What a bizarre sword!

nKante · 6th February 2009, 05:08 PM

it seems difficult to swing! Would it have been used hanging low, trailing behind the rider in order to slice a passing horse? I could also see it cutting saddle straps that way.

ariel · 7th February 2009, 02:48 AM

I do not think so: it looks like a kind of scythe. Must have been swung widely, to slash through anything in its way: a Grim Reaper, if you like.
If so, the rest ( kris-type "luks", blade with a fuller etc) was just for show.
In the medieval Europe, scythe blades were mounted vertically on a long handle, making them a formidable peasant weapon.

broadaxe · 9th February 2009, 05:18 PM

I had the chance to swing it a little today

amazingly light and well ballanced, high quality. It is, however, somewhat awkward due to its weird "scorpion sting" shaped blade, and one should pay extra attention as it is sharp all the way around. The cage-like sub-guard holds the sword sheathed in place.

asomotif · 10th February 2009, 12:23 AM

Amazing sword...

I have not too much problems with swords, knives and whatever injuries they inflict to soldiers/warriors in combat situation.
But thinking of the horse that encounters this monsterous blade

In London there is a memorial for animals saying "they had no choice".
Food for thought

Rick · 10th February 2009, 01:19 AM

I always think of the Horses .

The first target ....

Thankfully we need them no more for combat .

fernando · 10th February 2009, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

... Thankfully we need them no more for combat .

Cool

ariel · 10th February 2009, 04:01 AM

It used to be claimed that the modern prohibition of the "below the belt" hit in saber fencing stems from the old ban on hitting the horse during cavalry fights.
In fact, horse was always a desired target and this is indirectly witnessed by the elaborate horse armor in each and every military culture.

All is fair in love and war.

10th February 2009, 01:19 AM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,376	Sad I always think of the Horses . The first target .... Thankfully we need them no more for combat .

6th February 2009, 05:08 PM	#1
nKante Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Philly Posts: 72	it seems difficult to swing! Would it have been used hanging low, trailing behind the rider in order to slice a passing horse? I could also see it cutting saddle straps that way.

7th February 2009, 02:48 AM	#2
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I do not think so: it looks like a kind of scythe. Must have been swung widely, to slash through anything in its way: a Grim Reaper, if you like. If so, the rest ( kris-type "luks", blade with a fuller etc) was just for show. In the medieval Europe, scythe blades were mounted vertically on a long handle, making them a formidable peasant weapon.

9th February 2009, 05:18 PM	#3
broadaxe Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 334	I had the chance to swing it a little today amazingly light and well ballanced, high quality. It is, however, somewhat awkward due to its weird "scorpion sting" shaped blade, and one should pay extra attention as it is sharp all the way around. The cage-like sub-guard holds the sword sheathed in place.

10th February 2009, 12:23 AM	#4
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,237	Amazing sword... I have not too much problems with swords, knives and whatever injuries they inflict to soldiers/warriors in combat situation. But thinking of the horse that encounters this monsterous blade In London there is a memorial for animals saying "they had no choice". Food for thought

10th February 2009, 04:01 AM	#7
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	It used to be claimed that the modern prohibition of the "below the belt" hit in saber fencing stems from the old ban on hitting the horse during cavalry fights. In fact, horse was always a desired target and this is indirectly witnessed by the elaborate horse armor in each and every military culture. All is fair in love and war.