Fantasy Swords -- Places to start.
Most of these are available at Del Tin Rapiers
(The naked blade is at:
).
For comparison, consider the third to last sword above -- the Chinese Gim
[review]
. For discounted Del Tin rapiers (only $350.00
for the 2178!) try e-bay or google. For the $155.00 White Knight Broad Sword,
visit .
The final sword is by Tinker, though he is no longer producing those swords.
I'm personally interested in something that is a cross between a cut and thrust "rapier" and a katana. The problem is that such a blade needs to be light enough to fence with, but strong enough for hard cutting work -- similar to a saber with a hand and a half grip, to be used one and two handed. Many steels, with grain problems or weaker cross sections (obviously stainless steel 420 and 440a-c, but also D2 tool steel, etc.) can't be used for such an application.
For a good lead-in for the sort of thing I was looking for
Heronmar1.gif. For an interesting guard design
to go with it, visit
.
BTW, there is always the "Arnold" approach to swords. Lift enough weight and get strong enough so that you can't even feel a three pound blade (they had to add weight to the Conan sword -- an extra four pounds -- just so he could feel the blade) ... works if you are eighteen or superhuman <g>.
Comments:
L-6 is a wrought tool steel
- 65-75 pts C
- 25-80 pts Mn
- 60 to 120 pt Cr
- 125 pts to 200 pts Ni
- 50 pt Mo
- 50 pt Si
5160 is a wrought alloy steel
- 56-64 pt C
- 75 pt to 100 pt
- Mn
- 20 pt to 35 pt Si
- 70 pt to 90 pt Cr
S-7 is a wrought tool steel
The ultimate fantasy blade:
