Short sword choice

Status
Not open for further replies.
L

lee-enfield shooter

Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2010
Messages
41
Location
PA
Im planning on buying some form of a short sword to practice with, but i can't decide on a specific type. It should be cheap, well built, and preferably a metal sheath. Im thinking something similar to a cavalry saber.
 
"cheap" has many meanings

What style are you going to study? Western or Asian? Chinese or Japanese or S. Asian?
 
"cheap" has many meanings
Click to expand...
It also has a pretty subjective range.

What might be "cheap" to you might be "horribly expensive" to me, or vice versa.

It might be helpful for the OP to state an actual dollar range he's looking at getting into.
 
MMHW is not making swords any longer, notice on thier site explains, arm injury I think.

Dan
 
Maybe the right move here would be to enroll in a school that teaches saber (if that's the sort of sword you want) and buy whatever they recommend for training purposes. Then study until you are proficient. By that point, you'll know what you're looking for in terms of design and features.
 
And we come full circle to the question of "what style are you planning on studying"?

Join a fencing club or a martial arts school and you'll learn enough to make an informed decision.
 
Last edited:
Some of the best sword prices I've seen have come from Museum Replicas Ltd., a subsidiary of Atlanta Cutlery. Their swords aren't just wall-hangers, they're made to be used. Types of swords available have included broadswords, samurai and other asian types, Roman gladius iberius, sabers and fantasy blades. Their offerings are always changing.
 
I always wanted a Roman Gladius, Pompeii version, but the money for a good one was, and is too much for a toy that I have no access to formal training to learn to use properly. I wish you luck, please post pics if you can!
 
:scrutiny:

six4 - did you see something on the link that you posted you considered "cheap"?
 
I would suggest that your "practice sword" be of the same style as your "real sword".
 
An Asian style, but if I wanted to buy a one cheaply, this might be my first choice.

The tactical wakizashi, supposed to be out from Hanwei this month, should be even less expensive, though it does have the disadvantage of not being tested yet.
 
JShirley...

Per your recommended link - an excellent choice!

I happen to have one I bought about a year ago and it has seen extensive use in the woods in my area.

No use thus far for self defense, which suits me plenty well.

It's a remarkable piece of work for the price and I would buy it again in a heartbeat if mine were lost.

It takes and holds a fantastic edge - one which requires much care and respect when handling the Banshee.

I originally bought it based on this review:

http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/banshee.html

I did make a modification at the pommel with -- electrician's tape -- of all things, due to the taper of the grip which wasn't entirely to my liking. But then it's a utility blade for me, not a pretty wall hanger. :D
 
The Raptor is pretty much the same thing as the Tactical with a more traditional look.

The Banshee would also appear to be a short northern Chines Dao blade with an "innovative" grip. The reviews indicate it's edge needs to be redone so that it chops/cuts more than crushes, but that isn't a difficult task. I'm tempted to get one and have it rebuilt into a more traditional Ming style.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top