The (unintentional) artistry of edged weapons

[Rafngard]

Hello all,

Four of my favorite, 2 old, and 2 modern.

1) an old Bugis Keris
(OK, maybe "simple" isn't the right term here)

2) an old Somali billaawe

3) a modern Waray Binalhag, made by Gilbert Ingrato in St. Rita, Samar
(Gilbert is a really nice guy btw, I met him at his home last year and bought this from him)

4) a modern Pira, from Zamboanga, by Mang Ruben

Enjoy!
Leif

[werecow]

I love the full breadth and diversity of swords. But I never tire of the classics... cross hilted European medieval arming swords and longswords will always appeal to something deep inside me. Especially the broad bladed ones like this Alexandria example:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJypHnsEn8o

I seem to have a special love for the type XVIIIs.



Simple but perfect. Although a good old fashioned type XIV also does the trick just fine.

Also, for me the curvature of the pala kilij has always had a strong appeal, especially the ones with a "pala belly" that bows out ever so slightly before curving backwards like my example below or this one. I also really like that T section somehow.




I also really love the profile of the Aceh peudeung




and I am still looking for my perfect type 2 schiavona, as close as I can get to this one below:



EDIT: Oh and also this swept hilt rapier. Somebody stop me or we'll be here all week.

[Lee]

I enjoyed the video, thank you Werecow. I did have an opportunity to hold that (Bashford Dean) Alexandria Arsenal sword several years ago. I neither swung or flexed it though.

Another Alexandria Arsenal marked sword of a different style showing a lot of wear and rehoning at the tip, but the beauty of its form still shines through:

[Ian]

The European classics are indeed inspiring. The excellent symmetry of those medieval swords, contrasting wth the curved single-edged weapons coming later. And the highly worked forms of the keris, emphasizing complexity and mystery.

Keep them coming guys!

[Rafngard]

Originally Posted by Ian

The European classics are indeed inspiring. The excellent symmetry of those medieval swords, contrasting with the curved single-edged weapons coming later. And the highly worked forms of the keris, emphasizing complexity and mystery.

Keep them coming guys!

Ian,

I appreciate your contrasting Medieval European swords with Keris. A well-executed Jawa demam hilt is asymmetrical on every axis, and yet fits perfectly in the hand.
It's one of my favorite things.

Thanks,
Leif

[Sajen]

Here are a few from my own collection which come to my mind!

[A. G. Maisey]

I have understood this thread as one that is directed at the unintentional artistry of edged weapons, rather than the artistry of edged weapons.

Some edged weapons are intended as expressions of art.

Does intent & no intent require separation?