Two Sets of Questions

[Jonathan Harton]

OK, I'm about to buy my first waster and I think I'm going to go with Hollow Earth as they can make what I believe I'm looking for in a good waster to my specs.

My first question is directed, and not soley limited to wasters, on the proper blade length I should choose. The reason I ask is because I am a rather short guy at just under 5'4. I assume that a 34"-36" blade would be about right, but thought I'd throw it out. I know I will already be at a disadvage in reach length because of my stature, and I don;t want a blade of smaller size to increase that gap. On the other hand, I also don't want a blade that will be unwieldy in my hands due to length. I believe that until I gain a good level of blade control, larger swords are just out of my reach. (no pun intend) These are all just my untrained thoughts though, I am fully open to more experienced opinion.

My second question is in regards to Angus Trim swords. I know these have screw on pommels, but how do they preform and stand up to abuse? The reason I ask is because I may have enough funds by the end of the summer stashed to get a sharp blade for living history and training work. The sword I'm looking at is the light Xlla sword numbers AT321. These just happen to be my personal faviorate swords as they can date back to the late 12th/ early 13th Cs and have a bastard sword grip with a crusader type blade with good cut/thrust and handaling all around. I guess the kicker is they can be documented into the crusades, however rare, and can be longsword work. Just some thoughts and questions.

Thanks for any and all feedback,
Jonathan.

[Allen Johnson]

We were discussing this a little bit this weekend at our practice when someone was hitting the ground during a flourish. It's not so much the size of the blade but the angles at which you cut with. The other thing is too that most waster places make a stock size-- ie- you dont really pick exactly to the inch what size you want. You'll be just fine with their standard longsword or single hand.

With ATrim swords... I may have mis read but I think you said you wanted a sharp for LH events and training. Most living history and re-enactment groups require blunt blades...which ATrims certainly are not. Equally you never want to "train" with a sharp doing anything except test cutting. (And maybe flourishes once you are really comfortable with your sword and technique) If you just plan to use it for test cutting, ATrims are great. I have one of his blades on my custom baskethilt i recently had made and it cuts fantastic. I would really be cautious in using this aginst anything more that soft or medium targets. I think there is a tendancy to over sharpen a bit to achive the super sleek cuts that wow people. I'd be really reluctant to try and hack at say a wooden shield and certainly shy away from hitting a steel or rimmed one. Just my two cents.

[Mike Chidester]

The rule of thumb is that a properly-sized longsword should reach about up to your armpit. Obviously you won't get it exact, because you're not having it suctom made. But a few inches difference doesn't mean anything. I'd personally recommend the New Stirling Arms wasters. They have two different sizes, and one of them is bound to fit you.

[Jonathan Harton]

Thanks Guys,

Allen, you are right that most groups use blunts, and so do we, but my group requires having a sharp blade for show purpose and accuracy before getting a blunt. The training aspect of the sword would be for test cutting and flourishes. I'd LOVE to get Albion's Steward, but can't afford it right now. I may just save and wait. Hadn't maid up my mind.