whats your favorite weapon

[stevenms2008]

whats your favorite weapon from the medieval era mines the trebuchet

[DaRkWoLf]

Favorite medival small arm of all time has to be the katana.

Favorite european medival small arm is the claymore.
If you want to talk about artillery, a catapult filled with the corpses of plauge victims (they did use them, one of the first acts of bio-warfare)

[krept]

short sword might be easier to carry ;)

If we're talking big stuff, make mine a monster pot of flaming oil.

[Kent]

One of the more interesting ones was called Greek Fire. Supposed to be like napalm, used against ships, but no one knows the recipe.

[lucille]

Y'all have links to descriptions of this stuff? I am not familiar with them, was born shortly after that era ended.....


Cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscript catapultas habebunt. (When catapults are outlawed, only outlaws will have catapults.)

[Kent]

Cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscript catapultas habebunt. (When catapults are outlawed, only outlaws will have catapults.)
:laugh01: :laugh01: :laugh01:

[T. Daves]

has to be the scottish claymore, 6' long duel edged more like a cleaver than a sword.

[arebindixie]

The hand gonne (established by the high Middle Ages) :)

[Coyote]

A rawhide backed longbow made out of yew, with bone tipped arrows.

Its hanging next to me. :)

For a melee weapon... a bolas. Take them point blank or take them at 30 yards, it doesnt matter.

[BigEd63]

The claymore of course, traditional weapon of my ancestors of my clan.

Wish I had the money for a trip to view this one:

[RIKA]

A nice light sword backed by a sneaky dagger. A fine longbow for longer distances.

RIKA

[Magnum88C]

THE CLAYMORE OF COURSE! What good Scotsman would leave home without it?
http://www.armor.com/2000/catalog/images/100.jpg http://www.armor.com/2000/catalog/images/100detail.jpg

Interesting thing about how claymores were made. They were extrusion forged, such that all of the metal's crystals were aligned in the same direction. This gave strength equivalent, or better to any katana, yet was much faster to produce than hundreds of folds of the blade as used in the katana.
Many whine about the length of a claymore (typically about 60"). But one must remember at the time tha claymore was invented, the Scots were desperately fighting to keep the english off their backs. The english heavy cavalry had no counterpart with the Scots, and was capable of devastating armies with lesser or no cavalry. The Scots devised the claymore such that a footman could successfully engage the mounted cavalryman while remaining afoot. Typically when the rider was dismounted, knocked off the horse, or they were fighting ground troops, the Scot would engage with a hand axe, pick, or hammer and shield, rather than try and wield the claymore in close quarters.

[tuna]

Battle axe! Make that two, you never know when you're going to have to chop down the largest tree in the forrest with no herring to be found!

[Aslan]

Already have a trebuchet in my garage. Does that answer the question? (Even though it was built by my son...)

:devil:

[Coyote]

Interesting... Not many articulated weapons mentioned.

Big advantage of a ball and chain or something similar was that it was extremely difficult to parry; can reach around sheilds and swords, has a long reach and the wounds would be something else.

[Magnum88C]

Only problem with them is, it took a skilled user, or they'd hit themselves (happened fairly often), and once you made your shot, if you miss (or hit and there's another target), it takes a relatively long time to get set for another hit.

[Coyote]

True. Another drawback would be its total lack of any practical use outside of combat. You cant really chop wood with a morning star.

[Magnum88C]

Well, we don't always buy modern weapons based on pure practicality (and I think anyone who claims to is lying :dgrin: ), so I doubt people back then did either. I can see the coversation "But honey, I NEEDED a weapon that swings on a chain and I can hit Lil' Lord Fautelroy across the parapet with.

Although it's more properly called a flail. A morning star being a mace with a spiked head.

[brass hammer]

an armored team of horses pulling my chariot[loaded with fair maidens/furs/wineskins] the hell away from YOU!

i'd like a long-bow/short-sword.[roman]combo

or a spear/battle-ax.[viking]combo

or i'd really like to go vist your wife[while your on the battlefield]]
with my staff/dagger :dgrin:

[krept]

LOFL I concur, staff is my favorite weapon

[andy]

Instead of this silly crap, how about a weapon you can USE, like a walking stick? A proper one is hollowmetal, 3 sided, and divisible in half, via a 1/3rd twist and interrupted threads. About $250 in blued steel. Removable "head" as a throwing weapon. Eventually, I'd like to incorporate a retractable string and bobbin inside of the upper half, so that it can be slung handily over one shoulder, if need be.

[Magnum88C]

1.) because this thread, and the entire forum is about medieval weapons, and a POS triangular cane with thread and bobbin, ain't it.
2.) Being about medieval weapons, the triangular cane is a poor choice, put it up against any medieval melee weapon, and you'll lose.
3.) A triangular cane is a BAD choice for a lot of reasons, and even as you describe wouldn't cost anywhere near $250.

[84 C4]

The Maul is the greatest handheld medieval weapon.

[Coyote]

I keep running this through the brain box and I come up with the same answer every time: What a ****ty weapon.
Instead of this silly crap, how about a weapon you can USE, like a walking stick? Are you saying that your incapable of using a bow and arrows? Or a sword? Very, very straightforward, even you should be able to manage.
A proper one is hollowmetalHollow metal bends, and since you have stated that it would be 12oz. we know it would be about as durable as a wet noodle. Good for one time use only, no?
, 3 sided,
Its already been explained to you that a round shape provides an infinite number of corners, therefor is an overall better shape.
and divisible in half, via a 1/3rd twist and interrupted threads.Please explain to me how you thread a triangle.
About $250 in blued steel.
Do you buy it complete, or $250 for the materials? If your paying $250 dollars for a lump of unworked steel, your being ripped off, big time. Try like 5 bucks at a scrap yard for way more than you need.
Removable "head" as a throwing weapon.
Thats quite retarded. Sorry, I cant think of a better term for it. "oh wait Mr.Mugger Im just gonna unscrew the head of my metal cane here to fling at you, when I have a perfectly (****ty) staff in my hand... there we go"
Eventually, I'd like to incorporate a retractable string and bobbin inside of the upper half, so that it can be slung handily over one shoulder, if need be.
Will you please explain to me how you would keep this from interfering with the removable head? If it goes through the head then whatever knob or bead you have on the string will keep the head from being "flingable".

Post about something that exists or that you have already made. Your poorly thought out concepts (and bad ones) are amusing and nothing more.

[Chippathingy]

Thats quite retarded. Sorry, I cant think of a better term for it. "oh wait Mr.Mugger Im just gonna unscrew the head of my metal cane here to fling at you, when I have a perfectly (****ty) staff in my hand... there we go"

LOL!
:D
.....................

[84 C4]

Are you saying that your incapable of using a bow and arrows? Or a sword? Very, very straightforward, even you should be able to manage.

Swords are hardly straight forward, and it takes time and effort to learn to use them properly and effectively. Most people use edged swords like an axe, completely wrong technique. Swords are a weapon of finesse and high stature...which is why only the wealthy could afford to purchase or even train properly with one, as good instructors were both difficult to find and very costly. That's main reason medieval armies were equipped with mostly spears, and misc. polearms, cheap to make, quick to learn. Only one exception exists (that I can think of), and that's the British, which used vast quantities of skilled longbowmen. Mostly because Henry the VIII(?) banned all sports on Sundays except for archery.

[Magnum88C]

Mmmm, Mauls, mace, axes, hammers, picks, those are the most common, and easiest to learn medieval weapons.
I remember talking to a friend about my Scot heritage and the Claymore. he, of course thought it was just a big, brute force hacking weapon. I had to explain that , even though it's 5 feet long, it's a finesse weapon. You don't manhandle it, it's more like you tell it where to go, and let it get there. Hacking and slashing with a sword is a quick way to hurt yourself.

Now if you want to be the modern gentleman, get yourself a sword cane (make sure it's legal where you are!), get some training on the sword part.

[Aslan]

Swords are hardly straight forward, and it takes time and effort to learn to use them properly and effectively. Most people use edged swords like an axe, completely wrong technique. Swords are a weapon of finesse and high stature...which is why only the wealthy could afford to purchase or even train properly with one, as good instructors were both difficult to find and very costly. That's main reason medieval armies were equipped with mostly spears, and misc. polearms, cheap to make, quick to learn. Only one exception exists (that I can think of), and that's the British, which used vast quantities of skilled longbowmen. Mostly because Henry the VIII(?) banned all sports on Sundays except for archery.

depends on the sword too.

The rapier is a stabbing and deflecting weapon.

The two handed broadsword is more of a hacker, though to defeat armor required stabbing where appropriate

the roman short sword was pretty versatile at both stabbing and hacking

Most martial arts swords are ill-suited to going against medieval type armor and work really well against flesh or "soft" armor.

There are vastly different skill sets required for each type of sword.

What works well in fencing would get you killed pretty quickly if you used the same techniques with a samurai or tai-chi sword.

Likewise, trying to use a foil like a broadsword would get you killed pretty quick too.

:devil:

[84 C4]

What works well in fencing would get you killed pretty quickly if you used the same techniques with a samurai or tai-chi sword.

It's unlikely, those swords are supposed to be used "perfectly," and the loser is the one whom is less perfect. It's inherent in martial arts, it's why martial arts don't work well in the real world. European fighting styles are crude by comparison, but are much more effective and versatile, whereas martial arts are more specific in what they are intended for. Trust me when I say this, a good fencer with a rapier would beat any expert with a katana, it's by design.

[Magnum88C]

I think his point it, if you try to use a katana like a rapier, you're screwed.

[Aslan]

I think his point it, if you try to use a katana like a rapier, you're screwed.

Exactly. The katana has a long cutting edge for a reason. The design of the hilt and the shape of the blade are also for a specific purpose.

If we are fighting with katanas and all I use are fencing techniques, and you use the proper techniques, I will lose that fight.

:devil:

[AZ COLLECTOR]

funny thing about the foil is used properly (i used to fence when i was younger)
it is so fast and controlable that most slashing swords would have a very hard time blocking it. personal preferance is the saber though light and fast as a foil but slashing is also useful unlike the foil.

sean

[Chris Cooper]

INTEL.
THE FEAR OF DEATH IS GREATER THAN DEATH ITSELF

[andy]

you ever been slashed across the leg with a foil? Obviously not, or you wouldn't post such stupid stuff about it. One slash = one leg being non functional.

[Terry G]

you ever been slashed across the leg with a foil? Obviously not, or you wouldn't post such stupid stuff about it. One slash = one leg being non functional.You don't even know what a fencing foil is or you wouldn't post such stupid stuff. How do you "slash" someone across the leg when the weapon has no edge, just a point? You really enjoy making a fool out of yourself, don't you?

[neolithic hunter]

i must say it would be either a 20 or 50 megaton thermonuclear device. accuracy is not an issue just be sure you wear your shades, hearing protectors, and a whole **** load of sun block. :laugh01: :laugh01: :nyah:

[AZ COLLECTOR]

perhaps he meant aluminum foil.....like to smoke his crack.

[DaRkWoLf]

wear your shades

Those Oakleys that they claim to be capable of withstanding nuclear attack right? I cant wait till someone tests out that claim :dgrin:

Hey, at least one can be vaporized in style with a 400$ pair of sunglasses :cool:

[Aslan]

you ever been slashed across the leg with a foil? Obviously not, or you wouldn't post such stupid stuff about it. One slash = one leg being non functional.

HA ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

A non-edged weapon slashing!

I have not laughed this hard in a long time - thanks!

Here's a really important safety tip for you: Avoid topics you have no knowledge in.


:devil:

[Aslan]

funny thing about the foil is used properly (i used to fence when i was younger)
it is so fast and controlable that most slashing swords would have a very hard time blocking it. personal preferance is the saber though light and fast as a foil but slashing is also useful unlike the foil.

sean

I really like a good Tai Chi sword, as they are very fast, have two cutting surfaces for slashing, and a slender tip for stabbing and thrusting.

Much more versatile than a saber, IMHO

:devil:

[Rhino]

Personal Fav? Cold steel Assagai, short model.
Thrusting spear, quick handleing, long double edges handle to parry. and coud be thrown a short distance. Ole Chaka designed a wicked weapon
Rhino

[ABCF]

A Garden Gnome.....

abcnews.go.com/GMA/wireStory?id=674276

:D:D:D

[Almadjian]

Interesting thread.

Medeival weapons do not include the rapier, because they were introduced later. I would have to say the longbow would be my favorite medieval weapon for the same reason that a rifle is a preferable wartime weapon and a pistol is not. Now a sword would make the ideal sidearm, as a pistol would today.

Subsequent to the longbow, the crossbow was superior. In fact, the Italian firm of Beretta was making crossbows since the 15th century, long before the came into the firearm business.

A longsword was popular at the same time longbows were. That would be my second choice.

As the longbow became the decisive weapon in many skirmishes because it defeated the heavy armor of the day, the armor became lighter. Also, when the rapier was introduced, its sharp point and blade profile defeated armor as well, so the girth of a Claymore wasn't needed.

Roman short sword? I thought were talking medeival times here.

A skilled practicioner of espada e daga, say from Di Grassi's school in Italy could take on a Katana practicioner, but such speculations are an absurdity.
I make mention of this because someone referred to such practice as "crude", which was hardly the case.

In the 16th century, the Spanish "tercios" were the most formidable warriors in the world, using the best steel in the western world made in Toledo. The peak of the Japanese Koto ended about this time when inferior manufacturing techniques were adopted.

By this time, firearms were becoming more prevalent and the art of the blade less important.

[Coyote]

Subsequent to the longbow, the crossbow was superior. In fact, the Italian firm of Beretta was making crossbows since the 15th century, long before the came into the firearm business.

Crossbows were more complicated and took much longer to draw/crank back the string - at least the ones that really had an advantage. They were also harder to repair if damaged.

[Almadjian]

Crossbows were more complicated and took much longer to draw/crank back the string - at least the ones that really had an advantage. They were also harder to repair if damaged.


Exactly so. However I make mention of the crossbow as a predecessor to foreaemr because banks of crossbowmen wreaked havoc on ranks of charging foes as it penetrated their armor better than a longbow shaft. Also, it had superior range.

[brass hammer]

perhaps[ :roflmao1: ] all you blood/guts types, after you've SLASHED/SLAYED
[i.e. opened -up another human person TO THE DEATH!!!]
quenched you your BLOOD-LUST[fantasy]

you could return,,,home,,,AFTER ,,,,I'VE TOTATALLY SWUNG YOUR WIVES/DAUGHTERS/GIRLS,,,TO THE WAY OF ,,,,WAYNE'S BRASSHAMMER!

:nyah: :smash: :roflmao1: :roflmao1: :roflmao1:

[Magnum88C]

you could return,,,home,,,AFTER ,,,,I'VE TOTATALLY SWUNG YOUR WIVES/DAUGHTERS/GIRLS,,,TO THE WAY OF ,,,,WAYNE'S BRASSHAMMER!

Good luck, I ain't married. What do you think I went 'a viking for in the first place? :dgrin:

[Aslan]

well, my son is building a Ballista now. He built a trebuchet, and figures this would be a fun next project. He didn't like my idea of building a siege engine, and he's probably right as it would upset the HOA and probably violate a zoning rule or two.

After he finishes the Ballista, he might build a scorpion.

The Ballista is basically a field artillery crossbow, large and on wheels. (he's going to build a reduced scale one.)

The scorpion is similar, but uses a bent board to launch spears by slapping them.

What impresses me about these projects is that he approaches them as engineering challenges and calculates the theoretical performance before he even begins construction....

:devil:

[Wylycoyte]

What impresses me about these projects is that he approaches them as engineering challenges and calculates the theoretical performance before he even begins construction....

:devil:

Excellent!

It's always better to work things out before building, IMO. Does he build scaled-down models before the final project, too?

[Rhino]

SWEET!! Post pics if you can, I teach World History and would love to show my class.
Rhino


Has he thought of a Mangronel

[Aslan]

Excellent!

It's always better to work things out before building, IMO. Does he build scaled-down models before the final project, too?

He doesn't build the scale models, and they aren't necessarily historically accurate - which is ok by me.

I will post pictures.

I'll have him set up the trebuchet and get some pictures....

:devil:

[Coyote]

Aslan, you must be very proud.

Geometry and other practical mathematics are some of the most important things someone can learn - Hes found a way to make the process enjoyable too. How old is he?

[Aslan]

he's 18. He starts at Arizona State University this fall.

Proud doesn't begin to describe the way I feel....

thanks!

:devil: