Introduction

[James Moreno]

Hi everybody, I dont think this is the apropriate place to post this but I wanted to do it anyway. I have just signed on as a new member and wanted to introduce myself to the community. My name is James Moreno and I am a student in california. I have no experience in handeling a sword but have always been facinated by the weapon. I have been sitting here reading all the old posts for about 3 hours now and still havent made a dent lol. I am really impresed with the size and commen goal of this community. And after reading through the site for a little bit I have attained some knowledge on where to start. I have a few questions however,

what in your opinion, is the best book for beginers like myself to read?

and in looking for wood for a waster what qualities in the wood are you looking for? would you recomend someone like myself to build my own or buy one?

I am really excited to start down this new path and thanks in advanced for any answeres.

Thank you, James Moreno.

[Andrew F Ulrich]

Hey James,

Welcome to ARMA! We've got a couple of great study groups in CA, what part are you in? As for books for beginners, I've only looked at a few books on this subject, and none that I've looked at would really warrant my wholehearted recommendation, but that being said, I am currently reading and enjoying David Lindholm's Knightly Art of the Longsword. It's got some stuff I just have to ignore as it's outdated, but it's got some good descriptions of the basic stances and concepts, so it might be an alright starting point.

As for wood for wasters, basically a hardwood that's not going to splinter or crack easily is what you'll want to look for. By all means stay away from softer woods like pine if you want to stay safe. I hear ash, hickory, and poplar work. I also heard that Japanese white oak is also very strong and hard, but that might be a little anachronistic for our purposes, and probably really expensive. If you just want to buy one, I'd say get one from New Stirling Arms or Raven Studios (seems most members prefer NSA). If you don't have the money, though, then a dowel would work fine for a while; if you can put a cross on it, that'd be even better, and then if you can shave it down with a carpenter's plane so it has a flat and (very thick) edge to the blade and a flattened handle, then you'd be all set.

If you're a member, then you should definitely check out the member's area (the ARMARIA), as it's, in my opinion, better than any book out there. It's got enough videos and articles to get you started, and many more manuals to go even further.

[James Moreno]

Im in northern CA,college town called Chico. I will start looking for some hardwoods in my local stores. and my membership aplication has been aproved I am just waiting on my payment to be processed, and a link to be sent to me.

Do you know of anyone in Chico? I know there is a study group in Sacramento California. That is only an hour or so away. I will look into this book and hopefuly soon I will be able to acsess the Armaria.

Thanks.

[James Moreno]

Can anyone tell me the demensions for a proper waster? For instance length, width and tapering?

Thank you, James.

[Andrew F Ulrich]

Here's the dimensions for NSA's "Hand and a Half, Long", their most popular waster:
Overall length 50"
Hilt length 9"
Blade length 41"
Quillon width 11"
Weight 2 pounds

On my own waster, at least (not an NSA, not sure what it is) the blade's thickness is maybe an inch, or maybe a little less. I don't have my waster with me at the moment, but I think for width, it's almost two inches wide near the hilt, and maybe an inch or so wide at the point. All the edges are pretty much semicircular. It's not an NSA or anything though. I think the main concern for a homemade waster, given that it's a good hardwood and has an edge and flat and cross, is that the cross is stable enough to take blows if you ever plan to spar with it.

[James Moreno]

yes If I made one I would try to make it all out of a single peice of wood if I could. That way I wouldnt have to worry about attaching anything.

[Stacy Clifford]

It would be better to have the cross as a separate piece (or two). Crosses break more often than blades do partly because of the nature and direction of the forces they encounter (though some is build quality), and even if you make it out of a single piece of wood, those physics are still going to hold true. It's called a waster for a reason, but replacing smaller parts that break off is more economical than replacing an entire shattered and splintered sword every time.

[James Moreno]

Oh I didnt even think of that. I figured the cross would be stronger if made from the same peice. But your right it would still be the most easily breakable part. Thank you definitlely dont want to waste any money.

[Thomas Bennett]

Hello James,

I just graduated from Chico State in December 2008. I'm brand new to Arma too but I've been to the Sac study group and would highly recomend it! I'm in North Carolina right now but I get leave in a couple months so mabey we could get together and train.

until then,

[James Moreno]

That would be cool. I have decided to buy my first waster and build the next one so I can figure out a basic design. I should have my waster by next month and my membership finalized by then so just let me know when your in town. Thank you for your help guys. I am still waiting on my payment to be processed and I will begin digesting the ARMARIA, untill then does anyone have any suggestions for activities for me to do meanwhile?

P.S. I know I am asking a high volume of questions lol. I apreciate your patience with a new comer.

[James Moreno]

Hi, so my payment was approved and I was granted access to the ARMARIA. I have to say, I was still skeptical that I was going to be able to teach myself all the way to this point. When I opened the ARMARIA and started sifting through the armatura I was again overwhelmed and a little skeptical. So the next morning after my regular calisthenics rutine I figured " eh, lets try this" So using a broomstick while I wait for my waster(only thing I had on hand), I began learning my four basic guards, and 40 minutes later after rewinding the video a few many times, I was able to progress through the four stances at half speed.

My skeptisism vanished, and I was completely in shock at how natural the movements were. ARMA you men and women have definitely done somthing right. I was affraid that I would be out there fumbeling around for 2 hours. I know I still have alot to learn and technique is important so I will try and film myself in order to critisize my movements and foot work, but if I wasent before, I am definitely sold now. Awsome.
Thanks.

[Andrew F Ulrich]

Welcome to ARMA, James! Just so you know, now that you're a member, the member's e-list is also a great place to ask questions and post videos for feedback, as it is frequented by a much wider range of ARMA members. Good luck, and train hard!

[Sal Bertucci]

Congrats and welcome!