# Why do men like shiny, metre-length, pointy objects? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 19, 2003, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679 "2003-01-19T21:05:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2003, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/1 "2003-01-19T21:05:04Z")
In a newsnet message I mentioned that I want a sword. Someone asked why. Then I tried to explain what it is about swords that I like. I failed. So I thought - Surely other people feel the same way about swords. This being ‘OT’ In that newsgroup I thought of a place where the concept of ‘OT’ is less strict. The [Straight] Dope [Message Board]. So, anyone else - can you articulate what it is you/we/men like about swords? I am in awe of them, I seriously want one (not as a weapon - but as an ‘ornament’). I can’t articulate [better] why that is so. ---
**Author:** ![Crusoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/49beb7/32.png) [@Crusoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crusoe)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2003, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/2 "2003-01-19T21:09:21Z")
I used to want one when I was about 11. I saw one in a shop in Arundel and couldn’t understand why my parents wouldn’t buy it. Now, mind you, I see why exactly. What would I do with one? Where would I put it? How would it fit in with the rest of the decor in my home? I can see how it would make a “different” ornament, but that’s about all. ---
**Author:** ![Fern\_Forest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/71c47a/32.png) [@Fern\_Forest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fern_Forest)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2003, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/3 "2003-01-19T21:14:30Z")
Well, you never know when you might be sucked through a time hole to the year 1114. I like them because they are historical. One of those “This is how people lived a thousand years ago” kinda thing. I suppose you could also say it’s a symbol of manhood and great men of the past had them. Plus their exotic. You rarely see them nowadays. ---
**Author:** ![samarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4da419/32.png) [@samarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samarm)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2003, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/4 "2003-01-19T21:18:15Z")
I don’t get it. Can you explain more about why you want one? Can you just go out and buy a sword at a shop? They are lethal weapons, after all (even if they are ornamental). If you can just go and buy one, then go buy one! As long as you’re a sane, normal guy I don’t see the problem. ---
**Author:** ![samarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4da419/32.png) [@samarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samarm)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2003, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/5 "2003-01-19T21:20:46Z")
Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against people owning swords. I’m just curious as to the attraction. I guess **Osiris** has partly answered this. ---
**Author:** ![Washte](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/dc4da7/32.png) [@Washte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Washte)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2003, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/6 "2003-01-19T21:22:38Z")
I love swords, all weaponry actually. We have a huge sword, mace and double headed axe on one wall, and a bow and full quiver on another. Two other bows are in the other room. They are all just beautiful. Perhaps it stems from a more _romantic_ time, of chivalry, hand-to-hand combat, of real living. Okay, on reflection this sounds weird… Perhaps it’s just the primitiveness of it. Who knows? I’m looking forwad to our next purchase… either another sword, a pole-ax or halberd… whoar! ---
**Author:** ![typhoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ed8c4c/32.png) [@typhoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/typhoon)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2003, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/7 "2003-01-19T21:27:07Z")
It’s a phallic symbol. ---
**Author:** ![Toffe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e19adc/32.png) [@Toffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toffe)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2003, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/8 "2003-01-19T21:33:26Z")
I like knives. I like blades because making a good blade and a good knife/sword is an art. Making the right kind of steel, the right balance, and the right kind of edge for its purpose is extremely difficult when it’s not just mass-produced stainless steel kitchen cutlery. Going past that, having an excellent edge and great balance on a knife/sword and then making it an attractive package and a work of art is even more difficult, whether it’s my carbon-steel Finnish carving knife that will cut through anything and looks like a very personal tool, a vicious diving knife I have in black plastic and shiny rust-free steel, or a katana that is as much a work of art as a weapon. Sort of like collecting sculptures, except weapons have as much more work (or more) in the actual creation of the composite parts than in shaping the appearance. But then people think I’m nuts, so what do I know? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2003, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/9 "2003-01-19T21:52:45Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by typhoon \* > \*\*It’s a phallic symbol. \*\* **typhoon** has nailed it. Ow! Stop hitting me! ---
**Author:** ![Achernar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e274bd/32.png) [@Achernar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Achernar)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2003, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/10 "2003-01-19T21:58:26Z")
Without a sword, just what do you plan to do if a Stalfos breaks into your house at night? Skeleton warriors are strong against firearms and hand-to-hand. ---
**Author:** ![Francesca](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/9fc348/32.png) [@Francesca](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Francesca)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2003, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/11 "2003-01-19T22:07:35Z")
I would also like a sword. What does that say about me? ---
**Author:** ![Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc29f/32.png) [@Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2003, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/12 "2003-01-19T22:29:47Z")
I used to love swords, but these days, I’m finding myself more drawn towards knives. Not those brutish, combat-style or military-style knives, but the more ornate ones, made in the inspiration of different cultural backgrounds. I was a pretty decent fencer at one point in my life, so my actual experience is only limited to foils, sabers, and main gauche. I only own three knives. And none of them are by any means ‘authentic’, just ornamental recreations of a Roman ‘pugio’ knife, and another that looks inspired by old chinese history. One of my friends owns a civil war cavalry saber that was handed down as an heirloom by a past relative…I’m envious! To me, these weapons aren’t phallic…compared to the cowardly guns that are used today they’re a reminder of a more honorable time, when a person needed sound skill and sound mind to dare put their lives and the lives of others at risk. A sword is like an extension of the arm, a weapon of elegance–a knife is like an extension of the hand, a weapon of grace. _nostalgaic tear_ I need to get back into fencing. ---
**Author:** ![lokij](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/5e9695/32.png) [@lokij](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lokij)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2003, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/13 "2003-01-19T22:56:06Z")
Swords satisfy on many levels. For one it’s easy to appreciate such a highly refined and elegant tool. Swords embody the ideal of form following function. They’re interesting from a historical and cultural standpoint that translates across cultural and religious lines. The skill needed to use or make one requires tremendous discipline and practice, demanding a certain respect. In addition to being awesome weapons they also serve a function as a uniquely male kind of adornment, jewelry for guys if you will (best illustrated with the highly ornate dueling rapiers and smallswords). I could think of more… nifty things that they are. ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2003, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/14 "2003-01-19T23:18:53Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Francesca \* > \*\*I would also like a sword. What does that say about me? \*\* Heh. Heh. 😛 It means that beneath the cool bookish exterior thumps the roiling heart of a middle-ages savage. I can hear you now… > [@](#): > > My name is Gwyynnyehtthe Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die. Hey, works for me . 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Flutterby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Flutterby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flutterby)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2003, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/15 "2003-01-19T23:35:01Z")
Hey, I want a sword too. We did have one here for a bit when my roomie at the time had a katana. ---
**Author:** ![LolaCocaCola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7cd45c/32.png) [@LolaCocaCola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LolaCocaCola)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2003, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/16 "2003-01-19T23:41:33Z")
To compensate for their shortcomings? ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2003, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/17 "2003-01-20T00:04:10Z")
Who here denies that, if they had a sword as an ornament on their wall, and were watching a film with swords in it, they would be tempted to get it off the wall, wave it around, and make ‘swish’ and ‘woosh’ noises? ---
**Author:** ![Spiratu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/47e85d/32.png) [@Spiratu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiratu)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2003, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/18 "2003-01-20T00:12:16Z")
Oh, admit it. We want swords because The Coolest of All Men, Gomez Addams, had one, and we want to be like him and fence with our accountant and so on 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2003, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/19 "2003-01-20T00:25:05Z")
Excalibur! We must love them. We give them names! ---
**Author:** ![Kal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9de053/32.png) [@Kal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kal)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2003, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679/20 "2003-01-20T00:38:20Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Lobsang \* > \*\*Who here denies that, if they had a sword as an ornament on their wall, and were watching a film with swords in it, they would be tempted to get it off the wall, wave it around, and make ‘swish’ and ‘woosh’ noises? \*\* Hell, I wanted to take mine with me when we saw LotR. Washte wouldn’t let me though, because she knew I’d use it to smite anybody who dared talk during the movie. The axe, flail and bows were also banned. Spoilsport. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-like-shiny-metre-length-pointy-objects/149679.md?page=2)