Thanks, Gus.

That makes sense with respect to your first post. Over sharpened and over polished means the edges were repaired few too many times. I initially thought you were referring to very sharp or very polished (mirror polish) NEW swords.

Now I understand.

Alexi

Perhaps if there was more information, such as a sticky topic, available to newbies about what to look for in a sword some of this could be avoided. After all, to someone who has never handled real swords there has to be something about them to justify their expense. That is why cutting prowess takes such precedence.

There has got to justification for the price, regardless of what one is buying. In digital cameras it is megapixels. More megapixels do not make one camera better than other. In fact, there can be justification for spending much more on a 6MP camera than an 8MP one--depending on the cameras, of course. However, most people are not keenly aware of why they should spend the extra money on the "lesser" camera.

And, quite frankly, with expensive items rookies do not have enough experience with the products to even know what they want. That is my problem with swords. How do I know if I like the way a type XII feels in my hand? What if I'm more of a type XIV kind of guy? Then there are the different makers, lines, etc. I can't spend thousands to test them all.

I know that no one can answer the question of which sword I would like for me. That is why I attempt to discern that through reading the forums and reviews. However, I can sympathize with those who are overly concerned with cutting. They are misinformed, but they are (probably) trying.

(I would like to add that I did not read the SFI topic, so I am not justifying the actions of anyone involved in that dispute.)

It's funny how Albion and Atrim arguements usually whittle down to cutting ability, but it's usually based on 2 liter bottles, milk jugs, pool noodles, and maybe tatami mats.

I collect Del Tin's. Not known for cutting ability, but I'm sure my opponent's not going to argue tracking ability when I am pulling my blade out of his split skull and helmet.

Seriously though, people are spending a bit too much time pitting these two companies against each other. Although these swords are meant for battle, Albion and Angus Trim are not at war.

For some odd reason, this discussion keeps stirring up a particular quote,
That being, from all things a movie,

Hans Solo to Luke Skywalker & Obi-wan......"Good against remote's is one thing...good against the living.....that's another..

Sorry, it's been rattling around in my feeble brain & had to come out.


Bill

Hi Steve,

All of the cutting mediums you've mentioned do have some kind of value. True, pool noodles and plastic bottles really won't tell you much about the swords cutting ability. What they will give you information on is the swords handling characteristics and your own ability to control the weapon. Japanese wara mats really don't illustrate a swords cutting ability either, but rather the users ability. Back in the old days we used plywood as a test medium. Since this is a rather abusive test material it did give us information on things like hilt construction and durability, same thing with cardboard tubing. With most of the major manufacturers the abusive tests aren't really neccesary anymore except at the factory for R&D purposes. Most of them are making a quality product now so we can be reasonably assured that our swords are properly constructed, without subjecting them to this kind of abuse.

You're absolutely right when you state that most of these things are used simply because they are available. Several years ago I used a freshly roadkilled Deer as a cutting medium, while using my old A&A GBS. It was an educational and messy experience that taught me a few things, but I don't intend to repeat it. Even farther back I used hanging sides of beef in a slaughter house, draped with various types of repro armor, as a test medium. As I said, all of these things have some kind of value no matter how limited. The key is to put them in their proper perspective, and don't claim that one type of test is the definitive answer.

After all what other choices do we have in our quest for knowledge, other than getting together for cutting parties and whacking on each other :D

Joseph,

As you already know the only one who can decide what's right for you is you. In terms of personal preference only you can make that decision. In terms of quality your best course of action is to read over our articles and reviews. spending time on our forums, and other websites, is also a good idea. We're all pretty opinionated but somewhere within the grandstanding is valuable knowledge and experience.

If you're within driving distance of one of the various makers you may want to give them a call. Ask them if you can stop by and handle some of their wares. Most of them are usually open to it, provided that some advanced notice is given. That way you can get some first hand experience before making a purchase.