04-12-2003, 02:58 PM
Hi,
The limitations in the material available to the original sword smiths of whatever age is a large part of what those swords were. Most good modern swords will take a blow delivered by the side of the blade in stride, at most requiring a straightening. But a sword of the past would typically be destroyed by such a blow, cracking along the laminations or even breaking completely. Thus the grip with one or two fingers over the crossbar to keep the sword from twisting. Which leads to rings, to a ricasso, to the bars of the swept hilt rapier, and finally to the full basket. Which, of course, degenerated to the little shell hilt and other "court" swords. And gives us the full bell of the modern epee.
So, yes, the angels (or devils) of modern steel production gives us materials that the smiths of old could only fantasize about. And so give us swords that they could never produce. Swords that do not have the limitations of the originals, that do not require the care or the knowledge to use.
I have little desire to have any sword that is not original, and not enough disposable income to afford the rare original when it does come up for sale. But if I were to get a replica, I'd want one made, as much as possible, from original materials using original techniques. Then, what I had would indeed be a replica of what was instead of a dream of what might have been. The desire to have a sword just for the sake of having a sword has not bit me.
Good luck on your search for yours. May you find one that is a pleasure to both the eye and wrist. And not too much of a shock to the wallet :)
--Pete
The limitations in the material available to the original sword smiths of whatever age is a large part of what those swords were. Most good modern swords will take a blow delivered by the side of the blade in stride, at most requiring a straightening. But a sword of the past would typically be destroyed by such a blow, cracking along the laminations or even breaking completely. Thus the grip with one or two fingers over the crossbar to keep the sword from twisting. Which leads to rings, to a ricasso, to the bars of the swept hilt rapier, and finally to the full basket. Which, of course, degenerated to the little shell hilt and other "court" swords. And gives us the full bell of the modern epee.
So, yes, the angels (or devils) of modern steel production gives us materials that the smiths of old could only fantasize about. And so give us swords that they could never produce. Swords that do not have the limitations of the originals, that do not require the care or the knowledge to use.
I have little desire to have any sword that is not original, and not enough disposable income to afford the rare original when it does come up for sale. But if I were to get a replica, I'd want one made, as much as possible, from original materials using original techniques. Then, what I had would indeed be a replica of what was instead of a dream of what might have been. The desire to have a sword just for the sake of having a sword has not bit me.
Good luck on your search for yours. May you find one that is a pleasure to both the eye and wrist. And not too much of a shock to the wallet :)
--Pete
How big was the aquarium in Noah's ark?