Swords

[Jetthebinturong]

Um, katanas do have guards

[Lady Ashenwyte]

Yes, it does, but the guard is tiny. And I was talking about the lack of protection on the grip, as your fingers are exposed.

[The Skarzs]

Well, the way the katanas were used they didn't need guards larger than what they had. The katanas were never used for stabbing (unless it was in seppuku or whatever that suicide is called) or in trying to immobilize the opponent; rather, the motions used in fighting with one were for slices on the body, rather than the limbs. Of course, damaging the limbs was probably always an option that was used, but the more immediate killing areas would be the throat or the gut sliced. They weren't meant to take a bashing against each other like European swords, so cuts to the fingers would not have been as much of a threat. (Still a threat, though.)
  Also, with the guard it really isn't too much smaller than some European swords. In fact, I would like to note that many swords have a cross-guard that only protects the front and back of the hand; the sides are more vulnerable. The katana actually has a guard that goes all around the blade about an inch and a bit, covering most of the hand on all sides.

[Luftwaffles]

The Bedouin sword is my favorite among them all:



It really does combine the nature of its place of origin: it is beautiful and extremely dangerous... just as the desert.

I'm also very fascinated by the idea that this sharp beauty is used to perform the classic "sword dances", which only adds to its already immense appeal. I would trust my life on a weapon that not only has the strength to cut thru your enemies but can also do something like that.

[The Skarzs]

One of those Indian sabres is [arguably] the best cutting sword in the world; pretty impressive.

[SoranMBane]

I've always preferred blades that are specialized for chopping, so the falchion is probably my favourite type of sword. It's basically just a machete with a crossguard, which is perfectly fine by me because I already love a good machete. Things like scimitars, messers, and the Chinese dao are also quite appealing to me.

I'll always have a big soft spot for the European arming sword, though, because, well...

Spoiler

[close]

[Skyblade]

Interesting thread, Skarzs

Well, my favorite sword is probably the rapier. It is light, seems to be easy to use, and effective. By the way, how do you even pronounce "rapier"? I've never heard it said out loud.



I personally think slashing weapons might be more efficient in battle, but I'm not sure how comfortable I would be using one. Splitting people open is not really my style. Nevertheless, I do also like the scimitar. It would probably be my second favorite sword.



I am not an expert on swords, so feel free to (tactfully ) correct me on any mistakes or misjudgments.

[The Skarzs]

I think it's pronounced "rape-ee-er". They're a designated stabbing blade, though, so might want to think about that before going into battle with one.

[Skyblade]

Thanks! Well, I know that...though, personally, I think it would be less traumatic to stab a foe than to slash him. It might also be less painful for the person getting hurt. Then again, I haven't done either, so I'm not sure.

Also, I have a weird fear of getting vital parts of my body sliced open. 

[The Skarzs]

. . . Less. . . painful. . . :I YOU'RE FIGHTING THEM!

[Luftwaffles]

. . . Less. . . painful. . . :I YOU'RE FIGHTING THEM!

She's very compassionate

[The Skarzs]

And I'm heartless.

[Luftwaffles]

Nah, there's only one way to use a sword...

[Skyblade]

Lol

@Soran: I had never heard of the falchion before, but your post inspired me to look it up. Going on my list of favorite swords

[Hickory]

you know aht I like the most? The simple broadsword. HACK! SLASH! CHOP!