"Strength isn’t All That Matters When It Comes to Using a Sword" is an assertion that has become predominant with this combative hobby. In more basic terms, it can be said that the weaker combatant can easily defeat his or her stronger opponent. In unearthing the reality behind this claim, the article will delve into showing that move-sets, techniques and even speed play a pivotal role for any student of the world of sword dueling.

Evidently, Yes!

In demystifying the notion that strength matters more in sword combat, is the portrayal that a lighter person who seems weaker can defeat a stronger opponent. How? As a sword enthusiast, you can look at this scenario where you are being trained by a smaller, yet an advanced person and shockingly the size and strength advantaged got negated by them who seemed weaker and lighter. Such gives a new perspective on how sword fighting overcomes the strength difference through one thing, and that is technique.

Technique and Speed Play Huge Roles

Talking about technique brings a lot of aspects in place, but in this, let the focus be on game plan. With a proper game plan, a seemingly weaker individual will roll stronger people. Using a tactical plan, they will just seek to stay comfortable in positions of the control. They will immediately shift to closed guard any time they need to regain focus. They will, therefore, maintain a dominant position for long gaining stability as the stronger opponent struggles to roll them over. At such instances, the weaker combatant will concentrate on shutting them down early faster rather than engaging in defense. Even as the stronger opponent tends to trump all the sword mechanics and leverage that the weaker combatant uses, he will just maintain his dominant position, just ready to strike as the stronger person struggles to learn where to be comfortable using their sword.

The Kind of Move-set is Key

Next, are the move-set that the weaker persons can find alluring and easy to use in defeating their opponents. From a direct thrust to a quick block and counter, to keep your feet moving and your sword direction in perfect harmony with your moves, there are ways to utilize different move-sets to win a sword duel.

Quick Final Thoughts

A blend of technique, speed, and an accurate and efficient move-set will ensure that even as you get perceived as a weaker combatant, you can still use these provisions to have a mechanical advantage over the stronger opponent as you further amplify your input force by a little of your sheer strength. At the end of the day, the totality that exists with success in sword fighting is just a dichotomy of various aspects such as technique and move-sets, and not strength in entirety.

The Purpose of Knee and Shin Guards

One of the main items that will help alleviate the wear and tear of sword practice are knee and shin guards.  A tight-fitting piece of armor that not only looks cool but provides a bit more comfort is crucial.  Offering some of the best protection and mobility on the market, these protectors are so well articulated you hardly know that you are wearing them.

Knee Guards

Offer great protection from knee strikes.  The knee is protected by a rigid plastic plate to disperse the force of the blow, whilst the generous layer of foam padding beneath absorbs the force.  The sides of the knee are further protected by integrated plastic plates with foam padding.  The guards are held firmly in place with an elasticated Velcro strap around the back of the knee and can be tied to fencing breeches where possible.

Skin Guard

Shin Guards offer great protection from strikes below the knee.  The shin is protected by a rigid plastic plate to disperse the force of the blow, whilst the generous layer of foam padding beneath absorbs the force.  The calf and ankle are further protected by integrated plastic plates with foam padding.  The guards are held firmly in place with 2 elasticated Velcro straps around the back of the calf and secured around the ankle with a nylon webbed strap. Lightweight and durable, a winning combination for HEMA practitioners everywhere!

Not All Knee and Shin Guards are Made the Same

They need to articulate "with" the knee rather than restrict movement and most importantly, offer side protection for the knee which is lacking on most of the protectors that are currently used.  Buying ones that are also much less bulky than other protectors coupled with superior padding can be used for both synthetic and (blunt) steel sparring.

One other aspect of using them will helps with, is floor, mat or even grass burns.  Sometimes getting on your knees on surfaces like those can cause burns that can make your time uncomfortable.  For many of us, this can quickly become painful.  So, using the knee and shin guards can help prevent that as the smoothness of the material can prevent friction and thus, prevent burns from happening, or stop it all together.

Make Sure You Have Knee and Shin Guards the Next Time You Sword Fight

We are sure many of you out there want to start or continue sword fighting, whether for competitive reasons, LARP, or simply for fun.  However, using the right equipment can help make your experience that much more comfortable. Knee and shin guards definitely helps alleviate the physical stress it may have on your body.

People also have different preferences, and fighting styles, so make sure to select a sword that makes you feel comfortable to hold and confident to use. Insisting on a stance that makes you feel awkward and fixed isn't something we recommend.

Full Front Stance

The full front stance is a pretty standard stance used in sword fighting. It’s similar to a lunge, the shoulders face forward while the leading leg is bent at your knee the back leg is kept completely straight. Not only does this stance provide extremely limited openings for the opponent, but it also grants a huge amount of power onward towards them.

This stance can allow you to take the offensive, which is extremely beneficial. Upon using this stance and going for your opponent, it isn't easy for them to have their sword target a specific position, thus, allowing you to dominate your opponent, no matter the area.

Primary Outfighting Sword Stance

The Primary Outfighting stance is a commonly used, as you stand with feet shoulder width apart, chin down, and eyes straight and focused. Make sure to move along on the toes, for a better as well as faster reaction. Keep your dominant hand back, with the opposite foot forward. The objective in this case is to knock the sword out of your opponent’s hand. That way, you will not have to worry about potential counters. Modification of this stance depends on one’s abilities.

Side on Stance

Position yourself so that your preferred leg is forward. The opposite leg should be shoulder width apart and somewhat arched. You want about 3/5 of your body weight to be reliant on the rear leg. It’s essential that your legs and feet are alongside each other. The reason this stance is a highly effective one for sword dueling or jousting is because it allows hardly any openings to your opponent.

Find a Stance That Work for You

All these stances are the best for sword fighters and trainees because of how easy they are to grasp, whether it be a beginner or an experienced sword duelist. Also, these stances provide both offense and defense.

Copper seeds accent the blackened furniture throughout the handle. The immaculately detailed budding seed pod following the shedding of its pedals centers the entire piece. Silver dragonfly menuki, seppa and habiki splash highlights across the subtly waisted 12 3/8” tsuka. The 27 ½” forge T10 blade features a midare or irregular hamon (temper) line much like the path of life with its ups and downs. This light, long and fast 41 ¼” katana cuts quick and makes a bold statement both physically and metaphorically without being audacious in design.

Collect the set; a samurai wore two swords, the matching Wakizashi is also available to complete your collection.

Specifications:

• Overall: 41 1/4"
• Blade Length: 27 1/2"
• Handle Length: 12 3/8"
• Weight: 2 lbs 4 oz
• Sori: 5/8"
• Blade Steel: T10
• Hrc Edge: 60
• Hrc Back: 40

Key Features:

• 27 1/2" forged T10 steel blade
• Features an irregular hamon line
• Powerful physically and metaphorically without being audacious in design

Before we get into how to increase accuracy, we need to discuss what a crossbow is.

What Defines a Crossbow?

A crossbow has a stock that is similar to a firearm, and it shoots shorter arrows than conventional archery equipment. These shorter arrows are sometimes referred to by the medieval term “bolts.”

• Safe use of a crossbow requires following the safety rules for both firearms and bows.
• Like conventional bows, the crossbow is limited to short-range shooting. For most crossbows, 30–40 yards is the maximum range.
• Always unload your crossbow by firing it safely into a target or into the ground.

Always practice these crossbow safety rules:

• Keep your fingers below the flight groove.
• Beware of objects around the bow's limbs.
• Never “dry fire” a crossbow.
• Keep the rail properly lubricated.

Aiming Perfectly

There are many basic ideas on how to increase your aim when using a crossbow such as relaxing your arm and grip, focusing on the spot you wish to hit, and breathing slowly. But there are several more in depths suggestions that may help a shooter have better aim at their target. Total relaxation and steadiness and a surprise release on the trigger are some of the suggestions for increasing your aim.

A shooter should have every muscle in their body completely relaxed in order to have a more precise aim. A precise aim begins with a relaxed stance and the correct positioning. If a shooter's legs are tense that will affect the rest of the muscles in the body. The entire body should be in a comfortable and relaxed state including the legs, abdomen, shoulders, bow arm, and bow hand. A shooter will need to practice on the strength to completely relax to have a precise aim when using the crossbow. Practice makes perfect, and it is suggested to practice as often as possible with relaxation techniques at least two months prior to the start of season. Once crossbow season has begun, a shooter should continue to practice on their relaxation techniques to be sure they continue to improve on their aim.

Another technique that will increase the aim of using a crossbow is to go easy on the trigger. If a shooter holds the bow tight when it's at full draw with no intention to shoot, it makes it difficult to have a precise aim. The shooter should learn to have a surprise release to make a more accurate shot. In order to do this, the shooter should try to keep their mind off of when they want to release the bow. They should not focus on when the timing of the shot but focus on relaxing and deep breathing. The shooter should pull the trigger of the crossbow back slowly and focus on the shot, not the pin. 

If this technique is applying, the aim will follow through and be a clean and precise shot. A shooter can also add a scope to the crossbow to help take the stress off of trying to find the precise location. These sight scopes will allow for more accurate shooting.

First of all, before you can engage in real combat, the most important thing you need to know is if the weapons' weights that you have in both hands are equal or somewhat equivalent. If the weapons' weights are similar, they will be much easier to use. The enemy's strengths can also be considered when choosing the appropriate shield. The weapon in your other hand, which is most likely to be a type of sword such as a Rapier, should have the same factors in consideration. Once you have selected your appropriate weapons and followed the advice, you should be prepared equipment wise.

Second of all, how do you use a shield in combat? As mentioned earlier, your shield needs to be carefully selected by numerous differing factors. Once you have selected your shield, you will need to be familiar with how to properly utilize it. If you are a right-handed person, your shield should be in your left hand and vice versa. A shield's main purpose is to block any attacks from the opponent. Therefore, the shield should be used each time you cannot cut the opponent's attack with your own sword. Lifting the shield to various heights can protect certain parts of your body. An example of this is lifting it up to your face, to obviously, protect your face against any blows. The shield can also be used for offense, which means attacking the enemy. In ancient gladiator sports, the bottom of the shield was used mainly to bash the opponent. The wooden or metal shields were also used to hit opponents. The impact of the shields was similar to punching somebody with a pair of brass knuckles. The only situation where offense using your shield would be necessary is in a situation where your other weapon cannot be used anymore or in simple terms, as a last resort.

To conclude, medieval weapons such as the shield and sword are extremely ancient objects dating back as far as the Greeks and Romans. These weapons are widely used today for battle reenactments and fan-based Cosplay. Next time you take part in these events, you can relax knowing that you are knowledgeable about how to use your shield for either defense or offense and achieve great victory!

So, who would win in a fight between the Romans and the Vikings? Let's find out.

If we want to figure out who is going to win this fight, we first have to learn what weapons each side is going to use. Since the Viking age came almost 600 years after the abandoning of the gladius and scutum we will have to speculate what the Western Roman soldiers would have fought with by looking at their brothers, the Eastern Romans.

Romans

A standard Eastern Roman soldier during the Viking Age would have worn a steel helmet, chain mail hauberk or lamellar cuirass, and padded skirt while carrying a large oval shield, 70 cm spatha longsword, and a 2-meter spear. They also utilized archers, called taotai, which would wield composite bows and short swords for defense as well as amazingly effective heavy cavalry cataphracts, armed with a bow, lance, axe, and spatha. This variety of different soldiers allowed the roman army to adapt and be good at many types of battle tactics.

Vikings

The Vikings on the other hand, were much more accustomed to raiding than outright field battles. As a result, they often didn't wear much armor, and if they did it was of padded leather or chain mail if you were wealthy. The typical viking would have also carried a circular shield, spear, axe, short knife, and a sword similar to the spatha if they were lucky. However, despite their lackluster weapons the Vikings were so large and fearsome and strong that the Romans would hire Vikings, known as Varangians to guard the emperor.

Weapons

In terms of weapons and armor the Romans clearly have the advantage, but the Vikings have an ace up their sleeve. The Vikings were masters of naval warfare, and their longships allowed them to get in, raid, and get out before a garrison could organize itself. So, if the Vikings were to raid a Roman garrison when it was unaware this would take away much of the Roman advantages.

In addition, the Viking battle axes would have absolutely torn through the Roman's wooden shields, which gives the Vikings a further advantage in a raid situation.

In a field battle however, the Roman's clearly have the advantage. Their better armor, advanced cavalry, and ranged advantage more than make up for what they lack in size and ferocity. The Roman's ranged advantage would pick the Vikings off from a distance, their heavily armored troops would keep them at bay, and their cataphracts would smash them in the rear, smashing the disorganized Vikings.

And the Winner Is…

So to sum up, while the Vikings lack in weapons, armor and discipline they excel in ferocity, size, and ambush tactics in a raid battle. This gives them the advantage in any raid or surprise battle against the Romans. On the other hand, in a battle where the Romans can prepare, put on their armor, and organize themselves the Romans have the clear advantage and would defeat the Vikings.

Zelda, is a Princess in which the franchise is named after, its hero is Link. Together him and Zelda must defeat Ganon and save the Land of Hyrule. Link is armed mainly with only a sword and shield to get him through the games. Though he does carry other weapons and items, his main fit is with his sword.

As the franchise has built the sword and shield that Link carries has become much stronger throughout the franchise, as the enemies have become stronger and more developed. He has special sword attacks that have helped to enhance its technique and make it easier and quicker for Link to defeat enemies. When Link is at full health his sword shoots out powerful beams used to destroy enemies from a distance. Then, of course, there is the famous Link spin attack, which allows him to destroy many enemies at once.

Every master swordsman needs a shield as well. Though the first shield that Link normally receives is bare minimum and only by upgrading your shield can you truly protect yourself. His shield also holds powers that help protect him in his fight against Ganon.

When the Zelda games start off, though, he begins with a regular sword that is received from someone or somewhere. In Link to the Past it was his father that gave him his first sword and shield. In (probably the most popular Zelda game still to date) Ocarina of Time Link found his sword in the woods of the forest where he grew up. And in A Link between Worlds he gets his sword from a blacksmith.

The Master Sword is usually inside the Temple of Time (except in A Link to the Past, where it is found in the forest) and no matter how decrypted the Temple becomes the Master Sword remains protected until the Hero of Time (Link) raises it from the pedestal in which it sits. The Master Sword is also the only weapon that is capable of defeating Ganondorf and his demonic form of Ganon.

Link’s shield, in most games, is bought with Rupees at the beginning. Though you are capable of defending yourself from some enemy attacks the first shield Link receives holds no special powers. As a matter of fact in most of the games it’s made of wood and catches fire pretty easily. The further you get in the games not only can you upgrade your sword but your shield as well. In Ocarina of Time, Link receives a third shield, called the Mirror Shield which actually reflects magical spells or a beam of light to open up doors in temples. In Link to the Past the Mirror shield can block beams and reflect attacks that his other two shields cannot.

In most of the Zelda games there are a least three different shields and three different swords that Link can get, each one better than the next and each one holding its own special powers. It’s Link’s main way of survival in his fight against evil. Without his sword and shield he would be unable to save the land of Hyrule and Princess Zelda.

Detailed Specs of the Forge Folded Kaiyou Ocean Samurai Katana Sword:

Blade: The blade has been constructed of differentially hardened forge folded 1070 steel with over 6,800 layers to create a stunning blade. The folding of the steel creates a very fine-grained mokume hada, which is brought out by the high-quality hand polish using Japanese water stones, which is very reminiscent of a kesho or hadori polish. It is laminated in the kobuse style over an iron core. The shinogi is polished and the shinogi-ji is very crisp and defined. The kissaki has a well defined and sharp yokote line and is properly polished to be a white color with a discernable boshi and hada.

Saya: The saya is very well made starting with high-quality hardwood with a samegawa ray skin wrap that shows off the sanded down emperor's node, as well as genuine buffalo horn koiguchi, kurikata, and kojiri. The sageo is a high-quality Japanese imported black and white thick silk sageo.

Koshirae: The habaki is made of silver-coated bronze with the crossed feathers family crest engraved on both sides with silver-plated bronze Seppa. The tsuba has been made of bronze which is then silver coated, blackened, and polished to achieve a stunning high-quality finish. It features a hand-hammered and polished tsuchime Mimi (rim) with a stormy sea center relief. The fuchi and kashira are also made of silver-coated bronze with finely detailed ishime stone texturing and polished edge ring to match the tsuba. The menuki is antiqued silver-plated bronze in a stormy boat design with samurai passengers. The tsuka is wrapped in Japanese imported silk in a mix of hiramaki and hinerimaki with the menuki tied over the ito to help show off the details of the menuki. The samegawa is higher quality genuine ray skin.

Features: 

 Sword Type: Battoh Shinken (Razor Sharp Katana)
- Sword Weight: 1.1kilo / 2lbs4oz (Without Saya) (28 inch Blade)
- Overall: 105cm / 40inch with Saya (Scabbard) (28 inch Blade)
- Balde Shape: Shinogi Zukuri Style
- Boshi: Omaru
- Hada: Itame
- Hamon: Gunome
= Sori(Curvature): 2.2cm(28.4 inch), 2.3cm(29 inch), & 2.4cm(30 inch)
- Saki-Haba: 4.3mm
- Moto-Kasane(at Habaki): 6.3mm
- Hoto-Haba(at Habaki): 34mm
- Nagasa(Blade length): 2.37 Shaku / 28.4 inch [also have (2.45 Shaku/29 inch) & (2.5 Shaku/30 inch) blades available upon request&91;
- Tsuka(Handle length): 8.75 Sun / 10.5 inch [also have (9.25 Sun/11 Inch), (9.7 Sun/11.5 Inch) & (10 Sun/12 inch) handles available upon request)
- Blade Made: SkyJiro Forge’s .70 Traditional Proprietary Carbon Content Folded Steel (Kobuse Construction with Iron Core & 6700 Layers)
- Yaki(Hardness): SkyJiro Forge’s Superior Differential Clay Technique (Traditional Japanese Method )
- Blade Polish: SkyJiro Forge’s Superior Hand-Mirror Polish, with Japanese Water Stone and Finger Stone Finish
- Kanagu(Tsuba/Fuchi/Kashira/ Menuki): SkyJiro Forge’s Pure White Bronze
- Habaki/Seppas: SkyJiro Forge’s Pure White Bronze
- Tsuka: Samé (Stingray Skin) over Premium Dried Hard Wood Handle
- Tsuka Ito/Sageo: Premium Pure Japanese Silk
- Mekugi: 2x Aged Bamboo Pins
- Saya(Scabbard): Premium Grade Dried Hard Wood & Lacquer with Full Set of Premium Water Buffalo-Horn Fittings

Special Note: SkyJiro Forge’s "Premium Quality"” Fully Functional Hand-Made Premium High Carbon Folded Steel Sword with Genuine Japanese Hamon, Traditional japanese technique Kobuse Construction & Razor Sharp Ha (Edge).” “These swords are guaranteed to cut Tatami!”

Note: Sword stand sold separately.

Brief Background

Samurai are famous for carrying a katana and short sword in their belt, whether walking through the streets or in battle. The right to wear two swords became a status symbol of those who belonged to the samurai class. Sword N Armory’s selection of Japanese sword sets contains all the status and elegance of samurai history.

Why Should You Purchase a Japanese Sword Set?

Let’s go over the reasons for adding a Japanese sword set to your collection, whether you’re a beginner collector or someone who has been growing their collection for many years.

Historical Cohesiveness

Japanese sword sets make it easy for you to have a historically cohesive collection, meaning that all of the swords in each set are historically compatible. An example is the Classic Japanese Katana Sword Set, which consists of several types of katana swords that each would have been used by the same ninja in their historical time period. This means that you don’t need to research which swords complement each other but allow the set to simply provide them all to you. Also, they’re all designed as part of a set, so they complement each other aesthetically as well.

Exceptional Quality

These Japanese sword sets are made with high-quality, historically accurate materials that are designed to last for a long time. They are easy to maintain and will provide a beautiful visual element for years to come. They can withstand regular use, and the materials look exceptional even from a distance.

Aesthetic Value

The aesthetic value that Japanese swords add to your collection cannot be overlooked. Japanese swords have a unique style that makes them beautiful works of art, and simply admiring them will bring endless amounts of joy to the collector. We recommend that you look through all of the different ones that are available to see which colors, finishes and overall styles are out there, to choose one that suits your needs.

Diversity

It is always good to have a diverse array of swords as a collector, especially if you are a fan of different styles and different periods in history. Adding Japanese swords to your collection can bring the diversity that has been lacking, balancing out the other swords that you have on display with something new and unique.

Display-Worthy

These swords are designed to be on display, and while they can be used if desired just as efficiently, they have design elements that make them gorgeous to look at while on a wall or stand. With the cohesive design between each piece in a single collection, they look great stacked on top of each other on a wall, or in a glass case, on small stands that allow them to be staggered so that you can see the details of each and every one, all at once. The possibilities are endless.

Cost-Effective

Buying a set of Japanese swords allows you to save some money, because buying them together as a set ends up costing you less than buying them individually. We know that sword collecting can be an expensive hobby, so the value of a set is something that appeals to many. Many sets available consist of four swords, each one at a far lower price than on its own. Therefore, buying Japanese swords as a set, if you’re already interested in collecting these types of weapons, is a very intelligent choice.

Intricate Details

Many of these sword sets feature intricate detail work that is rarely seen on other types of swords, which can add a lot to your overall collection that you have on display. You will be dazzled by the beautiful designs and carvings that are unique to Japanese swords, which bring us back to a time when these little details were commonplace before mass production swept across the world. They make great conversation pieces, and tell stories of times centuries ago when Japanese swordsmen felt a sense of honor when they received these beautiful works of art.

The Japanese Sword Sets at Sword n Armory

At Sword n Armory, we offer a wide array of Japanese sword sets that are hard to find elsewhere. Each set contains several swords of the same overall style, which means that whether you’re a fan of katanas or samurais, you’ll be able to grab exactly what you’re looking for. We offer individual sword models rarely found on the market, which add rarity to your collection that instantly adds value. The swords are all durable, resilient and high in quality, and can be displayed easily throughout the home or used for reenactment purposes.

We also aim to make our Japanese sword sets affordable by working directly with manufacturers to keep costs down. This way, adding a set to your collection is not the kind of investment that will blow any budgets. You will be able to grab multiple sets if you wish, without breaking the bank, which can fill up any display shelf instantly.

Simply, overall, the Japanese sword sets at Sword n Armory add tremendous value to your existing sword collection, bringing the beautiful weapons of Japan to your prized variety on display. With beautiful details, exceptional accuracy, and high-end materials, they are pieces worthy of bragging rights, and add diversity to what you already have.

Check out the sets that we offer, which have something for every lover of Japanese swords.