i think the universe may be telling me to forget about the sword....
I got my first sword over a year ago. the first sword i got didn't balance well. I finally got it to balance with tassel, bending, etc. then the handle broke just as i was starting to feel comfy with it (and practising for an upcoming show). So i ordered another one. got it, it balanced, but the sheath didnt fit well, and it has a couple of rust spots.
Last week, coming out of practise, i tripped over my friggin' pantaloons and fell down the steps and onto asphalt, flinging my new sword onto the pavement as well. guess what... now it doesn't balance quite so well.
both of these swords were inexpensive, i want to get better at the sword before i invest in an expensive one. but now i fear the universe is telling me to give it up! am i nuts? should i keep trying, or mark off sword as a dance talent?
I got my first sword over a year ago. the first sword i got didn't balance well. I finally got it to balance with tassel, bending, etc. then the handle broke just as i was starting to feel comfy with it (and practising for an upcoming show). So i ordered another one. got it, it balanced, but the sheath didnt fit well, and it has a couple of rust spots.
Last week, coming out of practise, i tripped over my friggin' pantaloons and fell down the steps and onto asphalt, flinging my new sword onto the pavement as well. guess what... now it doesn't balance quite so well.
both of these swords were inexpensive, i want to get better at the sword before i invest in an expensive one. but now i fear the universe is telling me to give it up! am i nuts? should i keep trying, or mark off sword as a dance talent?
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Canada
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Re: signs from the universe?
Thu, October 25, 2007 - 5:19 AMThe universe is saying to wear less floofy pantaloons to practice. The universe has told me this same thing a few times. Eventually I'll learn. :-)
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Re: signs from the universe?
Fri, October 26, 2007 - 1:59 AMThis happens a lot, and is a common mistake. I understand that you don't want to invest a lot of money before you decide that sword work is for you, but a newbie is exactly who NEEEDS an expensive, well-balanced from the get go sword.
Look at it this way. You get an inexpensive sword, it doesn't work real well, needs a lot of fidgeting, and after a while you decide that it doesn't work as well as you'd thought it would, you don't dance as well as you could, and you decide to forget about it. Ironically, an experienced swordster CAN make the cheap work well-but wouldn't.
Or, get a well-made, well-balanced, and, yes more expensive sword. It balances well and easily, it's one less thing to worry about, and then you can really see of it's something you want to do and can do well.
Just a voice of loooong experience. And, yeah, never wear the fluffy pantaloons outside.
Kitty -
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Re: signs from the universe?
Fri, October 26, 2007 - 3:46 AMthanks -- fluffy pantaloon advice AND sword encouragement ! but i think i'm going to wait unitl I can actually TRY a sword out.. maybe next time i visit a city that may sell swords......
i really want to dance with that darn thing! -
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Re: signs from the universe?
Mon, October 29, 2007 - 9:22 AMMy best-balanced sword is actually an el cheapo Indian sabre. I didn´t even have to weight it. The little marvel came at 15 marks (about $7). It´s also my most hard-wearing sword, which is important to me as we do a lot of real blade clashes. On the other hand, there are swords in exorbitant price ranges with shoddy soldered-on tangs, ill-fitting or loose hilts, ... So price doesn´t mean anything. At all.
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Re: signs from the universe?
Sun, February 3, 2008 - 7:16 PMI don't think you should give up this interest. Accidents happen and not everything in this universe means something. In the first place you got a sword that didn't balance well either because you wanted what you could get to practise with or you didn't know as much about the different quality of swords. I don't believe in superstitions but I am a believer in everyones innate talent to grow and become skilled in any area they choose. If every bellydancer gave up because of bellydance bloobers there would be none left. People trip on their skirts, veils, pantaloons. Hip scarves fall off, swords get stepped on at workshops. Things happen and it's not because your not meant to dance with a sword. Doesn't mean anything. Only that you know more now is all. Chin up, and keep going!
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Re: signs from the universe?
Mon, February 4, 2008 - 7:23 AMI noticed the timestamp on the original was several months ago. So, how goes it? Have you healed from your tumble and gone on to more swordtastic fun?
Personally, I prefer to handle my swords before I buy them. But then, I have access to RenFaires and Cons where you find a lot of sword dealers (though these have all been of the non-dance variety but the same principle applies). Cost? I have swords that were free (found in houses and then passed to me), inexpensive ones that are fun and/or functional, and a custom rapier with a custom scabbard that was more than the CAS Iberia that everyone loves.
If you can't get to a place that sells swords (many places that specialize in knives or goth/ren stuff do swords too), see if someone in your classes will let you "test drive" theirs and see what it feels like. You may be able to find one that way.
Good luck! -
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Re: signs from the universe?
Mon, February 4, 2008 - 12:30 PMi have to admit-- my time with the sword has been limited. i really just need to keep at it, but i really do think i whacked the thing out of balance, if that is truly possible, and i just don't have the heart (or cash flow) to sink money into yet another sword. I do get it out now and then and try it, but it just feels wrong, and i have no mentor here to give me tips (i don't really even like this sword. it is too shiny and fake looking). some day...... the right one will come my way if it is meant to be.
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