what sword would you choose

[jezah81]

Hi,
I was just thinking to myself, what sword would you guys, or rather, what sword would have the samurai have chosen to use in a duel or war? A sword with the balance to the tip or more towards the tsuba?
Regards,
Jeremy hagop

[Soulend]

Don't know what a samurai would have chosen, but I like a blade that is "forward-heavy"....guess I've been swinging a kukri too long...

[David T Anderson]

I'm inclined to think that a duelling sword would be light and quick...balanced toward the tsuba. A war sword, OTOH would be heavier and more of a serious cutting blade...tip-balanced.

Perhaps a 'happy medium' would be best?

Seriously tho', I don't think there is any perfect sword....there's only a sword that's perfect for you and the use you plan to make of it. Nobody can tell you what that will be except _you_...and only after plenty of experience and practice.

[DCPan]

Originally posted by jezah81
Hi,
I was just thinking to myself, what sword would you guys, or rather, what sword would have the samurai have chosen to use in a duel or war? A sword with the balance to the tip or more towards the tsuba?
Regards,
Jeremy hagop

I like the golf bag analogy

My choice will change depending on whether the guy is wearing armor or not and whether it's one on one or multiple opponent situation and whether it's first blood or to the death.

Besides, if I remember correctly, the way the katana is sharpened is different too...penetrating armor requires a different polish angle than the polish angle for going through the leather armor of the monguls....

depends on if the other guy is on a horse...

[ScottUK]

guess I've been swinging a kukri too long

You guys use kukris now? Are they issue or personal choice?

[Soulend]

No, they're not issued, though they would be if I had my druthers. I've just used one for camping, hunting and hiking since I was about 10.

Dueling with more of the balance toward the tsuba (about 3/4 total). 'Cuse "my" ryu is a dueling system and that is the balance that I am used to.
...

Originally posted by DCPan
Besides, if I remember correctly, the way the katana is sharpened is different too...penetrating armor requires a different polish angle than the polish angle for going through the leather armor of the monguls....

In a pinch I hear that striking sand will do the trick...