Broad Sword or Straight Sword

[lilkarate75]

Which weapon would be most useful in combat? Broad Sword or Straight Sword?

[lordtariel]

In the hands of a proficient user, I probably would say straight sword. However, for someone with no experience with either, they would have an easier time using a dao than the jain.

[cathal]

I think it depends upon what you are fighting against. A broad sword (correct me if I am wrong, folks) is better used against spears and staffs, whereas a straight sword is better against other swords, and linked/roped weapons.

[Aodhan]

I think it depends upon what you are fighting against. A broad sword (correct me if I am wrong, folks) is better used against spears and staffs, whereas a straight sword is better against other swords, and linked/roped weapons.

You also need to define the type of sword more. Broad sword is generally known as a "two handed" sword, was about 6 feet long, and needed two hands to wield. Very heavy, and not very agile.

Straight sword could be anything from a hand and 1/2 sword to a rapier, etc. Most of these could be wielded one handed.

So, if you are armored up and bashing away at each other such as they did in the middle agegs, then a broadsword would be your best bet. (It was also a great sword for cutting out the legs of a charging horse).

For unarmored combat (Think most stage fights, ala 3 musketeer style), then quick, agile weapons such as the epee, rapier, parrying dagger, etc. would be more useful.

Define the style of fighting more, and we can give you a better answer.

Aodhan

[lordtariel]

I think it depends upon what you are fighting against. A broad sword (correct me if I am wrong, folks) is better used against spears and staffs, whereas a straight sword is better against other swords, and linked/roped weapons.

You also need to define the type of sword more. Broad sword is generally known as a "two handed" sword, was about 6 feet long, and needed two hands to wield. Very heavy, and not very agile.

Straight sword could be anything from a hand and 1/2 sword to a rapier, etc. Most of these could be wielded one handed.

So, if you are armored up and bashing away at each other such as they did in the middle agegs, then a broadsword would be your best bet. (It was also a great sword for cutting out the legs of a charging horse).

For unarmored combat (Think most stage fights, ala 3 musketeer style), then quick, agile weapons such as the epee, rapier, parrying dagger, etc. would be more useful.

Define the style of fighting more, and we can give you a better answer.

Aodhan

I believe he is referring to the chinese broadsword(dao) and straightsword(jian or gim).

The dao is more of a chopping weapon(Like in House of Flying Daggers) while the jian is a light slashing weapon(Green Destiny from Crouching Tiger) Straightsword can be hard to use if you're used to heavier weapons because you can't do much blocking with it, you have to slide and flick, while the broadsword is a little bit heavier and can take to chopping better.

[elbows_and_knees]

I think it depends upon what you are fighting against. A broad sword (correct me if I am wrong, folks) is better used against spears and staffs, whereas a straight sword is better against other swords, and linked/roped weapons.

You also need to define the type of sword more. Broad sword is generally known as a "two handed" sword, was about 6 feet long, and needed two hands to wield. Very heavy, and not very agile.

Straight sword could be anything from a hand and 1/2 sword to a rapier, etc. Most of these could be wielded one handed.

given the context - I think he means chinese, not two handed. two handed would be straight sword vs two handed straight sword. by straight sword, he's likely referring to a chinese straightsword - like a taiji sword.

I personally like the broadsword, regardless of combat style - it's what I have more experience with. The curve of the broadsword may give it a more powerful chopping strike, though it's not as aerodynamic or precise as a straight sword.

[cathal]

Yes, the Dao and Jin.

[Chris Chen]

I'd use the Broad Sword its much stronger and more aggressive.

[Aodhan]

I'd use the Broad Sword its much stronger and more aggressive.

It depends on the practitioner, however, most martial artists prize agility and movement over straight brawn, so I would go with the straight sword (jian?) over the broad sword. (Dao?)

Also, the broad sword by its nature will require larger, more powerful movements which will leave you open to counter attacks unless you are very good.

Aodhan

[lordtariel]

About the only time I'd use a Jian is against another person wielding a light sword. It was ridiculously hard trying to use one against a spear or staff. I'd use the broadsword against heavier weapons. Of course, I only spent 1 year studing the straightsword and 4 studing broadsword so my perceptions might be a bit colored.