Longsword point of balance

[Olgierd Pado]

Hi guys,

I have a specific question conc. longsword point of balance (POB).
Where do you think it should be located?
I have browesd the net, but have not been able to fins any reliable information conc. the issue. I only found weights and dimensions but no POB references.

Cheers
Olgierd

[Casper Bradak]

Depends on the specific design of longsword and personal preference. It could be anywhere from the cross to about a hands length down the blade, but I haven't handled any originals and you should try to get answers from someone who has handled many antiques.
I doubt there is any "should" or "shouldn't" in the matter.

[Olgierd Pado]

Yeah, I know.

I once handled a Turkish sabre once and it was amazing how light and well balanced it was. It felt almost like a feather - you could relly do amazing things with it.
Unfortunately I have not had such an experience with an original longsword and I am not experienced enough to have any "preference" whatsoever.

The resaon why I am asking is that recently I've gotten a
replica longsword.
Description:
- weight - (1.75 kg = 3.5 pounds) - a little too heavy,
- POB - 14 cm down the blade from the cross.
- overall length - 118 cm
- blade length - 91 cm
- blade width at cross - 4.8 cm
- handle length (w/ pommel) - 25,5 cm
- cross width - 21.5 cm

I think that it IS a little blade heavy, and was wondering how that relates to the originals?
Maybe someone has mesured an original/similar sword and can shed some light on the POB issue?

I have tried floryshes with it and I found it a little too blade heavy (not to mention the overall heaviness <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />).
Is it just me, and I have to train for some time to develop strength necessary to wield it,
or is it simply that the sword is improperly made?

It may still make a pretty nice wall hanger though...

Cheers
Olgierd

[Shane Smith]

I have blades balanced anywhere from 4 inches(Handles quick!) to nearly 8 inches(nose-heavy XIIIa chopper). I think both fall roughly within historical parameters based on type but I prefer a faster blade if given my choice.The answer is; "It depends on what you intend to do with it" <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" />

[James_Knowles]

I would love to handle originals as this is one topic I'm curious about.

I have two of the Paul Chen/Hanwei practical longswords, and the PoB is slightly different on each. Balancing them on edge, there's perhaps no more than an inch difference.

The one closer to the cross feels great for practicing with others since I feel I have finer control. The other I like to use for floryshing and other solo practice as the strikes seem to feel more powerful and I like the momentum.

The slight difference in the two makes me curious.

[Douglas S]

That point of balance would have different effects depending on whether it was used two- or one-handed.