Godless and Armed

Dades · 11-05-2006 02:06PM #1

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 · 11-05-2006 02:13PM

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 · 11-05-2006 02:36PM

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 · 11-05-2006 02:37PM

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 · 11-05-2006 02:54PM

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 · 11-05-2006 02:57PM

God-fearing and armed

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

Talliesin · 11-05-2006 02:57PM

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 · 11-05-2006 03:00PM

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 · 12-05-2006 08:01AM

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 · 12-05-2006 02:50PM

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 · 12-05-2006 04:22PM

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 · 12-05-2006 07:25PM

Godless and unarmed

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

Tar.Aldarion · 12-05-2006 07:32PM

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 · 12-05-2006 09:56PM

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 · 12-05-2006 10:43PM

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 · 12-05-2006 10:53PM

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 · 12-05-2006 11:20PM

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 · 12-05-2006 11:47PM

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 · 13-05-2006 09:46AM

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 · 13-05-2006 11:29AM

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 · 14-05-2006 08:13AM

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 · 14-05-2006 09:04AM

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 · 14-05-2006 10:56AM

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 · 14-05-2006 11:37AM

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 · 14-05-2006 03:39PM

Godless and unarmed

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

Stephen · 16-05-2006 01:38PM

God-fearing and armed

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

16-05-2006 05:05PM

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 · 16-05-2006 05:44PM

Godless and unarmed

Rev Hellfire wrote:

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

Indeed I do.

marriedly,
Scofflaw

Asiaprod · 16-05-2006 11:28PM

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 · 17-05-2006 08:11AM

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

Asiaprod · 17-05-2006 10:12AM

Godless and unarmed

hairyheretic wrote:

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

Sounds like there is a story there!

Godless and Armed

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