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Old 10-03-2006, 06:12 AM   #28 (permalink)
Kensei
Loser
 
Actually yes, there are a couple of good ways to calculate sword length

Actually there are a couple of good ways to calculate proper sword length for an individual. These two methods were used by the Japanese to decide on a sword length that would go well with the person. I think it can apply to other weapons, except perhaps those of a more specialized nature, which in turn have different applications, like rapier fighting and such.

Anyhow, these were used for the katana, and can apply to other weapons of course. First off, hold the blade straight down at your side, the point should be almost perpendicular with the ground. If you do not have atleast two inches between the point, and the ground, the blade is too long. Two to three inches of clearence is recommended.

Secondly, there is a more exacting method, which comes out with about the same result as the method above. Measure from the center of your chest to the tip of your longest finger, then add in the length of your little finger, this is your ideal sword length. This is one of the best ways to calculate a more exacting number, though sopme of you may not like how short a number you actually get. Too many folks rely on a swords length I think. Anyhow, you can go an inch either way and still be comfortable, however these two methods are the best there are, for katanas anyhow. Again, other sword have other attributes, some stronger, some weaker, and different ways of using.

Oh, and if your wondering, "Hey, your not taking into account grip length. How much is blade, and how much is grip?"

The Japanese took all that into account as well, and the formula is very simple. However long your ideal blade length is, 3/4 of that is blade, 1/4 is the grip length.

There you go, all you need to know about formulating ideal sword length, atleast when it comes to Katana's.

Hope I have been of some help here, should be. Knowledge is power, so use it I say.

Quote:
Originally Posted by shakran
since noone's answered the where-to-get-it question to your satisfaction, try Paul Chen of the Hanwei forge. He makes real swords, by which I mean if you find yourself in the middle of a 13th century Samauri battle you could use a Chen sword. They're not the prettiest swords because they are functional weapons. He's about as cheap as you're gonna get without getting a blade that's made so poorly as to be dangerous.

Of course, if you're still thinking of "swords" for self defense on occasion, might I suggest some kali lessons and a nice machete?

Hmm, actually Chen swords are some of the worst out there, and are not considered to be of high quality, at least not by the sword community at large. It is a mis belief that has been spread amoung some sword users out there that his swords are some how superior. They are actually well overpriced, and I have visisted his Forge in Dalian, and it's not very impressive. Your paying for his name more then anything else, and he doesn't even play a very active role in the making of any of his swords anymore. Good guy, knowledgeable, but no better then some of the other forges in china which, while les well known, many produce far superior blades to Chens. How do I know, I live in China. If your lucky you can find a local smith who is also schooled in making swords, thats your best bet. Not an easy task, but if your going to live over here, and love swords, it's your best bet. I'd stay away from chen blades though. While many are differentially tempered, the heat treatment is often shoddy, they bend easily, try and bend one, likely you can, and it will stay bent, that's not good, not for 600 to 1,000. Not when you buy something for a fraction of that and it will not bend, no no, not good at all. Just have to know where to look.

If anyone wants to find out about some superior smiths over here, ones that don't sell huge numbers so have crappy quality control, let me know.

Last edited by Kensei; 10-03-2006 at 06:19 AM.. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
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