Those Dopers who manage to get to see the Wilkinson Sword sword factory are in for a treat.
It may also be the reason I’m not allowed a chainsaw.
Buggering rats!
It must be down. I haven’t actually been ther in a year or so.
Sorry
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How do I find out about fencing clubs in the UK?
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I think I’m in love… 
Anyone who seriously believes that men want swords because they’re “phallic symbols” needs to examine their own fixations…
I own several swords, knives, and one katar. Most of them are reproductions of museum pieces or representations of a certain type from a specific time period - no silly “Sword of the Wizard!” fantasy (crap) pieces from the Home Shopping Network here. I enjoy the simplicity of their design - even the intricately detailed pieces have a certain simplicity and utility about them.
Why do I collect them? Why do I like them? Same reason I like Braveheart, The Princess Bride and old Errol Flynn and Douglas Fairbanks Jr movies. Same reason I read Tolkein and Tranter. And there’s more to it than that. There’s a certain romance and sense of adventure to a sword - a sense of marvel.
A well-made sword is a work of art - this has been covered before in this thread. As an artist myself, this has a very strong appeal to me. I have a claymore which, if it’s held at the right angle to the light, actual hammer marks can be seen on the blade. This never ceases to fascinate me - the skill and effort involved in creating a good carbon steel blade amazes me. I intend to learn how and create my own blades eventually.
The attraction of a piece of history - even if it’s just a reproduction - is irresistable to me. It’s a reminder of where we all came from, maybe a simpler time, but definitely a less pleasant one. Some of my blades are reminders of my own heritage - the early Claymore, the 18th-century basket-hilt Claymore, my dirk…and, of course, my sgian dhu is an essential accessory when dressing for a formal occasion.
When it comes down to it, I also like the way the blade catches and reflects the light.
Besides, it makes me look cool at the Ren Faire when I go in appropriate garb with a sword at my hip. Can’t do this if you don’t have a sword to hang at said hip.
I collect swords and other hand weapons because I study martial arts. It is kind of hard to learn weapon forms without weapons to practice with. I usualy buy my stuff from this guy at the local sportsman shows that come through every 3 months. A lot of his stuff is hand made and updated for normal use. Most if it has things like non slip rubber grips and heavy gauge stainless steel blades, they are definately weapons and not just decorations.
Heck with small swords. I’ll see your 36" and raise you 20. I want a claymore.
As a woman I have always admired swords. But I knew swords were for men and I figured I’d never own one. Then, about two weeks ago, my Tai Chi Master presented me with a Tai Chi sword! So now I am learning to use it in Tai Chi. It adds another dimension to the Tai Chi moves, allowing you to extend your movements way beyond your body. Now admitedly this sword is a cheap Chinese reproduction (it already has rust on it). But I love it.
Heh…chic with sword…look out!
Being female, I don’t know why men like them. But I like them as an extension of my love of fencing.
As others have said, they’re phallic. My husband has knives and swords galore. He always carries a knife, but no way does he need the large ones he carries.
I think they’re cool, but not cool enough to carry one.
A light oil will keep the rust from forming. Take the finest grade steel wool you can find, LIGHTLY buff off the rust and then immediately clean and then very lightly oil the blade. JUST enough to keep the rust at bay.
pendgwen? Split rail or chain-link? I love fencing too. There’s something gratifying about standing back at the end of the day and admiring a nice 400 yard run.
What. WHAT???
My mother once gave me a postcard showing a bunch of people holding shovels and leaning on a wooden fence. The caption was “Idaho’s Olympic Fencing Team”.
Rust does not necessarily equal low quality in a blade - stainless steel is the hallmark of the cheap sword. High-carbon spring steel is what a quality blade is made of, and it will rust if you don’t take good care of it. Or if you get a fingerprint on it and don’t immediately wipe the blade down. Follow Cartooniverse’s advice on oiling the blade, and if you have a really stubborn rust spot a little Brasso and a soft cloth will do wonders.
Before you take the steel wool to it, if it’s a really light dusting of rust you can take that off with Pam cooking spray and a paper towel. If it’s into the metal, then you need to use sterner methods, but this is a good first try to avoid dulling the finish with too-energetic steel wool useage.
Naval jelly works well, too, for removing rust without being overly abrasive.
http://www.shorechemical.com/Section%207%20Tech%20Sheets/naval_jelly.htm
There’s a local group, Babes with Blades; I hope to be able to catch their show in a few weeks.
Okaaaayyy… :eek: Gotta ask Lurky. Just what in the bloody 'ell were you doing with a 10" sheath knife in the bathtub??? I know a big manly man such as yourself uses a straight razor to shave but… 
Oh, and in my ever so humble opinion, swords are not phallic… Penises are sword like
I’ve carried knives from a young age. Hey, grew up hunting and the such, but like LurkMeister find having a knife handy has is practicalities.
I own one of these. It’s great! My friend built a replica of a recipricle bow-lathe and we turned out a new handle for it from hardwood that came from europe. The blade has withstood much ‘abuse’ while I learned to fence with it. I also am a member of the S.C.A.. There’s just something about having the real goods in your hands when explaining to people what life was like many centuries ago. I also own a:
Scottish dirk
Irish dart
some kind of Indonesian scimitar-thing
several small medieval knives
Viking axe
Jambaya
Roman Gladius
kendo equipment
5(count 'em 5) toy lightsabres!!! (um… for the kids, really)
If I could I’d own many more. Some bought through catalouges, some made by friends or local blacksmiths. I’ve sadly, never been able to get into metalsmithing myself, but I am quite happy with my skill making handles, sheathes and scabbards. My wife doesn’t quite get it but she loves me anyway.
Never took fencing, gotta do that some day…
I have quite a collection of swords, from ornamental to theatrical to authentic. Some of ‘em are for lookin’ at. Some of ‘em are for swishin’ around. Some of 'em are for holding gingerly in awe of where they’ve been and what they represent.
They do not replace my penis. They merely augment it.