Basket Hilt Claymore

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

For the best? Crisp and Sons Sword Cutlers Ltd. (www.crisp-and-sons.com) If you are going to buy a new sword, don't buy something that can't be picked up second hand on craigslist, ebay, or in your local pawn shop. Your grandchildren will thank you.

[TheOfficialBren]

It's what's shown in Tobus' photo, a sword with a single-edged blade. They typically had a partial false edge as well.

Oh. Okay. Thanks, Dale. What if it has a double edge? Is it then considered to be a broadsword?

[Dale Seago]

Right you are!

[RamsayClanCommish]

I thank you all for the input so far.

I do want functional as I hate spending money on something that will wobble about or constantly need repairing. I know a few guys who have purchased swords and end up soldering and tightening screws and such. I just want a sword that will look good, be sturdy, and not cost me a months rent.
Also, I don't plan on waving it around the backyard for zombie practice kills or walking about the highland games with it. While it will be on the wall, it will also be for certain ceremonies at Burns suppers, weddings, etc.

[RamsayClanCommish]

Also it seems that many of the dealers are currently out of stock.

[Woodsheal]

If you want a step up from the mass-produced Hanwei swords (which are nice!), but don't want to spend the tons of $$$s for a full-on custom job, I recommend Armour Class:
http://www.armourclass.co.uk/Data/Pa...Collection.htm

I have two of their basket-hilts, and they are excellent swords - sturdy, well-balanced, and not over-weight like so many repros....

[Panache]

It's what's shown in Tobus' photo, a sword with a single-edged blade. They typically had a partial false edge as well.

The backsword is lighter than the broadsword (the blade isn't as wide). So if you are a big guy it probably doesn't make much difference. But I find that broadswords are a bit too heavy to feel right in my hand.

Cheers

Jamie

[Celtic Ichor]

Steven, who has registered here as Tam Piperson, Jock Tamson, The Scotsman, Twa Corbies, and about 12 other pseudonyms has had his membership here repeatedly revoked.

[TheOfficialBren]

Hmm...very interesting. I have always been interested in the hand-and-a-half sword but that broadsword has been appealing lately.

Dale, do you teach HEMA or strictly the Eastern Arts?

[bikercelt1]

I thought I wanted a broadsword but I wanted to know how it worked so I hooked up with Clan Bailey and learned how to use one from Lord Douglas Bailey. I hasten to point out that learning is done with a "single stick" rather than a steel blade. I got a Hanwei practical broadsword for fencing, which means that my sword doesn't have a fully sharpened blade, and it also works for ceremonial applications without having the concerns of carrying a functional battle ready sword around. I have seen quite a few of the Hanwei practical swords break their welded on tangs, however, which is obviously a major concern I would have in a battle ready sword. Now that I know how to wield a sword, and how clumsy they are too wear, they've dropped somewhat down on my "gotta have" list. I still want a battle ready broadsword but I doubt if I would ever wear it in public. It's just to cumbersome and invites too much risk of catastrophe.


Jamie