Realistic Sparring Weapons

Absolutely loving the new japanese swords, Lancelot! Your craftsmanship is excellent-- and the realistic quality of your swords for sparring and martial arts practice is in my opinion unmatched. I just hope we have no problems with the local law enforcement because they look kinda real from a distance! HAHA.... Be well!

- Jason Berger on 4-8-2012

Lance, the sabres custom made to model after Hanwei Beile Dao with modification arrived today. I'm very impressed with them. These looks a lot more professional and better made than the standard Dao I last ordered. They feel light to hold but when you move them they feel more very substantial like a real sabre. Perfectly balanced and the handle is comfortable. Stabbing techniques were improved with the straight profile blade. Well done and thank you.

- Cuong Sam of Three Peaks Wudang Taijiquan on 28-5-2012

Personally, I think you did a pretty good job on these trainers. I handled Patrick's AT1211, and the trainer you made from the same specs, and they balance pretty closely considering one is steel and the other is a padded trainer. I think your padded trainers are the best on the market.

- Angus Trim on 26th June 2006 after handling RSW at Atlanta Blade Show

I just wanted too say that now when I have sparred a bit with your RSW I am impressed with them. You are a very good maker of sparring swords. I will buy a few from you in the near future. And I also want to thank you for many good minutes of entertainment when I saw your latest videos, that was funny.

- M. Wallgren of ARMA Sweden on 27th June 2006

A gentleman with whom I do some sport epee fencing invited me to his martial arts gym to do some sparring with his RSW tulwars (modified to resemble a western saber, by removing parts of the guard). This was my first hands-on experience with "historical" saber combat, although I've read quite a bit and done some solo drills with my Cold Steel 1796 Light Cavalry.

I was quite pleased, all in all. The weight and handling of the RSW sabers was quite close to authentic weapons that I've handled, and we found no problems hitting with power while wearing minimal protection (fencing masks and field hockey gloves). The weight and dimensions seemed in the ballpark, and I was fascinated to notice that the weight makes it very difficult to execute all the subtle point control that I'm so used to when fencing; those quick little motions just aren't feasible with a heavier weapon. In an earlier thread about Lance's products, someone mentioned that paradoxically, the harder the strikes, the less they seem to hurt; this matches my experience, although I can't explain why.

For a layperson such as myself, these seem fairly ideal. Coming from an Italian epee background, I was frustrated by the difficulty of performing binds and actions on the blade due to the friction between the two blades, but we did not attempt to use baby oil or teflon spray. Next time we'll have to give that a shot.

- J.B. Angiulo on 27th September 2005

Review: Realistic Sparring Weapons

A few of us in our group got together to order some of Lance Chan's Realistic Sparring Weapons, which recently showed up. I had been leary of ordering these due to the expense of shipping from Hong Kong and not having ever handled them myself. I generally don't like padded weapons at all, though there are some that I consider adequate. However, I got to handle and bout with a pair of the "European Bastard Sword" models, and so some of my students and I decided to take the plunge.

Despite ordering from Hong Kong, Lance was super responsive to e-mails, very helpful, and surprisingly fast in getting the order out to us.

Most of us bought the longer version of the European Bastard Sword, though two bought the shorter versions. Both handle nicely, though I'm much more partial to the longer one, which has a little more heft behind it. But then again, I'm 6'2, so for me the longer version felt more like a two handed weapon that could be used with one hand for some techniques, whereas the shorter one felt like a one handed sword that could be used with a second hand. One of our guys bought the single hander, which handled very nicely, and two also got the German Bastard Sword, which is modelled after the A&A GBS. I was actually surprised, but it really does handle remarkably like the real thing. All of the grips are somewhat oval in cross section (close enough, anyway), and edge alignment is easily felt without looking. Based on dry handling alone, I really think Lance did a remarkable job.

My biggest concern in terms of realism had to do with two things: 1) how the blades handle at the bind, and 2) will the fencers react differently to padded weapons when compared to the sting of a modified shinai (which we normally use for free play).

The blades, without lubricant, do definately stick, though not nearly as bad as most padded swords. I don't know what material Lance used as the silver cover, but it's not rubber, so it isn't so bad. We used Armor All wipes on them, which made them work quite nicely, though these needed to be applied quite often. We will need to experiment with other methods (such as those mentioned on the other thread). With the lubricant, though, I was quite pleased with them. There's still a definate difference when compared to steel (the material slightly compresses, naturally, in a way that steel doesn't), but I find the compromise between realism and safety good enough.

These weapons have enough mass behind them that I haven't [yet] found people to do anything different from when we use shinai. But we haven't used them enough yet, so I reserve the right to change my mind. In fact, bruises definately occurred with these. That said, getting hit in places such as the knuckles, or any joints where the bone is easily exposed, is much safer than getting hit with a harder simulator. Though one word of caution, you do need to be careful when striking fencing masks with any force. Control is always necessary regardless of simulators, and we didn't have any problems, but I can definately see someone getting lax about control with these because they're padded, and a heavy strike to a mask will probably cause the mask to hit hard from the inside due to the mass behind the sword.

The thrust is quite good on these. The swords are rigid, yet the tip is both soft enough and wide enough that thrusts are quite safe (again, provided participants have trained properly and understand the importance of control).

The blades are also not too bulky. Most padded swords cannot adequately be used with half swording, whereas these ones can. Not perfectly, they've still got some bulk, but not bad, either. Though the guard and pommel would be dangerous to do a full strike with unless if the participants were wearing serious protection, so use proper judgement. (the rubber padding on the guards isn't much at all, and I got a nice purple mark on the forearm when I closed on my partner at the wrong time) Certain grappling actions would be slightly effected due to the padding, though most techniques will work just fine.

Overall, I think these are a fantastic tool for free play, and this coming from a person who has generally not liked most padded weapons. Our group's big on cross training, so wasters and steel and the like are still the main part of our training, but these will make a very nice addition to the curriculum. I wish I'd had these to take to WMAW, I know many people were talking about them and had the same doubts I'd had before I handled them. The only major negative I have to say is that they're a little expensive when you factor in the shipping from Hong Kong. If these prove to be durable and last long, though, I may not care.

- William Grandy on 24th September 2005

I ordered several RSWs from Lancelot. A katana, wakazashi, 36" longsword and two custom RSWs. I also got two sword bags.

First, I would not hesitate for a second in doing business again with Lancelot. There are so many reasons why. Here are just a few. He answered all my E-Mails quickly and answered every question I asked. I asked him to beat a deadline and I later added several items to the list with the same deadline. If he had refused, it would have been understandable, because I was asking for the impossible. But Lancelot did meet the deadline, including the additional RSWs. When I thought the guards were missing some foam rubber, he quickly offered a minor refund. It would have been too costly to return given the shipping from Hong Kong to the U.S.A. If it was a major problem, I am absolutely sure Lancelot would have done something. But it is all moot, because the photo he sent me had deceptive lighting and the guard never had a foam rubber coating, like I thought.

The katana is very nice, but a little heavy for my tastes. Though I have held real katanas of that weight. When I ordered it, I asked for a specific length. I did not mention weight or Point-of-Balance. When using the katana, I found it handled well and I was able to use it just as instinctively as a real one. The wakazashi is just fine too.

The 36" longsword is perfect. I did not ask for anything special. Just the standard package. The weight and balance are good. It handles nice and is quick and responsive. Pretty much what I expected.

The bags are excellent quality, but a little lacking in design. When you put the RSWs in the bag point first and then throw the bag over your shoulder, the bag wants to turn upside-down. This is solved by putting the RSW in hilt first. But this is easier said than done. So much so, that I just deal with the lop-sided annoyance. I suggested to Lancelot a side zipper. It would make it a lot easier to put the RSWs in hilt first and would allow you to place more items in without jamming them together. He said he would see if that idea was viable.

I ordered two RSWs based on Albion's Svante. The only problem I have with the Svante RSW is the guard. I asked for an 'S' shaped guard which Lancelot gave me. I just wanted it as big as the real Svante. The ones I got were decorative. I admit I wasn't perfectly clear that I wanted it that way. So, other than that he did a great job. The Svante RSW handles great and is easy to move and stop. The balance on both were right on target. Weight, again on target. Blade length on target. Hilt length also on target. The RSW Svante does not feel like the real Svante. The real one is more lively. But it is as close as your going to get in a correctly weighted boffer.

Sparring with the RSWs is fun. Just put a thin coating of mineral oil on the blades to get rid of the friction. As long as you are moving, the hits don't hurt. When I sparred with the Svante RSW, it moved quite naturally considering it weighed 4 lbs. The fact that Lancelot plays with real swords, really helps him get the feel of the RSW as close to the feel of a real sword. And that shows when sparring with the RSWs.

Overall a great experience dealing with Lancelot. I am very happy with all of my RSWs. The only thing that I would say is tell Lancelot EXACTLY what you want. When you do that you will get what you asked for.

-PJ on 26th June 2005

I just wanted to say that I received the sword bag today and it is fantastic! I can't wait to take it over to the club and show it to the guys!

Additional comment: Also... yeah, they're working out real nicely. You should probably require people to wear gloves (doesn't need much padding) as well as the head gear. So far I've been using highly shatter resistant large ski goggles and a cheap old style small motorcycle helmet. Works nicely.

Getting thrust in the face hurts

. Curse you and making the really light and fast mini-nagamaki.....

Also... did I mention the mini-nagamaki smacked the hell out of me

. So many wrist and leg shots. I'm amazed at how difficult it gets once you get a very fast opponent on your tail. Also... we found tossing the sword and running very effective, most of the time it was solid thrust to the stomach XD.

I recently ordered two custom RSW katana from Lance. He was very helpful and had prompt, friendly service.

Mine was designed to have about 7/8" sori with a 30" blade and 11" handle and looks great. Weight and balance are as I ordered - 2 lb 13-14 oz approx and about 6.5" POB from my hand.

The other (ordered for a friend) was standard with a 15" handle (it's really long). This one is about 2 lb 9-10 oz. Definitely handles lighter than mine. POB is about 4.5".

Handles: nicely curved. Wrap could come loose in time (edges overlapped, so one sticks out on the side), so I think some tennis tape would work well here. Kashira is a little large - should be perfectly aligned with the width and thickness of handle.

Boffer part: nice and solid feeling but when hitting flesh feels like a soft thump (like getting hit with a very thick boxing glove). The tip isn't dangerous except thrusting to fragile spots (eyes, throat, etc.). Knocks the wind out of you but no bruises (I took two to the chest and one hard one to the solar plexus before I gave out).

Overall: these are great and I would recommend them to anyone who would like to free spar with no fear of getting hit. They won't handle as well as well-made steel blunts - still has slight waster bounce, but slicked up with oil, they feel great. I'm going to order some again later.

Having sparred in a variety of styles, with a variety of practice weapons, I can say without any doubt that Realistic Sparring Weapons are the most realistic practice weapons I have ever used. This realism is surprisingly accentuated by a high degree of safety- and having broken fingers in practice matches, I believe that safety is an essential feature of any sparring weapon. It is my conclusion that Realistic Sparring Weapons offer the best choice in practice weapons, whether you are a professional Martial Artists wishing to test your skill, or an amateur enthusiast just looking to have fun.

-Jason Dudek of Haidong Gumdo on 24-12-04
Haidong Gumdo 2nd Degree Black Belt
Seoul City Sparring Champion, 2004

之前我還沒有接觸這個活動，自從在「華山論劍」看過他們的活動之後，開始有點興趣玩這個武術玩意，但無暇參與。到了現在 rsw 的出現，我才開始參與這活動。玩了幾個月後，覺得與其他武術很不同。就是這些武器可以混合來玩如歐洲手半劍對日本刀。而𮨶它們講究的並不是力量。而是智慧，速度和距離感，再加上這玩意是「一」刀死的。所以持之以恆地玩是對智慧，叼應，手腕有很大益處的。而𮨶在這裡以武會友是一件樂事，除了工餘，課餘運動外，還可以舒暢一下ꈳ心，把精神和壓力在活動中發洩。比起一些無謂的娛樂及不良的事好來得更好！