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| Who tries to sound like she knows what she's talking about. Note. This "lecture(tte)" covers the basics of a broadsword and a katana. It doesn't show you how to make one but it shows you the important notes you should take into consideration when designing one. "Do you know how to use this thing?" "Of course! The pointy end goes into the other man." -The Mask of Zorro (1998) That's the kind of policy most amateur weaponcrafters have when they haven't done their research. As long as it's pretty and has a pointy end, ZOMG IT MUST BE A DEDLEE WEPUN! Not so. First, let's identify the parts of the sword in question! Since there are a LOT of different swords, I'm going to tackle the two most famous types: The broadsword and the katana. Katanas and broadswords are two different animals. Same species but with slight differences.  This is a katana.  This is a broadsword. See the similarities? First obvious difference: the pommel. See, the blades on broadswords are much larger and heavier than the blades on katana and therefore need balance. The pommel acts as a counterweight for your swing. Obviously, the larger, heavier broadsword blade would need a bigger counterweight as opposed to the sleek slender blade of the katana. Without said counterweight, your swing would be next to uncontrollable. If you want to nick an ear, then by all means, forget the pommel. Likewise, big pommels are a nono on Katana. They'll make your Katana heavy on one end. Second obvious difference: The blade. The Katana obviously has a more curved blade and the broadsword has a straight edge. The katana has three parts (Shinogi, Hamon, Mune, Yakiba) and the Broadsword has two (Foible, Forte.) The katana is made for slashing and slicing. The broadsword is made for slashing and thrusting. It's possible to thrust and stab with a katana, I'll give you that but.. it's not quite as effective as slashing. Broadswords with their large straight edge blades are absolutely awesome for everything: slashing, thrusting, stabbing, cutting cheese. --- There we go. I think I've managed an introductory lesson quite nicely. I think. O_o And back to my entire afternoon of doing nothing. 8D In other news: If I have any friends living in Pasig, there's an earthquake due. They say it's going to reach a 9 so... I hope you all stay safe. However, I do wish for the house of a certain skank who lives along the fault line to just crumble, thus rendering her homeless for quite some time. :D I'm sorry. I shall stop being horrible now. X3 | ||||||||||
Chronicles:brave the wind     |
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