Cutlasses and swords - right-handed AND left-handed?
Cutlasses and, probably, other swords were made as right-handed and left-handed. Excluding the obvious difference for scabbards being worn on opposite sides of the user's body, what are the differences between right- and left-handed cutlasses?
It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and then don't say it. Sam Levinson
17 December 2017, 16:38
Zephyr
18 December 2017, 06:00
Peter
Not sure about fighting weapons, but I used to fence, and my sabre (which I still have) has the hand guard slightly extended on the left hand side (inside) so as to guard against a cut to the wrist. Same with my epee, which has a similar bias in the guard, to help protect the inside wrist and forearm. Both obviously assume a right handed opponent. This, of course assumes a western style of swordplay, unlike the Japanese katana which is based on a single killing stroke. Peter. PS. The French foil is also "handed" as the grip has a slight bend in it to fit closely into the palm of the hand. Orthopaedic grips on the epee are also "handed".
Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright, that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong;
19 December 2017, 04:37
mete
Ah ! the good old days when I was a fencer. Not too long ago my chiropractor asked if I had ever injured my legs I said no not ever .But as I thought about it I realized my legs were different because I was a fencer for years . From the right side , epee' . What a fine sport.
20 December 2017, 00:53
enfieldspares
Here you go NP...just for you. This guy has a whole lot of videos on You Tube..
22 December 2017, 09:39
NormanConquest
i still have my foil from college.A fine sport indeed.There was a little black girl that was hell on a sabre;I never took that one up to my regret. I am left handed but I suppose after adapting in a right handled world all my life that this was normal to have the piece feel normal to me.The curvature in the handle felt just right.
Never mistake motion for action.
02 January 2018, 17:56
Bill/Oregon
Off topic, but I would sure love to own the iron-mounted hunting sword from Old Dominion Forge.
There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t. – John Green, author
08 January 2018, 08:14
NormanConquest
Beautiful work. Ah for the "good old days" when men were men + women were'nt.To carry ones sword on a regular basis + just waiting for the chance to say "Unhand that lady,you knave!"
Never mistake motion for action.
09 January 2018, 05:56
Fjold
The other thing is that with a right handed sword the offset handguard protects the back of the hand and allows the sword to lay flatter against the body in the cross draw configuration. If the guard is ambidextrous, it would dig into your side all the time.
Frank
"I don't know what there is about buffalo that frightens me so.....He looks like he hates you personally. He looks like you owe him money." - Robert Ruark, Horn of the Hunter, 1953
NRA Life, SAF Life, CRPA Life, DRSS lite
01 February 2018, 23:57
Bob Nisbet
I always wondered why old swords that were used for fighting, never seem to show major blade indents where they impacted the opponents sword. Anyone explain this?
Bob Nisbet DRSS & 348 Lever Winchester Lover Temporarily Displaced Texan If there's no food on your plate when dinner is done, you didn't get enough to eat.
02 February 2018, 01:55
mete
At the matches I examined swords especially the broken ones .[part of my metallurgical failure analysis studies !! ] Yes they are there and a major cause of blade failure . Many of the swords were poorly made with sharp corners . Now they have things like Maraging steels !
02 February 2018, 08:22
NormanConquest
During the middle ages,in the tower keeps the stairs were built in a counter clockwise rise to give additional advantage to the defenders as most, then as now, were right handers.
Never mistake motion for action.
03 February 2018, 21:05
nobull00
Samurai Swords? Hopefully this isn't too far off subject but it seems there are some folks on this thread that might have an answer for me. My wife has a Samurai sword that was given to her Father in the mid 50's when they were stationed in Japan. The story goes that it was kept hidden during WWII when everyone was supposed to give them up. Does anyone know where I could find a source for more info about this sword? I was told by an appliance guy that saw it here the grip could be removed by removing two wooden pegs and the makers name would be revealed. I don't want to mess it up but would like to know more about it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
04 February 2018, 08:39
NormanConquest
Yes,you can drive out the 2 chopstick tips to remove the hilt. You will then see the gliffs where it was made (by what clan/district,etc.)Their designations do not transfer well into western thought. I have one from the Kodo (era?) dated at late 17th century that was brought back from the pacific theatre.The info I got about its heritage came from the director of the Honolulu samauri society at Camp Perry a few years ago.Those pins should NOT be drifted out too often. Leave it alone until you can find a real appraiser.I can assume in this day of internet that there are contacts to be made.Good luck.
Never mistake motion for action.
04 February 2018, 22:38
Mark
Nobull, I see you are in Oregon. I'd suggest contacting Fred Lohman:
FRED LOHMAN 3405 N. E. Broadway Portland, OR 97232 USA (503)-282-4567
What a fine sport.
Yes they are there and a major cause of blade failure . Many of the swords were poorly made with sharp corners . Now they have things like Maraging steels !