Finally it's done....

[Lance Chan]

Hi John, they're covered in something we called "artificial leather" here. Maybe it's vinyl. I'm not sure about its english name. Without any lubricant, they tend to sticky. However, with some liquid soap added on, they slide just like metal blade do. We always spar with liquid soap on the blade because the slippery effect really makes a difference in all blade contacts. That's why I mentioned this in the instructions area because while it's not steel blunt, we try to make it simulate as close as possible.

Thank you for your advices. As for the change of the name, it will take some efforts and time to change all the links and names though. However, I'll try to get it corrected.

BTW, what about calling it "hand and a half sword"? I picked the term "bastard" because it's usable in either 1 hand or 2 handed. But if the length and other variables don't fit, would calling it a "hand and a half sword" be more appropriate in this case?

[Lance Chan]

This is a short video (1.01mb) I've just made to show the blade contact and sliding effect when liquid soap is applied.

http://www.rsw.com.hk/bc.mpg

<img src="/forum/images/icons/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[JeanryChandler]

John,

How precisely would you define a Bastard sword? I would think of a Bastard sword as having a tapering blade with some stiffness (hexagonal or diamond cross sections, short fullers only toward the grip), two-stage ("coke bottle") grip, and about 44-52" in length, and generally fairly light, between 2.5 - 3 lbs? Does that sound right? It's hard to tell for sure because there seem to be so many contradictary definitions out there...

JR

[Casper Bradak]

The definition varies from person to person, but from one historical source "A bastard sword is something longer than a short sword but shorter than a longsword." Generally a one handed sword with room for two. Often having a shorter, staggered grip for the second hand. Some say the blade form also comes into play in the definition. A very tapering, pointy blade type.

[JeanryChandler]

This is what I have come to think of as the old "D&amp;D" explanation of a Bastard Sword. From what I have been led to believe since then, the primary definition is as to attack style (thrusting over cutting).

By your definition of Bastard Swords, many Great Swords and Long Swords could be considered "hand and a half" weapons. The difference of the bastard sword, which was used seemingly for a fairly short period in the Renaissance (roughly concurrent with the use of plate armor), was that it had a stiffer, narrower, more sharply tapering blade specifically designed for armor piercing. I.e. it was the hand and a half version of the single handed cut-and-thrust sword.

But the older definition does keep cropping back up, and looking at the Oakeshotte books I have the Swords which seem to be the most like Bastard swords are a few inches shorter.

Can someone clarify this?

JR

[Craig Peters]

Ack! They cost as much as a waster! Lance, is it possible to order the European sword without the carrying case?

And, have any other ARMA members tried out these weapons? If so, thoughts, comments?

[Lance Chan]

Hello. We can make longer Euro sword up to 46 to 48 inches. Beyond that we'll need a larger diameter core where our current aluminum guard won't fit. We also have a larger type pommel that looks like the one from Brescia Spadona (that's because I love that sword). So yes, it's possible to make a version you like. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Lance Chan]

Hello. Locally it's possible to order the sword only without the case, at least for my friends. And I consider ARMA my friends. <img src="/forum/images/icons/laugh.gif" alt="" /> However, the case serve some protection during shipping and the shipping packaging has always been in my mind. I've seen my friend's experience of ordering a real sword and got bent during transport because of the cardboard box was stepped on. The carrying case is not made of soft cloth and has some protection ability so that the sword tip won't got compressed and the aluminum guard won't penetrate the cardboard box. Not to mention the price adjustment. Without the case, there'll need to be more filling materials.

So I'll come back to you when I've the price without the case figured out. Thanks for enquiry. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Casper Bradak]

Well, like I said, that was what a historical source said, so I wouldn't think of it as D&amp;D. Sort of a bastard offspring of a longsword or shortsword.

[Lance Chan]

For your information, besides the blade slippery issue, some pals in SFI HES questioned the parrying ability, thrusting safety and flexing issues of our weapons. I've addressed them with videos and photos at the links below:

http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?s=&amp;postid=317885

You may want to take a look if you have those questions in mind. <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" /> Maybe I should make them into a FAQ. Hhehe

[Lance Chan]

Just updated the website with 1 new product: European single handed sword
http://www.rsw.com.hk/single.htm

and 1 new video clip where I used a 36" long Chinese Jian to spar on slippery ground under heavy rain against a 46" long european sword wielding guy.
http://www.rsw.com.hk/videos.htm

[Mike Cartier]

Nice looking weapons lance.

[Lance Chan]

2 Chinese Martial Arts friends of mine visited today and tested my RSW with their sword binding practice. The blade slippery and non-bouncy characteristics are the key element to make it realistic.This is the video I've taken, 5.06 mb real player format:


http://www.rsw.com.hk/bladecontact.zip

[Guest]

Hey, nice website. It's good that there's someone educated selling these practice weapons, although they're out of my price range. I've definitely learned the value of padded weapons; wood doesn't feel very nice to be hit with.

Oh, and I especially like that they look nice. Most padded weapons aren't as aesthetically pleasing.