I happen to not claim, I happen to KNOW. I also happen to know historical manuals describing how to use a sword. And I provided you a link with a video with a blunt european sword cutting the same kind of targets used for katana cutting tests (which are used because their characteristics are quite similar to human limbs, including the bone). You obviously fall for the usual claymore/katana mythology which has little base in reality. Not the least, a lot of claymore blades (or what is considered a claymore by laypeople today) were actually made in Germany, exported to Scotland and provided with the typical fittings there.

I miss the two handed flails. Flails and Maces were the go to blunt weapons for me.

There is an "art" to weilding an axe much like swords

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqeLSjeQJ7E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x691b4BS1bE&feature=related

Its hard to find videos on youtube that show actual axe fighting from people who know who. I mostly saw sctish fighting or people that didn't really know ho tol..

Axemen cometh episode

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhRCNLMzUMY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYrOI-3bDKY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaG_OO1RYE8&feature=related

yeah, both are very effective at cutting even when blunt. the main trade off between the two types of swords from what i've tried with is that katanas are sharper but less durable than claymores which are more built for endurance matches unlike the katana which is mainly used on fast duels using battou techniques.

Here's another one actually showing a European style sword cutting bone.
http://youtu.be/3v4j3mvrDyQ

And here's a European style sword not even optimized for cutting:
http://youtu.be/5PSkUGQAxrc

Unless you're some sort of serial killer I don't believe you know about severing human limbs with a sword. If you are using a Medival longsword correctly you are not putting nearly enough force or striking the right spot to sever a limb in a single blow. Basically because it's a one hand weapon.

Unless you're Conan. And if so can I get your autograph mister Schwarzenegger

I think most people prefer swords because they are simple to use and are known to be versatile. However, blunt weapons are probably going to get a bonus VS armor so I expect to see more people using them when they figure this out... Basically swords are the safer bet and people are afraid of picking something that they know less about since there is a chance it won't perform as well. It's the same reason most people would choose a :gun: over a :flamethrower:

I prefer elegant weapons

Wrong on all accounts. Firstly, a medieval longsword is actually a twohanded weapon which can also for some techniques be used one-handed. Secondly, there's plenty of other flesh and bone you can cut besides human. And please don't try to lecture me how to use a medieval longsword correctly. I'll take the words of one Peter von Danzig or Siegmund Ringeck over yours anytime.

Your citing Schwarzenegger further goes to demonstrate that you have little actual knowledge about how to use a sword. It's not about physical strength at all - quite the contrary.

I mostly use blade-type weapons, favoring daggers and two handed swords. Now with the dual-wielding, might start using two daggers, but gonna have to try all sorts of combinations out first.

Axes classified as blunt weapons has bugged me for long time. They may slightly resemble a mace, but they're definitely not blunt.

Cutting a stationary object is a tad different then cutting down a moving opponent.

It looks like I could take on most of those guys unarmed...

It looks like you don't even understand basic physics and boast way more than is good for you....

Ok...

Anyway I believe this debate started with the ability to cut down skeletons. So let's not get carried away. It doesn't matter how many times you've LARPed with your buddies. You can't know what it's like to dismember a skilled opponent... Its not easy sorry especially if the opponent is undead.

Or are you gonna tell me you're an undead hunter on weekends now?

The first video you showed me was a bunch of extremely out of shape dudes playing with swords. I'm not trying to boast but how in the world does that prove you're point?

I did do horribly physics tho. Must have missed the class explaining why moving targets are as easy to hit as stationary ones....

An axe isn't a blade as much as it is a simple wedge with a lot of weight to it.

No, I am going to tell you to go and read my posts again, because I never talked about LARPing. Unlike you, I am not talking about fantasy, I'm talking about actual history.



You're not trying to boast? Pray tell, what have you been doing in this thread BUT boasting that historical accounts are all wrong and you know better?



You see, things can move in different directions (that's called "degrees of freedom", but that's leading too far here) and that means they don't necessarily move out of the way. And when they actually move against the strike, the forces add up. Second, even a moving opponent has a degree of bracing against the ground - a freely hanging target doesn't. A less than optimal cut will simply send it swinging away rather than cut through.

Oh, and as far as moving targets go, there's little moving as fast as a combattant's hands. Still...
[img]http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:De_Alte_Armatur_und_Ringkunst_Talhofer_256.jpg[/img]

I thought this was a fantasy game? Not a historical drama. In history did the enemies hold out thier arms and yell "Bet you can't cut clear through!"

Your second poll thing is completely meh, we don't have blunt weapon skill anymore so it's pretty unnecessary.

I usually didn't use them in Oblivion because they made less damage than their blade counter part and I usually played with a character who is not very strong. (doesn't make sense for an argonian to swing a deadric warhammer, does it)

I dislike blunt weapons because they're slow and look clumsy.
I prefer claymores when I want a big two-handed weapon, a sword when I want to go weapon+shield, and for the most part I am a stealth guy so I will probably use daggers and bows nearly all the time in my first playthrough.

No, but they got them cut off anyway... which is kind of the point. We were talking how SWORDS were used, not some bits and bytes displayed as a sword-like object on a monitor.

I never claimed to know more historically then you. In fact I'm willing to admit I know less. I do know fighting I do know fantasy and I definitely know common sense.

Speaking of common sense. The thrust is far more effective then the slash when using most swords. Harder to block, penetrates armor etc. Unfortunately with a skeleton that essential move is rendered useless. Is the sword ideal now?


By they way. If you think I'm claiming it's impossible to cut a man limbs off with a sword your mistaken. I'm just saying it's much harder then you're letting on.



You'd think someone as versed with swordplay as yourself would know it's more then mindless slashing... Go fig

Depends what character am using, my dark elf assasin uses eitha axe or short sword, so i cant wait to see how it handles with the new dual weilding. Saying that tho, i reali wanna see umbra n goldbrand dual weld lol theres so many combinations i wanna try out...

Morningsatrs are in Mount & Blade. I always use war hammers and axes in M&B - war hammers because they still bash your enemy about through their plate armour, and axes because they deal massive damage and can be thrown as well chop (I'd love to see throwing axes in Skyrim, but sadly it ain't gonna happen). Blunt weapons in Oblivion were a bit naff visually or just ridiculous - a huge great 2 handed sledgehammer which would be totally unwieldy in battle and just get you killed.

I usually favour swords (katanas for preference) because they are more elegant and look awesome. However , I have an Orc barbarian character planned for Skyrim who will dual-wield one-handed axes. You've seen those Chinese chefs finely mincing meat with two cleavers? It'll be like that, but with dragons :thumbsup:

Well I wouldn't use a hammer against a skeleton. As it is moving I wouldn't be able to score a direct shot on it's limbs. I could probally smash it's head, but why would a walking skeleton need a skull? An undead creature doesn't fear death, so I doesn't block. An blocking oppenent is where a hammer shines.

If I was going to fight a skeleton I'd go for it's limbs. Axes are good, but its blocking ability is limited. A club is ideal, as it can block and do wonders against brittle bone. Though a sword, would work as a tiny arm bone would stand up to a basic slash (unless we are talking about a rapier or sabre). Honestly I'd just go with a katana.