mon 19 Nov, 2007 2:55 pm    Post subject: Entry level side-sword.         Reply with quote

Hey guys.

I've made one or two posts in the last few days, but other then that I've been away from the forums for a while now. I've put my sword collection on hold for a while and pursued other interests. Now I'm thinking of maybe adding one or two pieces to my collection.

I've been entertaining the idea of a nice side-sword. For a while, the Hanwei/Paul Chen side-sword caught my eye, and I'm still thinking about it, but the idea of a plastic grip just really puts me off. I've seen the Darkwoord Armoury offerings, and there is of course the A&A Townguard sword, although in terms of price that one is a bit out of the entry-level spectrum. Happy

In any case, I was hoping you guys might know of some other nice production side-swords. LIke I said, I'm looking for entry-level, but if it were more costly, I suppose some longterm planning and saving wouldn't be that big of an issue.

Cheers,
Thomas.
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M. Eversberg II




Location: California, Maryland, USA
Joined: 07 Sep 2006
Reading list: 3 books

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Posts: 1,435

PostPosted: Mon 19 Nov, 2007 4:00 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

I'd go with Darkwood. They've very good products.

For practice, isn't the fencing foil a side sword blunt anyways?

M.

This space for rent or lease.


Last edited by M. Eversberg II on Mon 19 Nov, 2007 4:50 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Steven Reich




Location: Arlington, VA
Joined: 28 Oct 2003

Posts: 237

PostPosted: Mon 19 Nov, 2007 4:45 pm    Post subject:         Reply with quote

If this is a sword for 1500s Italian or German single-sword practice (i.e. Marozzo or Meyer), I would recommend a complex hilt--that is, more hand protection than the simple cross hilt. If you will be practicing Italian swordsmanship, you absolutely MUST get a guard that protects your index finger (because you will be fingering the ricasso). Otherwise, you run the risk of it being broken, smashed or amputated.

Darkwood make very good swords, any of these hilts paired with the Darkwood Sidesword blade will work: http://www.darkwoodarmory.com/swords.shtml (I prefer side-rings, i.e. like model 1520 or 1530, but they aren't strictly necessary). Anything you buy that is cheaper will feel, well, cheaper. Really, if you're serious about using it to practice, you'll want to get something that you won't grow out of in a year--as you gain experience, you'll get a better idea of what an ideal sword is for you, but if you select a decent starter, then when it comes time to upgrade it will be more out of preference than necessity.

Steve
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Colin F.




Location: Bradford, UK
Joined: 30 Oct 2005
Reading list: 10 books

Posts: 134

PostPosted: Tue 20 Nov, 2007 3:05 am    Post subject: Re: Entry level side-sword.         Reply with quote

Thomas Hoogendam wrote:
For a while, the Hanwei/Paul Chen side-sword caught my eye, and I'm still thinking about it, but the idea of a plastic grip just really puts me off.


You could always take that off and replace it, if you feel you can do that?

Colin

Melchett - "In short, a German spy is giving away every one of our battle plans."
Cpt. Darling - "You look surprised, Blackadder."
Edmund - "I cerainly am, sir. I didn't realise we had any battle plans."
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Thomas Hoogendam




Location: The Netherlands
Joined: 20 Jun 2004
Reading list: 8 books

Posts: 252

PostPosted: Tue 20 Nov, 2007 3:21 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

@ Steven: Alas, for me this piece will be purely a collection item. I wish I had the means to train in the Netherlands, but I don't. Not where I live anyway. Sad

@ Colin: I've never done DIY on a sword before, but I have contemplated it for this sword. It's one of the reasons I'm still considering it.
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William Goodwin




Location: Roanoke,Va
Joined: 17 Nov 2003
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Reading list: 20 books

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PostPosted: Tue 20 Nov, 2007 3:28 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Thomas,


I'll throw in another vote for Darkwood.....just from past experience with having one of Scott's sideswords.

As far as entry level,CAS / Hanwei and Windlass are about it.

Del-Tin is another option to look at.



Cheers,

Bill

Roanoke Sword Guilde

roanokeswordguilde@live.com
"I was born for this" - Joan of Arc
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Steven Reich




Location: Arlington, VA
Joined: 28 Oct 2003

Posts: 237

PostPosted: Tue 20 Nov, 2007 5:30 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Thomas Hoogendam wrote:
@ Steven: Alas, for me this piece will be purely a collection item. I wish I had the means to train in the Netherlands, but I don't. Not where I live anyway. Sad


If it is purely for display (or solo drills), then the CAS Sidesword is pretty good (understanding that in the end you do get what you pay for) -- I assume you mean this:
http://www.casiberia.com/product_details.asp?id=SH2203

The one I handled was not a bad model; however, it will never be suitable for free-play (and mostly likely not for partner drilling, either) as the blade makes it too dangerous.

Steve
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Thomas Hoogendam




Location: The Netherlands
Joined: 20 Jun 2004
Reading list: 8 books

Posts: 252

PostPosted: Tue 20 Nov, 2007 9:42 am    Post subject:         Reply with quote

Steven Reich wrote:
Thomas Hoogendam wrote:
@ Steven: Alas, for me this piece will be purely a collection item. I wish I had the means to train in the Netherlands, but I don't. Not where I live anyway. Sad


If it is purely for display (or solo drills), then the CAS Sidesword is pretty good (understanding that in the end you do get what you pay for) -- I assume you mean this:
http://www.casiberia.com/product_details.asp?id=SH2203

The one I handled was not a bad model; however, it will never be suitable for free-play (and mostly likely not for partner drilling, either) as the blade makes it too dangerous.

Steve


The thing is, even though is will be mostly for display ( and perhaps an occisional testcutting) I like my swords as authentic as possible. The fact that that model has a plastic grip, just doesn't sit right for me, you know what I mean??
The idea of replacing the grip on the Hanwei sounds do-able. I've never done anything remotely like that, but it sounds like fun.
I'm thinking my best bet would be Darkwood. Though if anyone has other suggestions, let me know.
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