Blades

[Khursed]

Hello. Anyone else out there a big blade fan? I personally started off collecting folder and spring assited knives. I also just received a sexy 3 pc katana set. Yesterday I bought my first butterfly knife. (Speaking of which, anyone know any cool tricks?) So, my question is, anyone else interested in blades? If so, what kinds do you have, how long have you been using / collecting, etc.

[UndeadxAssassin]

I study throwing knives, Japanese swordfighting, and short swords..does that count?

I have some Japanese samurai swords, too (They don't have guards for those who don't know). I have a katana, wakizashi, and tomahawk, but that's about it.

My short sword is also guardless (I dunno why, I like em better without the guard.) Currently, I only have a short sword version of the wakizashi.

[Khursed]

Very cool. Do you actually practice your swordfighting or just study? Sounds like a dumb question but there are people who only study the art but don't actually practice it. I'm trying to find a local place near me that trains in swordfighting.

[UndeadxAssassin]

I actually practice it. I take Tae Kwon Do and can learn it there, as well. It's actually quite fun, since there are like millions of swordfighting styles to learn. Throwing knives are just fun in general (Who DOESN'T want to be able to jump, spin in midair, flip, and hit the target with a knife?!). And shortsword I learn at a different place. They just teach basics (like stances and small combos), though .

[Khursed]

Damn, I wish I could do that. Yes, throwing knives are fuckin' awesome. In the sheaths of my katanas there are hidden throwers . Also, a small combo is all you really need, in my opinion.

[UndeadxAssassin]

Yeah, I guess, but I mean, in my Japanese Swordfighting classes, I also learn stuff like forms (a coordinated set of movements, to put it simple) and actually spar (with wooden swords, of course).
In short sword class, we learn to use combos, but never get to use them . What's the point of learning something if you don't have practice with it? That's like your parents teaching you to drive, but never letting you drive at all. There's no point in it. You have to be able to put what you learn to practice to better understand it.

[Khursed]

Yeah you should probably suggest that. When your instructor teaches you combos, you're supposed to practice them afterwards. That's the point of learning. There's no point in learning something and then not applying it.

[UndeadxAssassin]

I just think I'mma look for another place that specializes in that stuff. Cuz this place is a gym, and I don't think they teach sword for a living .

EDIT: This is getting offtopic, lol.

Soo, do you take any classes?

[Khursed]

No, but I'm trying to find a place that does it. The gym I go to is MMA but that obviously has nothing to do with swords. I'm surprised no one else has chimed in yet, seems like something that'd be fairly common. I'm more a knife collector than swords ATM, but my sword collection is growing.

[UndeadxAssassin]

Just find a place that teaches martial arts (but make sure it's credible). Most of them teach some sort of weapon.
I like daggers and knives. I prefer knives over daggers, though, since it can be used both close up and ranged. My overall favorite is the Japanese Swords (guardless ones). They're fast if used correctly. Its slim figure allows for quick slashes, which I prefer over stabs and lunges. I think slashes are more effective. I guess that's why I like guardless swords, because the guard just slows down by adding a tad more air resistance and weight.