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Dueling Society => The Dueling Society => Topic started by: cyclops on December 05, 2008, 01:35:56 AM

Title: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: cyclops on December 05, 2008, 01:35:56 AM
Hi everyone! Ive been AWOL for so long due to personal reasons, so i would like to take this opportunity to say hi to all the friends I have made and hi to all the friends i will make.
I'm going to attempt to post at least one post a day ( but dont hold me to that  ;D )

So onto the subject - Depending on the height of a person what would the ideal blade length be for that person?
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: Onli-Won Kanomi on December 05, 2008, 02:32:02 AM
Just my opinion but...

Stand upright, holding saber in one hand with blade pointed downward. swing arm straight forward and backward. It should be of a length that it doesnt hit the ground. For me thats 30", your mileage may vary.

Of course thinking more 'canonically' I guess since Jedi couldnt 'break' a lightsaber blade like that of a real sword that may explain why canon lightsabers had approx metre long blades. It might also explain why so many prequel trilogy architecture ceilings were rather high [remembers whacking my light fixture with my first FX saber...hey havent we all done that? lol] One does wonder if there were scorch marks all over the Jedi training room floors though. And is a meter long blade really sensible on pressurized spaceships where accidentally slicing through the floor might be a even worse idea?
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: ASAJJ VENTRESS on December 05, 2008, 12:15:12 PM
not sure how this helps, because I never seem to have  ruler next to me, but my main saber, the prophecy comes up to my diaphram.

I (up until last week anyway) do have about 5 different sabers, and they vary in length.  I'm 5'3", and my trainer is (obviously) a bit taller than me, but I've been able to handle his sabers as well.  (off topic, handled his newest acquisition, and oh was it sweet, if a little bottom heavy, but I digress)

I prefer my hilt to be around 9-10 inches in length, with the standard length blade.  If need be, I can handle something longer, just not well or gracefully.

I'm also thinking that you would have to take your style into consideration?  My swordplay training is Japanese based, and so I hold my sabers the way I would my bokken.  (that's one hand at the bottom of the hilt, one hand close to the top, rather than both hands in the middle if this is something you're unfamiliar with.  Sorry, don't know your experience level.)

Sometimes I want to use a single handed grip (like for the fancy, behind the back, spinning, tossing, reverse grip stuff) so in theory there could be a little more leeway for length there.

So, why the question?  Curious, or wanting to start a project, or looking for suggestions?
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: cyclops on December 06, 2008, 02:09:39 AM
Quote
So, why the question?  Curious, or wanting to start a project, or looking for suggestions?

Looking for suggestions and curious. plus im desiging a new custom saber that i want to be perfect but all my sabers have a personality of there own. I understand what you say Je-Rel Drood.
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: ASAJJ VENTRESS on December 06, 2008, 08:28:14 PM
I'm sure your saber wil be a work of art!

I don't know how much my opinion is worth, I've only been training for about a year, and I've only been using light sabers since August, but use them I do, and I don't know how happy I would be without them.

I'm sure you will take your style into consideration with your newest creation.

Please keep in mind that there really is no "correct" length, it's all preference.

Oh, and don't forget to post pics of this!  I'm definitely cruious!
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: darthmorbius on December 07, 2008, 02:05:27 AM
Blade length Ideally should be as Onli-Won has described. BUT as he stated your mileage may vary.

It also lends itself to subjective preference.

I prefer my blades to be about 34-36" depending on the hilt length, and the grade of the blade (thick or thin walled). 

Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: Do-Clo on December 08, 2008, 03:47:45 PM
I find that a longer blade works best for me, I like the blade to be 40 inches long, with 2 inches off blade in the blade holder you have around a 38 inch blade.
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: The Highwayman on December 08, 2008, 05:02:19 PM
I like about a 32-34 inch blade on my, well, anything. It's more mangable for me and doesn't require as much ground clearence checking. A longer blade may hit the ground more than you want it to. (I would hope you wouldn't want it to hit at all.) ;) It really all depends on size and preference.
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: Susano on December 29, 2008, 12:30:57 PM
Can't speak for lightsaber dueling, but from my Iaido experiences, for an average height of 5'10", the blade should be approximately 75cm, or around 30 inches, with a shinken or iaito, that gives you a total weapon length around 40 - 42" from fuchi to kissaki (the pommel to the point).
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: Goodman on December 30, 2008, 11:34:15 AM
Iaido, Susano? What Ryu?



I also use that measurement  method. All my sabers are around 30 inches with 12 inch hilts. In Iaido, I use a 27.5" blade with 11.5" hilt, but I add a little on the blade side on my lightsaber since they're much lighter. It also helps somewhat to counteract guys like Darth Technous with their 38" blades, lol :)
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: Susano on December 30, 2008, 07:57:46 PM
Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: Master Jedye on December 30, 2008, 08:06:03 PM
Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu

Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū (無双直伝英信流 or 無雙直傳英信流, Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū?), meaning "peerless, directly transmitted, school of Eishin" is one of the most widely practiced school of the Japanese martial art of iaidō in the world. Frequently shortened simply to Eishin-ryū, this school claims an unbroken history of about 450 years

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mus%C5%8D_Jikiden_Eishin-ry%C5%AB

because someone will ask.
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: Firith Tar on December 31, 2008, 02:09:39 PM
that sounds like 2.50-2.45 shaku with a 8.5 sun tsuka....
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: Rosebudteg on March 03, 2009, 04:37:51 PM
I don't know what they all are talking about... but I'm 6'3" and I've found that a 32" blade works well for me. 

6'3"??

32" Blade?

Yeah, I find with a 36" blade I can't spin it very well, I tend to hit the ground a lot and I can't do a behind-the-back spin at all because I can't keep the blade off the ground.

32" blade is nice.

On my wife's Ultrasabers Liberator I've found a 28" blade provides the perfect balance, and for her being 5'3" it works very well for her.  Although it does look short.

Yeah, she's a whole foot shorter than I...
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: Jedi Knight Logan on March 04, 2009, 12:48:42 AM
Lots of good opinions here... What it boils down to is preference. When training Iai, my shinken are all of the 28.5 blade variety. My claymores are 36-38.5.... different tool... different function. :)  In theory, I could have a lightsaber with a 9 ft. blade... but I'd be using it as a lance, not a sword. ;)

Bottom line, have a blade length that you can wield comfortably.... just my two creds... ;) 
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: Tulak Hord on March 06, 2009, 09:47:43 AM
Generally, Being I use a double bladed lightsaber and am 5'4" tall with a muscular stature, I use a pair of 26 1/2" blades. I also use a 22" hilt on average but sometimes i go down to 17-21"
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: Fit_Kisto on March 15, 2009, 11:41:31 AM
Discuss advantages and disadvantages of these two types of blades.

I personally use a short blade.
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: The Highwayman on March 15, 2009, 11:46:38 AM
I hate to say this, but this has been discussed quite thoroughly. Look around, and the remember, The search function is your friend.   :D ;) ;)

Here's the thread - http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?topic=14839.0

It right below yours actually. like ten posts down. ;D ;D ::) ;) ;)

In answer, a 34 inch blade fits me perfectly, admittedly, i can fight with any size blade, but I prefer either one or two 34 inchers.
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: LUMINARA UNDULI on March 15, 2009, 11:48:55 AM
I like mine around 32" total ;D  (BTW, I am 5' 2")
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: Luke S. on March 15, 2009, 12:28:17 PM
Since both topics are similar, very similar, let's say we merge them.  ;)  :)


I am curious though.  Where is the poll???
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: LUMINARA UNDULI on March 15, 2009, 12:40:02 PM
Generally, Being I use a double bladed lightsaber and am 5'4" tall with a muscular stature, I use a pair of 26 1/2" blades. I also use a 22" hilt on average but sometimes i go down to 17-21"

22" Hilt?  Wow, that's a bit large.
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: OBI-WAN KENOBI on March 15, 2009, 12:41:47 PM
36" blade for me.
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: DARTH MAUL on March 15, 2009, 03:26:04 PM
36" blade with a 12" hilt for me. The only time I would use a shorter blade is for spinning in the house in a room without good clearance just to avoid hitting things...but still prefer the 36". :)
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: Firith Tar on March 16, 2009, 05:32:31 AM
For lightsabers I perfer 36-38 inch  blades...
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: The Highwayman on March 16, 2009, 01:02:20 PM
Generally, Being I use a double bladed lightsaber and am 5'4" tall with a muscular stature, I use a pair of 26 1/2" blades. I also use a 22" hilt on average but sometimes i go down to 17-21"

22" Hilt?  Wow, that's a bit large.

That enormous! How do you even fight with it? I like my hilts to be roughly 12 inches total. My longsword (Narsil) is around 13.
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: darthtater on March 16, 2009, 03:36:41 PM
I like a shorter blade, but it's all personal preferance. In all reality any "warrior" worth their salt should be able to use just about any size blade and be fairly proficient. alot of things can happen in battle(drop weapon, weapon gets bent or destroyed or lodged in a bone and be unable to be extricated or what have you) so versatility would be the key to victory. A warrior should be able to pick up any weapon within reason and be able to use it effectively under battle conditions. I still wonder how Obi wans lightsaber still worked after being dropped like 500 feet onto a stone floor.
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: Luke S. on March 16, 2009, 03:53:48 PM
Since there is no poll  ::)  the topic title has been changed. 
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: Darth_Dadderall on March 12, 2010, 07:27:48 AM
Man, I always miss the good stuff.
My Corbin blade is (I think) 40 inches long and my hilt is right around 9". At 5'10", this feels too long to me and even a little blade-heavy. I may see about cutting it down to 36", but only after I've finished testing the twist-lock modification I have on it now.
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: kookyabird on March 12, 2010, 11:47:02 AM
I've been dueling with my Elder Staff in DW mode with 32" heavies, versus someone with a Dominix and Dark Apprentice with 36" mid grades. The only way I can get close enough to his longer/faster sabers is to crouch, charge, and stab wildly. Otherwise he just as too much reach. I would much prefer longer blades for both staff and DW mode with my saber. Though if both people have short blades it's not a big deal.
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: nartules on March 12, 2010, 01:22:29 PM
The hilt doesn't matter to me, I can adjust to a long hilt, or a short hilt.  I do prefer a 9-11 inch hilt, to give me room to use both hands.  Shorter hilts need a shorter blade for me, since I will usually be using one hand.

I like my blades and hilt to be 46 inches in total length. (the difference would be made up of the blade itself since its easier to change the length of the blade, rather then the hilt.   I am 5'8\

Keep in mind if you are duel weilding weight, not length is the determining factor to use when deciding which blade to handle with your main hand.

Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: Axel_Risen on March 15, 2010, 04:19:40 AM
I haven't actually duelled with a lightsaber, but I have done some boffer sword fighting. I'm more of a short-sword and shield type guy, but I sometimes use two short-swords. Also, I'm a bit partial to having a longer hilt,  because it feels more natural when I use it. Since my style is quick strikes and thrusts, the longer hilt really gives me that extra length to use. When I use two short-swords,I dance around alot and do brief charges, but I still end up using fast blows and jabs.

So I guess short blades with a shorter hilt, and a long blade with a longer hilt!
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: djobitwan7 on March 15, 2010, 07:53:30 AM
Hmmmm...I didn't have amethod. I just bought 3-4 different lengths and whatever feels good at the time is what I use. Almost all feel pretty balanced though.

As for where the scorch marks in the Jedi Temple...well, there wouldn't be. The younglings used blades that would not cut skin, much less floors and walls and did this all the way up 'til they were chosen. I remember Obi-Wan dueling with his peers and when hit, it would sting the person, but not cut them. I imagine the padawans and Master just have good control and the temple was very, very lucky to not have mock battle scars.
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: Lord Ian on March 15, 2010, 06:17:17 PM
I'm 6'4" - 6'5". Give me and 18 inch hilt and a 30 inch blade and I'll be grinning ALL day. But thats just me...
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: Apprentice Nova on August 17, 2014, 10:06:01 PM
Oooooh length questions. I am certainly not an expert on lightsabers ( or any other sword for that matter ) but It would probably depend on not only personal preference but style of sword technique that was used. I was taught in the Chinese styles ( what little I learned ) that the blade length was measured by holding your arm out parallel to your shoulder ( like a capitol letter T) and measuring from the heel of your palm to the center of your chest. This measurement is also close to your in seam length ( of your pants that is ). The Japanese method has already been mentioned. The only other sword style I have any experience in is European/ SCA style fencing and historically speaking the rapier went through many length changes from ridiculously long to the shorter ( and later period ) small swords of the 1800's. With the limited experience I've had handling my own lightsaber I guess it would depend on where the balance point is in relation to how you handle/spin your blade.
Title: Re: Long Blade vs Short Blade l
Post by: Iamhomostellaris on August 18, 2014, 04:18:39 AM
Wow a 6 years old topic! Well on the web time does'nt matter imho.
for me:  29cm hilt, 90cm blade lenght.