Katana or European Longsword

[Thyrzul]

Funny how people in the beginning of the thread tried to argue with vids people compare the sharpness and durability of each to the other... such things matter none if you can't really handle them.

Voted for longsword.

I've been learning longsword fencing in Ars Ensis (part of HEMAC) for already three years (not as continuously as I wished to do so, but had no really huge breaks from it so far), and have learn many tricks, for example ones you can do utilizing the cross-guard. With that thing you can defend and attack in the same time, effectively retake dominance in a fight. Can't really see such a significant cross-guard at katanas. Another thing is that yes, you can stab with a longsword way more easily.

Note: While it looks cool to compare the durability of each by clashing blades edge to edge, at least in longsword to longsword combat you never ever do such. For starters: don't attack the blade, attack the wielder. There are techniques where you attack the blade to hit it away, but most of the hits go against the opponent, not the weapon.

Another note: Funny how those "professionals" tried the edges and points of the blades on that plate armor. Thing is, you don't do that in armored combat. Rather aim at the weak points, like armpit, neck, etc. It's THAT realistic to try out how much each sword can't do anything with plate armor.

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