Flex-testing a sword - good or bad?

Flex-testing a sword is a good way to demonstrate the quality of its blade.

False - The mistake of flex-testing sword blades today (i.e., giving it a slow bend by hand then holding it there) is something that has become quite common as a result of misleading information among reproduction sword manufacturers and their commercial distributors. Sword enthusiasts today frequently fall victim to this misconception that their swords must have a tremendous flex to them that can be repeatedly demonstrated, not realizing that not only is this not a true sign of a well-made fighting sword but that each time they do this they damage the structure of the blade. Each time the test is performed the blade is weakened as bending begins to exceed the steel's stress limits. Over time such damage will eventually cause the blade to fail under stress. Repeated slow flexing will also prevent the blade from returning true. Flex testing is supposedly a way of showing good resilience and blade quality but the action is misleading and all but useless for demonstrating a sword's sturdiness for combat. Slow flexing is a gradual application of force to a blade that it will never really see in actual use. Real swords need to be quite rigid yet still be flexible under stress. This is a matter of having good resilience, not "whippiness" or a "noodly" flexibility. Many modern replica swords cannot be test-flexed at all because they are of inferior temper or poor metallurgical quality and will either snap or stay bent. Ironically, many kinds of actual historical specimens would also not pass such a test either, as their blades were very often exceptionally rigid. (In fact, this is how the sword of a dishonored man or surrendered leader would be broken, by straining it in a bend so that it snapped). Different portions of a blade typically will not have the same degrees of flexibility due to cross-sectional differences. Thus, a slow test bending by hand at one portion of the blade does not equate to a fast flexing under force at other portions as would occur when a sword stabs strongly at a resistant target or is struck forcibly against its flat at the middle or lower near the hilt.

...................Read more at the ARMA webstie under Spotlight

Generation 2 Excalibur is being discontinued!

Yes, the Excalibur (IP-035B) by Generation 2 is being discontinued. We have a very limited number left in stock, so if you have been holding off, now is the time!

For those of you who need to know why........the reason they are being discontinued is the shortage of the stainless steel wire used for the grip. Apparently China is buying up all of the raw materials making certain steels and woods very difficult to get.

Hollywood Sword fighting vs. Medieval Sword Fighting

Have you ever seen a real fight, possibly in middle school or high school? Did the two opponents stand toe to toe and exchange well choreographed blows. Of course not! They may have thrown one or two punches before closing and grappling. From the study of medieval sword fighting manuals medieval sword fighting was munch the same.

The other common miss conception is the hitting of swords edge to edge. If anything this was avoided at all costs. A sword with a notched edge does not cut very well, and if you have ever fought this way with a sword (no matter who the maker) you are quick to realize that great damage occurs with each impact. This would be the case if two authentic swords were used as well. The historical method of fighting was to parry with the flat of the blade, use a shield to block, let it glance off your armor, or avoid the blow all together.

If you are serious in learning how the sword was truly used take the time to look through the manuals that ARMA has taken the time to make available online.

Historical Sword Manuals

The ARMA Training Methodology consists of using 4 tools for a well-rounded comprehensive understanding: blunt swords, wooden wasters, padded contact-weapons, and sharp blades. These are employed in exercises, drills, and practice routines.

What is a "battle ready" sword?

Battle ready swords - what makes a sword battle ready? If you have spent any time on the internet you know that nearly every sword dealer has stamped the phrase "battle ready" on a large number of swords.

A battle ready sword is a sword that has a forged high carbon spring steel blade and full tang (The tang is the part of the sword that runs through the handle to the pommel). A full tang is narrower than the blade but should be as thick as the blade, and nearly as wide as the grip that it runs through. It is also one with the sword, not welded on to the blade. Most sword failures occur at the tang, which is the thinnest and weakest part of a sword. Unless kept oiled or waxed a spring steel blade will rust. Remember not all so called battle ready swords are created equal! The different brands and characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses will be covered in a later post.

The sword does not need a sharp edge to be battle ready, and just because a sword does have a sharp edge does not mean that it is battle ready. There are many stainless steel swords with sharp edges, but they will still break or bend if used to cut or fight with. A battle ready sword with a dull edge is usually meant to be used in theatrical combat and is dulled for safety. Sharp battle ready swords are designed for practice cutting. Be aware, some battle ready swords though called "battle ready" will fail if used to cut or hit another object.

A decorative sword (also known as a wall hanger) is usually made out of stainless steel and has a rattail tang (very thin rod running through the grip to the pommel). Stainless steel is very hard and makes a good knife, but when used to make a sword its characteristics will allow it to bend and stay bent or break if hit against an object. Stainless steel does not rust.

Some people may never use there sword, but want the reassurance that the sword they have hanging on their wall could be used.

More to come on what to look for when choosing a sword, and how to choose the sword that is right for you.