I finally got around to rewicking my double broadswords. I've added a lot more wick than I had before, and the center of balnce used to be right around the start of the wick, which was good, because it made for nice spinning (even though it's a wrist-breaker)... Now the CG is about there dry, and wet it's going to be wonkey. Where do you guys have the cg on your swords?
For counterweight, I was thinking about just putting some lead weights in the base of the pommel.
For counterweight, I was thinking about just putting some lead weights in the base of the pommel.
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SF Bay Area
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Re: center of balance
Sun, June 4, 2006 - 6:55 PMMy double broadswords have a center of blance about 7 inches from the guard. Lead weights in the base of the pommel can be done - the most interesting counterweight I've see so far involves a truck's ball hitch screwed onto the end of a sword (musashii from Seattle). Don't forget about the flags at the pommel end of the broadsword - they're both beautiful and help to weigh things down... and if you make them from duvytene, they can also provide a bit of safety in an emergency... -
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Re: center of balance
Sun, June 4, 2006 - 8:50 PMI had a custom pewter cw made for my main sword. It looks like a little bonfire. Problem is, it's a bit heavier than what I was using so the dry center is almost at the hilt. Fortunately it gets a bit tippy with fuel.
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Re: center of balance
Mon, June 5, 2006 - 2:20 PMI actually talked to Krispy last night about putting duve flags at the end, and the concensus seemed to be that repeated and prolonged exposure to flame would breakdown the duve rather quickly, that I'd be better off using a fiberglass cloth or kevlar, it would last longer.
I'm wanting to do this, and I'm all about doing it on the cheap, so soon you'll see info on how well the cheapest fire retardent fabric works on swords. -
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Re: center of balance
Mon, June 5, 2006 - 9:25 PMthe duvytene flags at the end seem to have worked well for me. It's unlikely that the flags would be exposted to prolonged flame or heat... it's just not the way that swords are moved around. Kevlar would work also. I wouldn't want fiberglass cloth anywhere near my hands... -
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Re: center of balance
Mon, June 5, 2006 - 9:52 PMd'oh. got confused. I had two discussions about flags. Duve for the flags on my swords, and fiberglass for the flag on my rope dart. My bad.
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Re: center of balance
Thu, October 5, 2006 - 8:09 AMAH HAH! I use a sword for dancing while balancing on my head and I paid a lot of money for one that seems to be off! never though of flags or streamers on the hilt! that would be perfect.
Also, looking for a super simple way to add a little flame to the tip of the sword when I balance on my head. need something that will stay put for about 2-3 mins and not catch my hair on fire!
any suggestions. -
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Re: center of balance
Thu, October 5, 2006 - 7:20 PMboy, that's a bit of a tough one. Maybe wrapping kevlar cord around the tip of your sword and stitch/wire it in place. Hopefully, the flame is far enough from your head to prevent your hair from getting singed. You'll have to weight the pommel end of your sword differently as well to account for the added weight of the wick on the other end! -
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Re: center of balance
Fri, October 6, 2006 - 10:50 AMthat's possible, but you're right, balance would be way off. when dancing with a sword, or double sword, the balance has to be right, especially when you get down to do floor work.
what about alternate fuels? I'm wondering if I could put a touch of gel alcohol or parafin along the edge of the sword; only enough for a tiny flame and I could dance witht that until it went out, or even put it out before I put it on my head. any suggestions? I don't think oil would be good cause that would probably drip on the dance floor. so it would have to stay in place untill it expired.
I know that's not as dramatic as what you do, but its more of a prop to the bellydancing than the great stuff you guys do.
so far I haven't seen much else that would possible do what I want, it has to not evaporate before I go on stage, or drip. and it has to be easy to put on and easy to put out. ARGH!
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Re: center of balance
Fri, October 6, 2006 - 10:59 AMActually, 91% rubing alcohol gives off less heat than most petrol fuels and is easily available at most drug stores.
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