svensson Posted May 13, 2022 Share Posted May 13, 2022 (edited) Forged in Fire, a US show that asks bladesmiths to construct and then test historical blades, did a show on the Greek xiphos, the Bronze Age shortsword of the phalanx. Certainly this isn't a battle test, but it's a good approximation. In past episodes with other blades, the show has used ballistic dummies, suspended hog carcasses, and other media to test blade sharpness, durability, and handling. Link below for those interested. Edited May 13, 2022 by svensson 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
svensson Posted May 13, 2022 Author Share Posted May 13, 2022 And let me add another one. Same show, different smiths and the Greek kopis. You'll also get to see the ballistic dummy. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
svensson Posted May 13, 2022 Author Share Posted May 13, 2022 And while we're at it, the weapons above are made out of steel. So let's show you bronze! Warning: vid is a bit longer, at 15 or so minutes. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SDLeary Posted May 14, 2022 Share Posted May 14, 2022 And, just for some completeness, to show how robust these things were/are! SDLeary 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Absentia Posted May 14, 2022 Share Posted May 14, 2022 (edited) I have a friend who tried his hand at forging short swords out of old railroad spikes. As it happens, a single spike was just about the perfect amount of steel to forge a blade and tang. It also took a massive amount of effort to re-mill by hand. Balance, though, was the real challenge. Unsharpened, it makes one hell of a billy club. !i! Edited May 14, 2022 by Ian Absentia Ha! Railroad ties. That's a hoot. 1 Quote ...developer of White Rabbit Green Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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