How to choose the right sword length: T'ai Chi longsword - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

fnordprefect · 10-22-2003, 04:11 AM

I've recently started studying a T'ai Chi sword form (42 step international/competition if that matters) and am absolutely loving it.

I want to buy my own sword to train with but I don't want to buy a lemon. So I was hoping you guys might have some recommendations and answers to my questions:

How do I determine the right length blade/handle/both?
Where should the sword's centre of balance be?
Can anyone recommend a good sword to look for?

Thanks all.

Fire · 10-22-2003, 11:09 AM

Try paul chen's hanwei forge- makes several different models and offers them in several different blade lengths- also, each model has different blade stiffness, - unfortunately I am unfamiliar with the length selection criteria, and ignorant as to why differing blade "springiness" is used.

seizei · 10-22-2003, 12:55 PM

definately go Paul Chen.. best quality for the most economical price.

im2smrt4u · 10-22-2003, 09:46 PM

I will aslo chime in with the Chen/Hanwei suggestion.

The best way to decide on the length is what feels good. For example, I find a 31" katana to be too long and difficult to wield, even though I am 6'0" tall., so I bought a 28" model. Much nicer.

fnordprefect · 10-22-2003, 11:20 PM

Thanks for the info guys, you've been very helpful. Good to know that the Paul Chen/Hanwei blades are well thought of. I liked the look of them myself in the various online stores I've found.

Just in case anyone comes looking for more info later on, I have dug up some purported criteria for choosing the right sword length etc. here: http://sunflower.singnet.com.sg/~limttk/ysword.htm

Length: Hold the sword in the starting position, i.e. behind the straightened arm, blade vertical. The point of the sword should be around the level of your ear lobe.

Springiness and weight are apparently a matter mostly of personal taste. Neither too springy or too hard etc etc. I guess as long as it feels natural in the hand while doing the form then it will be OK.

Thanks again guys.

10-22-2003, 04:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
fnordprefect Upright Location: UK	How to choose the right sword length: T'ai Chi longsword I've recently started studying a T'ai Chi sword form (42 step international/competition if that matters) and am absolutely loving it. I want to buy my own sword to train with but I don't want to buy a lemon. So I was hoping you guys might have some recommendations and answers to my questions: How do I determine the right length blade/handle/both? Where should the sword's centre of balance be? Can anyone recommend a good sword to look for? Thanks all.

10-22-2003, 11:09 AM	#2 (permalink)
Fire Warrior Smith Location: missouri	Try paul chen's hanwei forge- makes several different models and offers them in several different blade lengths- also, each model has different blade stiffness, - unfortunately I am unfamiliar with the length selection criteria, and ignorant as to why differing blade "springiness" is used. __________________ Thought the harder, Heart the bolder, Mood the more as our might lessens

10-22-2003, 12:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
seizei Purple Monkey Dishwasher Location: CFB Gagetown, NB, CANADA	definately go Paul Chen.. best quality for the most economical price. __________________ "If you're not weird, you're not interesting". I'm very interesting ... seizei; (adv - Japanese) at the most; at best; to the utmost; as much (far) as possible. (pronounced - say-zay)

10-22-2003, 09:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
im2smrt4u Beer Aficionado Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA	I will aslo chime in with the Chen/Hanwei suggestion. The best way to decide on the length is what feels good. For example, I find a 31" katana to be too long and difficult to wield, even though I am 6'0" tall., so I bought a 28" model. Much nicer. __________________ Starkizzer Fan Club - President & Founder

10-22-2003, 11:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
fnordprefect Upright Location: UK	Thanks for the info guys, you've been very helpful. Good to know that the Paul Chen/Hanwei blades are well thought of. I liked the look of them myself in the various online stores I've found. Just in case anyone comes looking for more info later on, I have dug up some purported criteria for choosing the right sword length etc. here: http://sunflower.singnet.com.sg/~limttk/ysword.htm Length: Hold the sword in the starting position, i.e. behind the straightened arm, blade vertical. The point of the sword should be around the level of your ear lobe. Springiness and weight are apparently a matter mostly of personal taste. Neither too springy or too hard etc etc. I guess as long as it feels natural in the hand while doing the form then it will be OK. Thanks again guys.