Zoom Rabbit Posted May 10, 2003 Share Posted May 10, 2003 Howdy, fellow sword enthusiasts! Welcome to the university. Frequently asked questions "University?" Sure. Degrees will be given to students who have finished the course at the end of the thread--provided there ever is one. Degrees are valid in the State of Denial, and can be used to convince household pets that you are an expert in kenjutsu. "How do I enroll?" By posting. Points toward a degree are accumulated if the posts are related to the subject, or if they merely amuse the professor. "What is zen?" Zen is a mirror without a stand, upon which no dust can accumulate. Never mind that for now. "Do I have to have a sword?" Well, it would certainly help now, wouldn't it? Actually, we'll be starting with sticks, but a swordsman without a sword is a moving target... "What is a Zoom Rabbit?" An irrepressible quadruped, nocturnal, who uncharacteristically chooses cheeseburgers over lettuce. "Can I teach my own techniques here?" Of course you can! This is a university, and we can have as many teachers as we want. "Is my principal a space alien?" Why, yes he is. Your powers of observation are impressive, and will benefit you as a samurai swordsman. Now then. Class is in session. Today's lesson: Sticks Although there are always exceptions to the rule, a younger child should not be given a bladed weapon for practice. The fears of any parent will kick in, and visions of their child bleeding to death in the back yard are not unjustified. No matter how cool they look on teevee, a sword is a deadly weapon, and not a toy; when it comes to judging whether or not a child is ready for their first sword, a parent would be well advised to think of a sword as a gun that is always loaded, albeit with a shorter range. Myself, looking back, that age was thirteen. Some children will be responsible enough younger than that, and of course there are some full grown adults who shouldn't be given anything as sharp as a plastic butter knife. A parent knows their child well enough, and should make that judgement on their own... For a beginning swordsman of any age, the wooden stick is prescribed. Actually, for daily practice I myself still use a stick (and I've had swords for 22 years now) most of the time. It's important to know your weapon, and its balance well, but you can take chances and try new things with a stick more safely. Make note: the sword is sharp, but the stick isn't. Safety first. What kind of stick? Well, when I was a lad, I would find my own about the neighborhood and keep one at all times in the bushes. If I had known better, I would have just gone to a martial arts supply store and bought a bokken. The bokken is the prefered Japanese practice weapon, and indeed it looks just like a samurai sword carved out of wood (with blunt edges, of course.) If a martial arts supply store is lacking in your town, try any store that carries swords and knives--army surplus, for example. For an investment of about ten bucks, you can get a Chinese redwood bokken that will last awhile. Okay, what do I hit with it? The technical term is a pell, and it's basically a stationary target that turns and reacts to your striking it. What I've found works best is an old bike frame, suspended upside-down from a tree branch at about chest level. A pell of this type moves around quite a bit, and helps one work on blocking (remember, it's not just hitting things with the stick, but stopping other things with it, that is the point.) Other designs can be experimented with, but the bike frame and rope contraption is easy to make and inexpensive. Stuck inside without a back yard? You're screwed. If you break mom's china practicing inside, you will be grounded forever. I'm 35, and I'm still hearing about it... Seriously, indoor practice is possible. Just choose a room without breakables, a high ceiling, and no dangling lamps, plants or spaceship models. My starship Reliant model will never be the same because I failed to do this; you have been warned. This concludes today's class concerning sticks. 'Vive la resistance.' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C Shutt Posted May 10, 2003 Share Posted May 10, 2003 I'd like to subscribe to your newsletter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynk Former Posted May 10, 2003 Share Posted May 10, 2003 if any1 else couldn't be bothered reading all of that I will sum it up here he said: "I am a turnip" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edlib Posted May 10, 2003 Share Posted May 10, 2003 I have a scar just below my lower lip back from the days where I believed myself to be a 10th-level barbarian fighter (at the apex of my D&D-playing days, or about 11 or 12 years old) and crafted myself a sword worthy of the great warrior-king Conan. Basically, it was a flat-ish piece of metal with the grip from a 3-speed bike Elmer's-glued to one end. My cousin built one too, and immediately challenged me to a duel in my uncle's basement. Of course, we didn't bother to wait until the glue had set for more than a minute or two before madly and randomly flailing these weapons in each other's direction. His flew out of the handle and smacked me in the mouth. There was a fair amout of blood if I remember correctly, although most of the damage was inside my mouth where my teeth gouged the inside of my lip. Now when anyone asks me why my beard has a bald spot below my bottom lip, I can honestly tell them it is a scar I recieved in a sword fight. These days, the only weapon that I feel inclined to practice is of the electric, 6-stringed variety... and I'm way behind where I should be on that. The best thing about my weapon of choice is that it has a greater range, can be used to disrupt the normal functionings of hearing as well as the operation of the entire general nervous system,.. and, when used properly, can be used to subvert an entire generation of Americian (and occasionally the world's) youth. Actually, I have this great little book called 'Zen Guitar' that I have reread a number of times. Whenever I start to feel I am losing direction or focus I pull it out again. Website: http://www.maui.net/~zen_gtr/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rogue Nine Posted May 10, 2003 Share Posted May 10, 2003 Now, does the Zen University have an exclusive emphasis on Asian swordfighting techniques, or does it branch out to European styles as well? If that is the case, I can make myself available as an instructor in the ways of the sabre. If not, I can call on some previous kendo experience to aid the school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admiral Odin Posted May 10, 2003 Share Posted May 10, 2003 Interesting Zoomie. I believe I have a new place to teach. What will I teach you ask? I shall teach three things. Medieval Swordsmanship, Renaissance Swordsmanship, how to refurbish a sword, and finally vocabulary. Class will be held later tonight. Featuring live blades.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cmdr. Cracken Posted May 10, 2003 Share Posted May 10, 2003 *bows to Master Rabbit* I have some experience with watazashi (i can't remember the spelling* and katana duel wielding, and have developing a few of my own tecniques, because i lack a real teacher here in rochester. and unfortunatly, sensei, i have broken your first rule. i don't have a bokken, so i must practice with live steel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pad Posted May 10, 2003 Share Posted May 10, 2003 Originally posted by Lynk Former if any1 else couldn't be bothered reading all of that I will sum it up here he said: "I am a turnip" rofl the only swordfightin i did was when i was a youngster who tought he was a musketier. a few broken fingers proved me wrong. do you train with friends or do you practice it on your own just as a hobby to get yourself calm? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lynk Former Posted May 10, 2003 Share Posted May 10, 2003 my friend and i sword fight with these woodern poles all the time, we have recieved many injuries in the process... it's fun *nods* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jared Posted May 10, 2003 Share Posted May 10, 2003 ZOOMRABBIT?????!!! WHERE DID YOU COME FROM??! ....^_^ havnt heard of you in a year... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commander 598 Posted May 11, 2003 Share Posted May 11, 2003 I'm rather partial to Cossack Cavalry Sabers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylilin Posted May 11, 2003 Share Posted May 11, 2003 I actually broke a sword a couple of weeks ago in my back yard chopping the crap out of some grapefruits. I performed my special overhand Jedi Outcast red special move on one when the handle broke off. Oh well, it was only a thirty dollar knock-off. But, I digress. On to the topic at hand. I wish to offer my services as a professor. Not as an instructor of sword techniques. But I feel, as a holder of a Bachelor's degree in history, I can provide relevant information on the history of weapons, focusing on swords. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoom Rabbit Posted May 11, 2003 Author Share Posted May 11, 2003 My. Looks like we have quite a few teachers! Gentlebeings, intelligentsia all, welcome. Limited to Asian techniques? No...in fact, I'll probably do my bit on swordsmanship in the professional kitchen later on. Even lightsaber techniques are valid here...although a swordsman using one is at a significant disadvantage because his weapon doesn't really exist... Carl: Newsletter? You're posting in it, yo. However, I would like to subscribe to your avatar. Car Horn: Yes, I am a turnip. I suppose that beats being a cauliflower. TK-421: I came from under your bed. Boo! Kylilin: Hey, whaddaya know? I have two tsuba (sword guards) on my wall. I didn't go out and buy them...they're what was left after two 'yard swords' bit the dust (plus the habaki--or sword bolster--from one, which I use as an incense burner.) Cheap swords can be a source of bizarre home furnishings. Glancing through the rest, it strikes me that a great many of you have already discovered the importance of safety in sparring. Personally, I never spar without three very important things: a motorcycle helmet with a visor, gloves and a cup.* Some would throw even more protection in like knee pads and elbow guards, but I would probably call them sissies and beat them up with their own stick. While we're at it, do not use a bokken for sparring (unless you're good enough to guarantee not hitting your opponent) because it will make your bones just that: brokken. The proper stick for sparring is a shinai, a straight bamboo stick with a well-padded tip; they are generally about twice as expensive as a bokken, around twenty bucks. Yes, it is important to practice with a partner (or better, four or five of you; people get winded quick, and taking turns helps give you a chance to rest) in addition to single practice with a pell. One caution about sparring with friends--if you're good, they'll stop wanting to fight you. If you really are that good, then let them hit you every once in awhile just to keep them interested. I look forward to reading your lessons, especially on sabers. I just bought a saber, a short Solingen made military model from around the turn of the century. Not sure yet where it's from exactly, but it rocks in the 'swish test.' *Feel free to ignore my advice on this, but don't come complaining to me when you have epilepsy, eight fingers and can't have kids some day... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted May 11, 2003 Share Posted May 11, 2003 @_@ Yes and no. To everything. I believe that about sums it up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rogue Nine Posted May 11, 2003 Share Posted May 11, 2003 Yeeeehaaaa. Gotta love the cavalry sabre. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admiral Odin Posted May 12, 2003 Share Posted May 12, 2003 Now before going into techniques. You must first know what type of sword you are using. For this lesson we will begin with a description of different sword types. This is part one.... Sword Types 1.Medieval Sword: Length range is 35-43 inches. Hilt will be around 5 to 8 inches long. These swords were made for one handed use. Weight is between 2 to 3 ½ pounds. These swords are used for hacking, shearing cuts and limited thrusting. The blade is usually straight, can be wide or narrow. The handle is short allowing for only one hand. Designs vary greatly. 2.Arming Sword: These are smaller swords, used for dealing with plate armor, they usually don’t have a scabbard and are worn by placing them through a metal ring. These swords generally have a center ridge to make the blade rigid, and able to pierce armor. 3.Long Sword: This refers to swords that have a handle that will fit both hands, and has a long blade. The name was recorded in 1450, but most likely was used before then. A long sword length is usually 40-48 inches. Weight around 2 ½ to 3 ½. It is believed these swords were used as early as 1150. 4.War Sword: These are long swords, in everything except they were usually carried on the saddle. The term started in the 1300s and refers to the larger long sword, carried into battle. 5.Great Sword: These are even larger war swords, the term started also in the 1300s, evidence suggest that these swords were in use as early as 1180. These are not true two handed swords (those will be covered later). They weigh enough to require the use of both hands. Where a long sword could be used with a shield, and on a horse. These swords cannot be used with a shield and are a pure infantry weapon. Length is 44 to 53 inches. They weigh 3 to 4 pounds. Usually these swords have a fuller running down half the blade length and a rounded point. Great swords are most famous for the early Scottish claymore (The one William Wallace used in Braveheart). 6.Bastard Sword: These swords came into use in the early 1400s, a form of the long sword that has special grips that are used for one or two hands. It is not a true one handed or two handed sword. These swords have a recognizable “half grips, waist and bottle grips.” Length is 40-48 inches at 3 to 3 ½ pounds. These swords generally may have a longer blade but only a one handed grip or a shorter blade with a two handed grip. 7.Estoc: These are a special long sword, that are very rigid and pointed, edgeless triangular or square blade. These swords are used only against plate armor. Used to pierce it. This sword can’t cut but can be used as a club. These are often confused with boar-swords. The blade is long but can be used one handed at time, with an armored hand gripping the blade. These blades are also known as tucks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edlib Posted May 12, 2003 Share Posted May 12, 2003 "Bring me my broadsword, and clear understanding. Bring me my cross of gold as a talisman." - Ian Anderson I like the flexibility of the bastard sword. Plus,.. as a bonus,.. you get to keep saying "bastard." Heh heh heh! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylilin Posted May 12, 2003 Share Posted May 12, 2003 I would also like to propose a weekly reading from the Hagakure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoom Rabbit Posted May 12, 2003 Author Share Posted May 12, 2003 Excellent idea, Kylilin. I'm a fan of The Book of Five Rings, myself, but it is such tedious reading that I wouldn't inflict it on anyone... The Hagakure should do nicely. Shall you take on that responsibility? Looks like the faculty's shaping up. I can do zen and Japanese swordsmanship, Admiral can do European weapons, Niner can teach, well, sabers...and Kylilin can cover history and development of the sword for us. Anyone else want to teach? Interesting lesson, Admiral. I never had a clear idea of what exactly an estoc was before. Is the rapier considered an arming sword, or does that come later than the time period you're talking about? Edlib: Actually, I believe Pete Townshend explored the martial performance of guitars in his early years (and we won't mention what he's explored in the later ones...) Professor Zoom's taking a night off. In my place is guest speaker Evil Spock, who has a zen story from his native evil planet Vulcan in an alternate universe. Spock? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pink Monkey Posted May 12, 2003 Share Posted May 12, 2003 Once, a long, long time ago on the planet Vulcan, three monks and their master, undergoing the rites of Kolinahr, were sitting on a high mountain ledge at the edge of the Great Forge desert. After sitting and meditating for many days in silence, one of the monks spoke up. 'Reality is interconnected to the degree that there is only one!' 'You have the rind,' commented the master. The silence went on. Finally, the second monk said, 'The interconnection of reality cannot be tabulated as one, as one is a finite value. There is nothing.' 'You have the flesh,' commented the master. The third monk thought about this a great deal. Finally, he pushed the master off the cliff, who fell screaming to his death on jagged rocks below. 'I wish it would rain.' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JangoClone#104 Posted May 12, 2003 Share Posted May 12, 2003 Originally posted by Zoom Rabbit ..."What is a Zoom Rabbit?" An irrepressible quadruped, nocturnal, who uncharacteristically chooses cheeseburgers over lettuce.... if your avatar is supposed to be zoom rabbit, then it looks like a rabbit (is his name max?) with mega man's helmet. thank you. *leaves* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kylilin Posted May 12, 2003 Share Posted May 12, 2003 "Although it stands to reason that a samurai should be mindful of the Way of the Samurai, it would seem that we are all negligent. Consequently, if someone were to ask, "What is the true meaning of the Way of the Samurai?" the person who would be able to answer promptly is rare. This is because it has not been established in one's mind beforehand. From this, one's unmindfulness of the Way can be known. Negligence is an extreme thing. The Way of the Samurai is found in death. When it comes to either/or, there is only the quick choice of death. It is not particularly difficult. Be determined and advance. To say that dying without reaching one's aim is to die a dog's death is the frivolous way of sophisticates. When pressed with the choice of life or death, it is not necessary to gain one's aim. We all want to live. And in large part we make our logic according to what we like. But not having attained our aim and continuing to live is cowardice. This is a thin dangerous line. To die without gaming one's aim is a dog's death and fanaticism. But there is no shame in this. This is the substance of the Way of the Samurai. If by setting one's heart right every morning and evening, one is able to live as though his body were already dead, he pains freedom in the Way. His whole life will be without blame, and he will succeed in his calling." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admiral Odin Posted May 12, 2003 Share Posted May 12, 2003 Edlib: Shame on you . However, since class is just begining, I'll forgive you. But after this lesson you should know better then to use the term Broad Sword. Zoom: The Rapier falls into the Renassiance time frame which I will be dicussing. The Rapier is different from the arming sword. It is it's own class of sword and will be talked about in a little while. Now on two Part II of Sword Types. 8.Boar-Sword: Similar to the Estoc, except the blade has a flat spear like tip. 9.Two Handed Swords: These developed from the Great Sword, true two handed swords are Renaissance swords and separate from the medieval counterparts. They were used in the 1500s, to the 1600s. The typical blade is generally 6 feet long (72 inches). They were used against pikes. These weigh 3 ½ to 5 pounds, sometimes more. These are the only really heavy swords. True Two handed swords have a compound hilt with side rings. Handles are usually 14 to 18 inches long. Usually these have small pointed lugs or flanges. These parrying hooks act as a second guard to protect the hand when gripping the ricasso, from another sword. 10.Falchion: A less common variety of sword, these made their appearance in 1200. These swords are wide, heavy, single edged, and slightly curved. Their main purpose is to deliver a devastating blow. (Falchion is pronounced fal-shun). This sword was never greatly prized so few have survived. It weighs 3 to 4 pounds. This is little more then a meat cleaver. The sword was definetly used at least by 1063. 11.Rapier: These are one of the most misunderstood swords out their. This is caused by the movies. It is not a hack and slash sword. This is a thrusting sword, and soley that. These swords feature the swept hilts, shell hilts ect. And are probably the most famous of all European swords. Length: 43-45 inches, average blade lenghth is 37in., and weight is 2lbs. 12.Small Sword or Short Sword: Often confused with a rapier, these swords are for self defense only. They were nicknamed walking sword or town-sword. These are very small swords, with barely an edge. These were light swords capable of devastating thrust, and quick movement. 13.Cut and Thrust: Similar to the rapier, this is often confused with them as well. Cut and thrust swords, are used for cutting. The name says it all. They are not very agile, and can’t be used like a Rapier. 14.Hand and a half: These swords are similar to the bastard sword. Except were the grip is concerned. They feature a grip that allows an entire hand, plus part of the other hand. Hence the name. This gripping technique is called gripping the pommel. That is the only way the other hand can fit. 15.Back Sword: This is a defensive sword, it was used against rapiers and small swords. They generally feature an s gross guard. These swords have a single edge and perform devastation slices. Around 39 inches, with a weight around 2 pounds. 16.Scimitar: The Scimitar is a Middle East sword. It is often confused with the falchion. It has a single edge and a curved blade. Weighs around 2 pounds and is around 42inches long. 17.Claymore: These swords are Scottish in origin. These have the same characteristic of a Great sword, with length. However generally a Claymore is lighter then a Great sword allowing for quicker movement. The most recognizable feature of a claymore is the downward swept cross guard. Claymore also refers to the Scottish basket hilt sword. 18.Norman/Viking Sword: These swords feature a straight or curved cross guard, a central fuller. These are a sub class of the medieval sword. The most notable feature is a Viking or Lobed pommel. 19.Gladius: The sword of the Roman legions. It is an excellent blade in close combat situations, ideally suited for the Roman style of warfare. These blades are great for stabbing, and also were good for cutting. Average length is 28 inches, weigh around 2 pounds. 20.Kung Fu Sword: Ferquently used in pairs this was a light and fast sword. This sword usually features a scarf tied to the pommel. The scarf was used to confuse opponents, and for decoration. Length is around 31 inches, weight 2 pounds. Has only a single edge. 21.Tai Chi Sword: These are light, supple swords, used in Tai Chi. It has a double edge and is very light. Length around 37 inches, weight 1 pound. 22.Katana: This is perhaps the most popular sword out their and the most expensive. A proper Katana will sell for at least $1000, most likely more. The feature a single edged curved blade and a circular tsuba. Length is around 40 inches, weight is about 2 pounds. 23.Wakizahi: This is the Katana’s little brother. It is almost identical to a katana but smaller in size, and lighter. Cost also would be 1000, and up. Length is around 27 inches, weighing about 1 pound. 24.Broad Sword: I haven’t mentioned this class, since it doesn’t exist. It is a modern term describing a sword with a broad blade. Those swords fit into one of the above classes. This concludes the lesson on sword types. Now you may be asking yourselves what about the Saber. I did not discuss it since that is Niner's department. Next lesson: Other medieval weapon types/classes, and Armor. Until then anyone have any questions? (once my office is back online I will have pics of these things to show you) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoom Rabbit Posted May 13, 2003 Author Share Posted May 13, 2003 Admiral: I have a question about smallsword and shortsword. Most of my antiques are (naturally) smallswords both fraternal and military in nature; they are all basically light rapiers, for daily wear. As I understand it, they were as much fashion wear as weapon in their day. Now...a shortsword, as I've always understood the term, is something a good foot or so shorter and generally more robust in construction. One could chop a tree branch with a shortsword, but trying that with your smallsword would be a waste of perfectly good gold florins. A good example would be the model 1909 bolo-tipped Argentine shortsword, which is fairly widespread among collectors (I've had two, and still have the better one.) Are we just misusing the term shortsword in the modern vernacular? I would speak correctly. Also, I always thought that a broadsword was a smallsword mounted with pink velvet and happy flowers for ladies to wear... Kylilin: Good choice. I don't have a copy of the Hagakure, so I look forward to reading your posts. I find the samurai way of looking at death to be intriguing...but I do feel that the key to understanding the samurai's ability to dispassionately sacrifice his own life in the weighing is to be found in zen meditation. To know zen is to see life as a state of being, not being itself. Jangodude 104: Welcome. My avatar is merely a two-dimensional approximation of what I would look like in cohesive form that web-surfing hominids would be capable of understanding; my true appearance, if it could be rendered in this fashion, would blow too many minds for me to post safely. What is a samurai sword? Other than what we all have seen of these weapons in our movies and teevee shows, the samurai's sword is actually a weapon with deep roots in Japanese culture. Well known as a people who can take things to extremes at times, the Japanese developed the half-bent sword into the most perfect design known to man. Even a medieval combat expert armed with his claymore or landesknecht will admit that the weapon that offers him the most challenge would be the samurai sword. Why do I keep calling it a samurai sword? Well, a katana is a particular style of mounting for this type of sword, and a tachi is quite another. To be most precise, it would be best to refer to the type of blade, which is the shinogi-zukuri (bearing in mind that wakizashis, tantos, nodachis and even hamadashis differ from the standard size by little more than length)...but that would get confusing. I'll just stick with samurai sword. What stands apart at first glance is the samurai sword's long handle. This gives the swordsman incredible leverage and turning if he places his hands far enough apart. Beginners: take note (that isn't a baseball bat you're holding.) The rest of the sword's innovations lie mainly in the blade, but I'll cover than in more detail later. The handle is made of bamboo or another type of wood, overlaid with manta ray skin tied on with silk cord. Frequently, there are tiny talismans (or menuki) tied under the cord; the entire handle is held onto the sword tang by as little as one or two bamboo pegs. *!* Don't ask me why it holds together, but I've never had one of mine come undone. The handle is designed this way so that it can be taken off the tang easily--a sword often had a lifetime of several hundred years, and the mountings would have to be replaced in order to keep the weapon in good fighting condition. Types of samurai swords: Katana: standard full-sized sword, designed to be worn upside-down through a sash. This position made the sword more useful in the Japanese quick-draw (otherwise known as iajutsu) and was the daily fashion of samurai for the latter period of their history. Most of the knock-offs you see in stores are intended to be katanas. Tachi: Almost the same sword, only mounted by rings or cords hanging from a belt. This position was useful on horseback, and so the higher-ranking samurai generally wore them. Often, the tachi was the prefered style in court, as well...the finer examples of old samurai swords preserved in museums tend to be in tachi mountings. The officer's swords from Japan (WW2) in collector's hands today are all tachis, and many of these are hand made old-school style. I have two of them. Neener-neener-neener... Wakizashi: The same kind of mounting as the katana, only shorter. Usually, katanas and wakizashis were made as matched pairs, and the samurai fought with both. This was also the sword with which a samurai would commit suicide, if necessary. Tantos and hamadashis: I group these together, because they're basically the same idea: a dagger. A tanto would occasionally be made to match a daito (matched pair of katana and wakizashi) but more often the samurai had no use for daggers. His code required that he carry a larger sword at all times anyway... Nodachi: The rarest samurai sword among collectors. A foot or so longer than the katana, this rock and roll thrashdaddy of a war sword was usually worn on the back, or on a saddle. Few of these swords survive into the modern era. This concludes today's lecture. Class dismissed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edlib Posted May 13, 2003 Share Posted May 13, 2003 Originally posted by Admiral Edlib: Shame on you . However, since class is just begining, I'll forgive you. But after this lesson you should know better then to use the term Broad Sword. I didn't,.. Jethro Tull did. I merely used a quote from the song because he mentioned a sword in it. Besides,.. I already knew that. I just never thought anybody would be such a stickler for details. I remember most of this from my earlier days when I spent time paying attention to such things. I have several extensive books on arms and armor of the pre-gunpowder/ pre-rifled-barrel era. I'll have to dig them out again just to stay in this thread, I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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