Godless and Armed

Dades

Given the recent revelations of sword ownership amongst contributors... why not run a poll. Although the stats themselves may be as worthless as the forthcoming 2006 census results, we might just learn a little about each other.

Hence an explanation from those that do, as to why you own a sword (or similar) would be interesting.

Beruthiel

God-fearing and armed

you didn't vote

I'm godless and unarmed, though I do have a vicious left knee if you piss me off.

I'm thinking of going to Japan for me hols next year, if I do, I'll have to come back with a sammuri sword, it will look well on my mantle, and for people who piss me off

robindch

God-fearing and armed

> Hence an explanation from those that do, as to why you own a
> sword (or similar) would be interesting.

Hmm... I own a sword because I bought one, which begs the question of why I did that -- it was for sale, I had the right number of french shekels and I thought it would make a good addition to my collection of tacky souvenirs? No idea. I'd been out beering the night before, so it may have had something to do with that, or maybe because I couldn't afford the suit of armour for sale in the same shoppe, but didn't want to go away empty-handed? Anyhow, on getting it home, turned out that the blade was made of something like silver-colored playdough and the first time it was used to do much more than cut cake, it got bent into the shape of an tick-mark, and no amount of hitting it with a hammer could straighten it out.

-|

---

(as bought) -> -|----^- (now)

Any advice from less careless sword-owning geeks?

hairyheretic

I honour my gods. They don't require me to fear them

My sword (a katana) comes from when I was training in the martial arts some years ago. I did ju jitsu, and had gotten up to just starting training for my brown belt when I stopped.

I also have a bokken (wooden sword), jo (4 foot) staff, and a single tonfa. My prefered weapon is the staff, probably down to watching Monkey at an impressionable age

Make of that what you will.

Dades

Godless and unarmed

I think TBH I bought my sword because I could. And reading George RR Martin made me think I should. That and I like to think there are very few arguments that can't be resolved with a sword.

I live in hope that someone will break into my house.:eek:

Beruthiel wrote:

I'm godless and unarmed, though I do have a vicious left knee if you piss me off.

Admittedly, my sword is probably as sharp as your left knee.

Beruthiel

God-fearing and armed

I want one cos I've watched too many Asian movies for my own good

Talliesin

I honour and love my gods. I don't fear them.

While the tradition I practice does use swords in ritual, I don't have a ritual sword.

I do however have a sword, because, well, doesn't everyone?

Asiaprod

Godless and unarmed

What can I say, I like swords.
Beruthiel, if you are coming let me know
Robindch, Any advice from less careless sword-owning geeks?
Never cut a cake with a sword:)

They have a very interesting saying over here in Japan.
You only ever draw a sword for two reasons
1 To clean it, with respect for the sword
2. To kill your opponent, with respect for the opponent

Beruthiel

God-fearing and armed

Asiaprod wrote:

They have a very interesting saying over here in Japan.

will do!
we can go get drunk on sake

You only ever draw a sword for two reasons
1 To clean it, with respect for the sword
2. To kill your opponent, with respect for the opponent

aren't the japanese great!

Talliesin

Asiaprod wrote:

Never cut a cake with a sword:)

Why not, perfectly good Spanish tradition on how to make the first cut into a wedding cake.

Asiaprod

Godless and unarmed

Talliesin wrote:

Why not, perfectly good Spanish tradition on how to make the first cut into a wedding cake.

Wrong Icon, meant

Doubt Robindch was cutting a wedding cake!

Valmont

Godless and unarmed

and there was me thinking 'sword' was actually a clever metaphor for some athiest related standpoint (seriously)

Tar.Aldarion

Godless and unarmed

The Atheist wrote:

I think TBH I bought my sword because I could. And reading George RR Martin made me think I should. That and I like to think there are very few arguments that can't be resolved with a sword.

I live in hope that someone will break into my house.

Those books will do that to you. I love Lord Stark.

I love swords so much that I felt I should have one, so I bought one.
I need more I think. Especially after seeing highlander again.
I used to practise with it quite a bit and I believe I'm not too bad.

hairyheretic

Tar.Aldarion wrote:

I used to practise with it quite a bit and I believe I'm not too bad.

If you're interested, I've a friend does kendo. I could get you the club details.

Scofflaw

Godless and unarmed

hairyheretic wrote:

If you're interested, I've a friend does kendo. I could get you the club details.

If it's anywhere city-centre, I'd also be interested!

cordially,
Scofflaw

Victor

TBH, I'm more a blunt object person myself.

Talliesin wrote:

Why not, perfectly good Spanish tradition on how to make the first cut into a wedding cake.

Actually sugar (itself sharp) can damage you blade.

Tar.Aldarion

Godless and unarmed

hairyheretic wrote:

If you're interested, I've a friend does kendo. I could get you the club details.

Ah, I know somebody that does that, used to have great craic with him and the training swords.
I'm in a remote nowhere part of the country though.

Scofflaw

Godless and unarmed

Talliesin wrote:

Why not, perfectly good Spanish tradition on how to make the first cut into a wedding cake.

Cut mine with a Tibetan Khampa shortsword.


cordially,
Scofflaw

hairyheretic

Scofflaw wrote:

If it's anywhere city-centre, I'd also be interested!

It's not. I think it's out Blanchardstown direction. Do you want me to chase down the details for you?

Scofflaw

Godless and unarmed

hairyheretic wrote:

It's not. I think it's out Blanchardstown direction. Do you want me to chase down the details for you?

Too far to go, alas, but I appreciate the offer!


thanks,
Scofflaw

Rev Hellfire

Godless and unarmed

I've a few training weapons to do with the marital art I do.

As for robindch bent sword problem most of the swords people buy are what are commonly referred to as wall hangers. They're not really suitable for any sort of impact for a variety of reasons, the main ones are the steel (if it is even steel) and more importantly the tang ( the extension of the blade onto which the hilt and handle are anchored). Swinging these things is dangerous to both yourself and others as it is not uncommon for the blade to become detached.

But if you really really must hit things then try and get an iaito (if Japanese swords are your thing), or better yet join a dojo and work your way up to using one.

edit: really must use a spell checker next time. But I leave it as it stands since when dealing with women you can never be too armed.

Asiaprod

Godless and unarmed

Beruthiel wrote:

will do!
we can go get drunk on sake

Good, then I can introduce you to Masa-sake. It is the equal to Japanese Tequila. You drink it from square wooden cups that have pinches of salt placed at the four corners. It is dynamite. Strange thing, you get very drunk, but no hangover.

Scofflaw

Godless and unarmed

Rev Hellfire wrote:

I've a few training weapons to do with the marital art I do.

Ah, the marital arts! Yes, it's a foolish man who doesn't go into that one armed...


cordially,
Scofflaw

growler

Scofflaw wrote:

Ah, the marital arts! Yes, it's a foolish man who doesn't go into that one armed...


cordially,
Scofflaw

is that a sword in your pocket or..........?

Rev Hellfire

Godless and unarmed

Once you've a wife you'll understand the easy mix up

Stephen

God-fearing and armed

While I don't own any weapons, I really enjoy shooting, particularly clay pigeons.

Asiaprod

God-fearing and armed

Asiaprod wrote:

Good, then I can introduce you to Masa-sake. It is the equal to Japanese Tequila. You drink it from square wooden cups that have pinches of salt placed at the four corners. It is dynamite. Strange thing, you get very drunk, but no hangover.

Is this a buddhist who drinks? :eek:

Scofflaw

Godless and unarmed

Rev Hellfire wrote:

Once you've a wife you'll understand the easy mix up

Indeed I do.


marriedly,
Scofflaw

Asiaprod

Godless and unarmed

bluewolf wrote:

Is this a buddhist who drinks? :eek:

Ah, the water of life. Yes, like a fish. Used to be a whiskey expert but the wife, a non-drinker, put her foot down. Well actually both feet, threatening more to follow. As a wise Buddhist I saw the light and turned to Shochu and Sake. Which was a good move as neither of them give one a hangover.:D

hairyheretic

I tried sake once, and once was quite enough I'm afraid.

Asiaprod

Godless and unarmed

hairyheretic wrote:

I tried sake once, and once was quite enough I'm afraid.

Sounds like there is a story there!

Beruthiel

God-fearing and armed

bluewolf wrote:

Is this a buddhist who drinks? :eek:

I read a book of poems written by a buddist monk called One Bowl, One Robe (can't remember his name now) it was a lovely little book, giving you a real flavour of what his life was like, and part of that was him drinking or wanting a drink, so they do you know

I like to drink, but I'm not sure I'm ready to keep up with Asiaprod and his Masa-sake

/edit
found the One Robe, One Bowl: The Zen Poetry of Ryokan book

hairyheretic

Asiaprod wrote:

Sounds like there is a story there!

Not really. Tried it, didn't care for the taste. Thats pretty much it.

My drink of choice would be amaretto, or black russians.

Asiaprod

Godless and unarmed

Beruthiel wrote:

I read a book of poems written by a buddist monk called One Bowl, One Robe

Ah, the much revered Ryokan. Very interesting guy. Totally anti-establishment.

He was very fond of the common man especially the children, which is what most of his poems are all about. Gazing at misty bamboo groves with various creatures scurrying about.
AND
Drinking sake with the villagers from time to time, which is probably why he gazed at misty bamboo groves.

Beruthiel, with a signature like "The Jackboot of Love, I am damn sure you can keep up with me, if not drink me under the table. Its easy after you fall over the first time.

Beruthiel

God-fearing and armed

Beruthiel wrote:

I read a book of poems written by a buddist monk called One Bowl, One Robe (can't remember his name now) it was a lovely little book, giving you a real flavour of what his life was like, and part of that was him drinking or wanting a drink, so they do you know

My point was one of the precepts ;P

Though I don't suppose I'll be giving up my bailey's coffees anyway.

HealingBlight

God-fearing and armed

Matthew 10:34
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

So, Jesus was armed.

I sadly, am not
But I am godless.

Sapien

Godless and unarmed

Sapien confused.

Why talk of swords on atheism forum?

Tar.Aldarion

Godless and unarmed

"Keep strong swords about you always."-Tar.Aldarion

Asiaprod

Godless and unarmed

Sapien wrote:

Sapien confused.

Why talk of swords on atheism forum?

Seems the odds are mounting that Atheists are also sword owners. Do you have a sword:)

Sapien

Godless and unarmed

Asiaprod wrote:

Seems the odds are mounting that Atheists are also sword owners. Do you have a sword:)

Twelve at last count. How very strange.

growler

I've got some pepper spray, tis a lot less biblical

legspin

Godless and unarmed

I have a Templar sword hanging on the wall of the bedroom. Now all I need is a destrier, a lance and the king of France to excommunicate me;)

kano476

Godless and unarmed

i got a sword. its cack though wouldnt cut the pubes off me balls, twas a present i think. personally i find the metal bar off my weights a better weapon but the sword would be used for overall effect in the method of deterrence.

Funsterdelux

God-fearing and armed

Does a penknike count, I dont think you'd call, MacGyver armed, would you?

Anywho only use/carry it when I'm in the wilds.