The Realm of the Dark Blade

Today, we go back into the annals of Saturday morning cartoon history. I read that G.I. Joe was a big thing for kids of the 80′s. I wouldn’t know anything about that : P.

But I do know that one of the primary heroes of this old school animated series was none other than… a Ninja. Snake Eyes could possibly have been Americas very first animated Ninja hero. But what makes this particular ninja important to us dark-bladers is that he had a pretty sweet black sword.

GI Joe - Snake Eyes sword

Now that, my friends, is what I call a sinister looking sliver of black steel. But from a practical perspective there is one design feature that I think would weaken the overall strength of the blade. The narrow blade section above the handle.

GI Joe - Snake Eyes sword

The section that has been removed from the spine would certainly lighten the sword considerably, and while transferring the center of mass forward, but at the same time it would introduce a structural weakness into the blade, especially at the ingress point just above the serrated spine section if the blade.

I suppose if you were an Uber Commando Ninja like Snake Eyes, this would be of little consequence, as his enemies would have been forcibly separated from life before ever being aware that he was there, much less that his sword possesses a weakness of any sort. But forgive my idle speculation.

In spite of the mechanical shortcomings of the design, there is so much I love about this sword. The sword incorporates a beautiful combination of sweeping curves and abrupt lines, combined in a very complementary way.

The short saw toothed section on the back edge adds to the utilitarian effect of the sword. Even the narrow section removed from the spine, adds to the no-nonsense aesthetics of the blade, as does the simple guard, and the elegantly carved curving handle.

It is as beautiful to me as it is sinister. Which, in my twisted little mind, are in fact the same thing.

No, I don’t need therapy. I can separate the two whenever I want. Really.

No, really…

Snake Eyes Ninja Sword – [True Swords]

More movie sword mayhem, this time featuring a very interesting blade from the movie Eragon. Now in truth, this sword is of questionable darkness. However it is still interesting because it is of a rather rare color for swords. So I’m gonna go out on a limb here and present to you:

Zar'roc - The Eragon Sword

Now obviously this beautiful sword caught my eye because of the deep red/black hue of the blade. This is a rarity. However this complement comes with the negative comment that the handle and pommel look a little toy like.

Zar'roc - The Eragon Sword - Hilt View

Not particularly sinister. Not even close. It only barely made it into this Blog because of that killer blade… The other dark swords may yet vote it out of the realm. I just thought I’d give it a fair shake…

The Jury’s still out…

Zar’roc – The Sword Of Eragon – [True Swords]

Now we’ve talked about massive swords, combat worthy swords, transformer swords, even ghost busting swords. Now we get to talk about the longest freakin’ sword in the history of swords. at least in the history of fictitious swords. Until they began manufacturing them. At which point they became real swords. Based on a fictitious sword, from the (you guessed it!) Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children movie. which means that it doesn’t count. Which doesn’t matter because it’s still not “Da longenesest sword evah.” Confused yet? Good. Cause I’m messin’ wit you.

To my knowledge, the longest real sword ever made, at almost 76in overall, is the Japanese Ôdachi called the Kashiwa Tachi. AKA The Yamagane Tsukuri Kokushitsu Hirumaki Ôdachi. AKA “Da Longenest Japanese Sword in da Werlds. Evar.” Ok so it’s really not called that. But it should be:

Kashiwa Tachi

Yep. Now that’s a sword. And, fittingly, it’s name is equally long. What is it with the long names for long swords? I don’t get it. Anyway, a sword like this would probably be useless for anything but ceremony or decorating a wall, but there it is.

But that isn’t why we are here today. Were here to see a fictitious sword brought to life. Even though with real swords like the Kashiwa Tachi Ôdachi in existence, it’s almost a let down. Almost.

Welcome to the almost interminable expanse of steel that is

Sephiroth's Masamune Odachi

Now this sword is not as large as the Kashiwa Tachi, but at 68in long, with a 50in blade, it’s no slouch either. This will definitely reach out and touch someone. And not in a nice way either.

Sephiroth's Masamune Odachi - Anime

You could probably cut down a small tree with this. With a single cut. If you could actually wield it. Not likely for mere mortals such as you and I…

Wait, what?

I sometimes forget. I’m not really mere mortal now am I. Sheesh. I’ve been hanging out with you folks waaay too long…

Sephiroths Masamune Ôdachi – [True Swords]

Today we get to look at a very special elven sword. I’m sure many of you have seen the movie Ghostbusters. And I’m sure that you are all aware of one of the biggest problems that battling with ghosts presents. They are not solid. Guns, swords, axes, bazookas, not even pepper spray works against ghosts. According to Ghost Busters, the only way to fight ghosts is with a portable nuclear particle accelerator. Or something. Yeah. Right.

Well we don’ need no stinking nucleoid whachamaclerator. We got People. Elves to be exact. Magical freakin’ sword smith elves that know how to make the coolest ghost cuttin’ blades. Like this one. Folks, I’d like you to meet:

Anduril - Sword of King Aragorn

Now this is a beautiful sword. It is one of those simply but elegantly designed swords, that are just awe inspiring. The sleek, rune engraved blade is a work of art. And the simple cross guard only adds to sophistication of the blade. These elves really know their stuff!!

Anduril - Sword of King Aragorn

And then there is the all-important spectre battling ability. In the movie, this sword was used to “persuade” an army of ghosts to fight beside Aragorn in the last installment of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Ignoring for a moment the paradox created by the fact that these ghosts actually *wanted* to be released from their ghostly purgatory, I suppose if I were a ghost who suddenly found myself in the unusual position of having a ghost-killing sword, of all things, at my throat, with the very real possibility that it might *ahem* “kill” me, I would have joined up too.

Then again I might just have joined to see if Aragorn could get one of his elven friends to make me one…

Anduril – Sword of Kings Elessar and Aragorn – [True Swords]
Anduril – The Ghost Bustin’ Sword of King Aragorn – [TolkeinTown]

In keeping with the theme of close-in fighting implements, I thought I’d blog about an interesting variation on some traditional Asian weapons. Basically a modernized variation of traditional Chinese hand weapons, such as the sun and moon ring, or deer horn knife, they feature a crescent blade in either side of the handle, and a central standoff in the middle of each knife. This weapon is:

Black Ronin Ninja Ring

The Black Ronin Ninja Ring is an interesting design, in that, in addition to having excellent slashing characteristics, it also incorporates the thrusting abilities of a straight blade, an ability that was notably absent in the last set of knives I blogged about.

Black Ronin Ninja Ring - Closeup

Now one point I found quite interesting is how this knife is referred to as a “ninja” weapon. Personally I think it’s a little misleading, for many reasons. First, to my admittedly non-comprehensive knowledge, pretty much every weapon this knife could possibly be based on is of Chinese origin, while ninjas are of Japanese origin. Also Ninja, by nature, like to travel light, and would be more likely to carry a somewhat more compact close-in combat weapon, like Kama. So it seems to me unlikely that they would carry a weapon like this. This would be more suited for Chinese Kung-Fu than Ninjutsu.

But regardless of the idiosyncratic name, these weapons represent an interesting mix of old and new, combining several old weapon designs into a unique new contemporary design. Very cool.

Black Ronin Ninja Ring – [Gung Fu]

In keeping with my current theme of blogging fictional swords, I decided to blog about not one, but two swords, this time. Anyone who is is familiar with the works of writer R. A. Salvatore will no doubt also be familiar with a drow called Drizzt Do’Urden.

Now your stereotypical Drow is not known for eliciting particularly warm and fuzzy feelings. In fact your average drow is an evil black elf who would just as soon cut your heart out with a used rusty spoon than look at you. Probably what Galadriel might have become, had she failed the test of the ring, and taken the ring from Frodo in the Lord of the Rings. But, as usual, I digress.

Drizzt Do’Urden was a unique drow. Unique primarily because he set aside the evil ways of the drow, but more importantly for our purposes, because of a pair of special swords he carried, called Icingdeath and Twinkle. I recently found that numerous places had manufactured replicas Icingdeath and Twinkle swords based on the book. In all honesty the idea was great, and the quality of most of these replicas aren’t bad. I find, however, that I have a few problems with the way in which Icingdeath and Twinkle have been represented.

Icingdeath and Twinkle

First and foremost, these supposed reproductions are NOT Scimitars. The reproductions have more in common with a Ninjato than a scimitar. R. A. Salvatores books clearly describe curved weapons. As with the so-called Uruk-Hai “scimitars”, there is no curve in the spine of the sword at all, just a sweeping point on the blade. The first misrepresentation seems to occur where the misguided book illustrators, who, for reasons unknown, chose to draw straight swords rather than Scimitars! The rest is unfortunate history. Bah Humbug!

Icingdeath

I also take issue with one of the names. I’ll Grant you, ICINGDEATH is all that and the iceman cometh to hades on a Monday. But Twinkle? TWINKLE?? What kind of a name is TWINKLE for a sword? How do you go from ICINGDEATH to TWINKLE? Sounds like the kind of sword a little ninja faery would use! How could you show up at a Drow convention with a sword called Twinkle? That would just be too embarrassing.

Twinkle

I take that back. It would be even worse to be a foe that has been defeated by Twinkle. Shoot, if Drizzt had faced Errtu with Twinkle alone, he’d have been a cooked Drow. Just imagine how it would have gone. Big, bad Errtu shows up and Drizzt is like “Say hello to my Twinkly Little friend!!” NOT! Icingdeath is where it’s at.

But, girly names and physical inaccuracies aside, these are a very beautiful pair of swords. I wouldn’t mind owning the pair, just so long as nobody asked me what the one with the blue sapphire was called. I almost glad Drizzt ends up loosing Twinkle, even though he had to fall off a cliff to do so…oops! My bad… LOL…

Drizzt Do’Urdens Icingdeath & Twinkle Scimitars – [SouthWest Blades]

OK, I know I just blogged about the wonders of the gunblade, but I still have another one to show you. Now this blade is also a prop from the Final Fantasy franchise, but, in my humble opinion, I think this is *Teh Pwnerer* of all gun blades right here. Yep. The Ultimate Gun Blade. What? Never heard of “Teh Pwnerer” before? *snort* Yeah, I’m a bad, bad, man… That’s right, don’t mess wit’ me or imma have to break out my GUNBLADE up in this mug…

Ya skeerd? Not buying it huh? Oh well. It was worth a try… I’ll bet you’d be skeerd if it you happened to meet Seifer Almasy in a dark ally… ‘Cause this here is his gunblade. I present:

The Hyperion Gunblade

Now at this juncture, I suppose you’ll be wanting me to actually qualify the opined ultimacy of this here gunblade. I would be extremely happy to oblige.

First, the hyperion blade is, imho, a much cooler design than Squall’s Gunblade. In contrast to the curved lines of Squalls gunblade, The Hyperion Gunblades transitional areas all seem to terminate in corners or wicked points. This gives it a much more sinister appearance. If you have been reading my blogs for any amount of time, you should have figured out that this is a great big plus in my book.

The Hyperion Gunblade - An Evil Gunblade

Now if that wasn’t enough, take a look at the type of firearm the blade is attached to. A pistol! Yes, ladies and germs, the Hyperion Gunblade is a giant sword with an automatic pistol attached, as opposed to Squalls gunblade, which is attached to a revolver. Now I have mentioned before that I am a fan of weapons in general, and firearms are no exception, so allow me to provide a little insight as to why I feel that a pistol-based Gunblade is a superior combat weapon. It is true that, from at least a zen perspective, a revolver might appear to be better, since they do not rely on large magazine springs or highly complex mechanisms, are simpler, more robustly designed and therefore generally more reliable.

HOWEVER, a pistol can generally carry more ammo than a revolver, (usually 50%-100+% more), can be designed for full automatic fire, and can be lighter and smaller than a revolver for any given caliber. I think these qualities outweigh the potential pitfalls, and make it a shoe-in for total combat dominance. Hence the “Ultimate” title. What? Don’t believe me? Look it up, buster. Don’t make me bust a cap in yo… Oww… that really hurt! Sheesh! No pinching!

Seifer Almasys Hyperion Gun Blade – [True Swords]

Ok, So when did it become OK for your standard everyday kitchen knife to take steroids? Huh? Dunno what I’m taking about? I’m talking about your everyday, iron chef variety kitchen knife. Only on steroids. Or suffering from a severe case of gigantism. Big enough to makes Arnie the Gubernator look like 90lb. weakling. Scary stuff. What? Still not getting it? Well I’ll show you. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Our next entry in our premier humongousword saga is yet another fixture from the Bleach aniverse (Yeah, Aniverse. Like Anime Universe? Uh-Huh. I know. It isn’t a real word. Deal Wit it. ; P) And get this: This is the base form of the Tensa Zangetsu Bankai Sword I just blogged about. Apparently this sword undergoes a transformation into the lean, mean, black moon slicing machine that is the Tensa Zangetsu Bankai. Anyway, Here it is: The Tensa Zangetsu (Cutting Moon) Shikai Long Sword  from the Bleach Anime Series.

Tensa Zangetsu Shikai

OK, now just try and tell me that sword isn’t just an overgrown kitchen knife. Just Try. Ya know, I even think I know where he got it. Hey Ichigo! The Jolly Green Giant wants his Chef knife back. He also says to quit “borrowing” his silverware!!

Tensa Zangetsu - Shikai

What is it with these anime characters nowadays that they have to get bigger and bigger swords? Did the monsters get bigger than they were before? Tougher? What? No, really, what? Used to be a well trained ninja could take out a 8 story snake with a Kunai. Now you need a 52″ wannabe cleaver?

Ichigo with Tensa Zangetsu Shikai

Bigger is not always better folks! I guess they just don’t make ‘em like they used to…

Tensa Zangetsu Shikai  (aka Cutting Moon) Long Sword – [True Swords]

Now if you are an action movie buff, you might immediately know (from the title) which movie knife (or knives, for that matter) will be the subject of this post. I’ll give you a few hints. The wielder of this particular sets of knives is the last of his race, (as of his second movie anyway), has eye shines that allow him to see in the dark, and has a mean streak the size of the Grand Canyon.

Yep. You guessed it. We are talking about Riddick, Richard, B. Known to everyone else simply as Riddick, the antihero of the Chronicles of Riddick. And the knives we have the pleasure of talking about today are from the chronicles of Riddick. And a very unique set of blades they are:

Riddick's Saber Claws

It is obvious that these knives are unique on many levels. The layperson may not be immediately aware of the ramifications of this particular design, however as your designated bladed weapons guide for today, I suppose I will just have to tell you. Darn newbies…!

Well obviously the most prominent design feature of Riddicks sabre claws are that the blades have been inverted. The knife is designed so that when held, the blades loop down over the wielders fingers, obviously with the cutting edge to the outside. An interesting design to be sure, but one that is perfectly suited to Riddicks fighting style.

Riddicks Saber Claws

From your blank look, I see a little further explanation is necessary. :- P

With a traditional straight knife, there are several different ways in which the knife can be held, but they are all (roughly) variations of two distinct grips: The the hammer grip with the knife held pointing upwards, and the reverse or ice pick grip, with the knife held pointing downwards. The hammer grip is generally used for long and medium range fighting, while the reverse grip is ideal for close in fighting with maximum power.

Riddicks Saber Claws - Top and Bottom

Now if you ever watched Riddick fight, you can see that he is all about the close in fighting. he likes to get real close and make it difficult for his opponent to evade a strike. He also tends to use a lot of close quarters slashing moves. If you look at the way this knife is designed, you can see that not only does it protect his fingers, but it’s shape also helps anchor the knife in his hand during a slash so that maximum power can be applied. In addition, the cutting edge extends a lot higher than it could ever have possibly been with a traditional knife in a reverse grip, giving the user a little better range as well.

Visually, these knives vaguely resemble the over sized canines of a saber tooth cat. I daresay that’s where the name came from. Beautiful, and very menacing. With the black treatment, I give them an A in the intimidation department. Which, in my book, means an A+ on the WSS (Wickedly Sinister Scale)… I think I’m gonna hafta add these knives to my “To Get” list. Soon.. Like right now…

Riddicks Saber Claws – [True Swords]

I haven’t yet watched the movie 300 yet, even though most of the folks I’ve talked to about it rave on and on. I rarely have time to go to the movies nowadays, what with me pretending to work and all… *Ahem*… Errrr… anyway, I came across a reproduction of the Spartan Sword used in the movie 300 and though it was quite an interesting weapon.

King Leonidas Spartan Sword

My interest was piqued for several reasons. First, it seems to have been left relatively unfinished. Now I’m no historian, but I’d imagine that the Spartans would have at least have had the discipline to polish their swords. If course this is probably wishful thinking on my part, and it does make for a great dark sword post subject, so I probably shouldn’t complain. : ) However there were a couple of other design features of interest.

The handle had an integrated finger guard whose design I thought was a little off. The guard seems to drop to two opposing points just above the middle finger. It seems to me that might be more likely to pierce the user in the heat of battle than protect the finger f the wielder. Don’t get me wrong, it looks cool like that, but I’d rather have a single continuous band covering my precious digits than those treacherous spikes. or an opening at the very bottom, not in the middle of the grip. But that is just this lowly bloggers opinion.

King Leonidas Spartan Sword - Blade Detail

Beyond that, it appears to be a well designed weapon. It seems to me like it would have the same structural integrity of the Uruk-Hai Scimitar I blogged about earlier, though in a much more purposeful, ergonomically, and aesthetically designed package. Notice the ridge down the side of the blade, as well as the distribution of steel on either side of it. It seems to have been designed for both close quarters slashing and thrusting, and I think it would do both well.

I can totally see a spartan wielding this. Now the question remains. Spartans vs Uruk Hai… Who would win…?

King Leonidas 300 Spartan Scimitar – [True Swords]