Posts: 411 Location: Madison, WI
Sun 25 Nov, 2012 5:10 pm
Distal taper is a small percentage of what is actually important when building a sword, and I rather doubt that by providing information as to what the distal taper is one could make a better informed decision as to how a sword will behave in hand. Likewise,
profile taper,
point of balance, and other static measurements can not do a sword justice. If you had a way of calculating mass distribution throughout a blade, this again would not allow you to make a better decision. Even if you were to take a 3D scan of the completed sword, taking into account any sized hollowing in the pommel and or guard, this information really would not provide a light in the dark. As Robin Smith stated, it is how the whole sword comes together. This is really important, how the whole sword comes together is critically important, how the sword feels in your specific hand, how it works with you mind and your body.
Unfortunately it is close to impossible to gather this information without having the sword in hand, especially when dealing with custom projects. However there are two critical things that need to be considered, the knowledge and reputation of the individual that you are doing business with, as well as communicating what the return policy is. Not every sword is for every person, and if after considering either a persons, or companies, work you would like to acquire a piece, it should be very well within your right to return the product if it doesn't meet or exceed your expectations, or simply if it doesn't fit. Micromanaging every detail is a great hobby, but if you are serious, getting the piece in your hand and seeing how it works with you is the only way of determining if said sword is right for you.