Thread: Which Sword out of these 3 should I choose?

hey,

I have done research already and know that the lighter the weight, the harder it is to balance and the curvier the sword, the more easier to balance.

I like one with a scabbard but I don't see many dancers using those ones. Does anyone know why? I like it because then I can add more variation in the dance.

1. I have a small head and don't know which swords would be easier on me. The one on Dahlal's site is 32 inches - is that a good size? (but it doesn't have a scabbard). - https://www.dahlal.com/default.aspx?...7&s1=1125&s2=0

2. Then, there's these ones on ebay that do look nice: Sword Gold Ball, Red Scabbard Curve Blade Belly Dance** - (eBay.ca item 360122784590 end time 08-Feb-09 16:30:38 EST) - how are these?

3. I have my eye on this. It's sooo beautiful:
Belly Dance Sword, Stainless Steel - what do you think?

I've also checked Audrena.com and they have one with a scabbard similar to the one on ebay.

Thanks for reading!

I would absolutely avoid the last one, and variations on the same style. These swords balance poorly, and they have an ugly gap between the blade part of the sword, and the part of the handle that comes down over it.

I have a friend who has a very similar sword to No. 2 and she loves it. She starts her performance with the sword in the scabbard and the big reveal when she draws it is quite dramatic. It also balances well.

Originally Posted by Fushia

hey,

I have done research already and know that the lighter the weight, the harder it is to balance and the curvier the sword, the more easier to balance.

That is definitely not true. I have balanced swords that are <2.5lbs (Zen Ptah) and the balanced very well indeed. IMO, it's more the skill of the dancer than it is the sword. I don't mean that to mean anything about your dancing - just in general.

Originally Posted by jasani

That is definitely not true. I have balanced swords that are <2.5lbs (Zen Ptah) and the balanced very well indeed. IMO, it's more the skill of the dancer than it is the sword. I don't mean that to mean anything about your dancing - just in general.

I would add: shape & pointiness of the apex of the head & hair texture. I also found that the curvier, the more difficult to balance. Best way to determine is to "test drive."

Mine kinda looks like number 2. The hilt is a little different (lion's head or some animal like that), but the case is similar, only silver and black. I like it. It balances well.

Originally Posted by antimony

I would absolutely avoid the last one, and variations on the same style. These swords balance poorly, and they have an ugly gap between the blade part of the sword, and the part of the handle that comes down over it.

I disagree. I have that sword and the balance is just fine. I have had to put some wax on the balance point because it's slippery though. Other than that no other problems with it. I used to have one like No 2 and sold it. I didn't like it as much. I really like my dragon scimitar.

I have owned many different swords over the years; it's my first dance love.

IMHO there is no finer sword for dancing than Saroyan's scimitar:Saroyan Mastercrafts

All disclaimers apply! But, a note to beginners: do NOT start with a cheap "beginner's" sword. In a twist of irony, an experienced sword dancer can get away with them;a beginner will be asking for trouble. I know the temptation is to go cheap and see if you like it, but I've seen lots of folk give up when it isn't them-it's the blade.

Kitty

I agree with Azhia that a "test drive" is a good idea. Unless you absolutely need a sword before a certain date, I'd recommend stopping by the vending booth at your next dance workshop. Pick them up, balance them (if the vendor will let you), and go with what feels and looks right in person.

That aside, I think a friend of mine got your Sword No. 1, and it was very difficult to balance. In person, it looked and felt very cheap and wasn't very sturdy.

I have what looks like a version of your Sword No. 2 (as do a lot of my dance friends), and it's worked out great for me. I agree that I like having a scabbard because it can be fun in a performance to use it to reveal the sword to the audience, or the scabbard can be left behind if I choose.

You MUST get the saroyan sword . . . It's the best by far!!! Well worth the price!!! Here is a link . . .
Saroyan Mastercrafts

I know a couple dancers with sword 2 and they like it and I think almost every dancer with a sword has the Saroyan Mastercrafts swords that Zepora mentioned, even the ones with sword 2. I did think sword 1 looked pretty cool though; but could also be b/c I get tired of seeing the same swords all the time lol

I have one like no. 2 and find it difficult to balance compared to some other swords I have tried. The hilt is very heavy. The blade is very polished and slick and there is no notch. Because of the weight of the hilt (mine has a basket) the balance point is very close to the hilt so you have a lot of sword hanging off one side so the tip end swings around very easily.

I've been reading this thread and I find it quite interesting regarding the types of swords out there. When I decided to dance with a sword, I knew I was going to order a Saroyan sword. I'm so pleased with it - even my instructor changed from the sword she was using to a Saroyan and is very happy with it. You know the old saying - "you pay for what you get", well.............

Thanks for all the comments..
I have been reading every one of your responses. I guess #2 is my best option so far. However, the Saroyan Dragon Scimitar looks like the best quality. I would get it but it doesn't have a scabbard..after watching some dancers reveal the sword..having a case is pretty neat!

Looks like my best bet so far is #2. In this video you can see the dancer revealing and balancing it:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYvkTci6jnY]YouTube - SURAIYA Belly Dance Show Uskrzydlone Orientem 2[/ame]


But does anyone know which sword this dancer is using? why can't I find one like that...? The length looks like 32" or something.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_n5XGtEwes]YouTube - Anaisis Bellydance - Istanbul Sword Dance[/ame]


The one I originally had my eye on (#3)..you guys are not making it easy for me. lol. I would test them out in person but if I could, I wouldn't be looking for them online...I'll check my school but I doubt they'll have the one I want...

my personal fave is the CAS Iberia scimitar..........by far

on the dalhal site, it's the scimitar, but i think they have a cheaper version, which is ok, mine is made of carbon steel, instead of stainless which for me is superior...........it's quite heavy and a lovely balance, and didn't have to do ANY tweaking to it...........i find, personally, that heavier is better, as long as your posture and technique is excellent............

i've had a dragon sword, which was good, but i upgraded to the CAS, the saroyans ARE good, but hard to get right now..........the others are ok, but require tweaking and are a little light for my taste....just my 2 cents

I had a CAS Iberia, and sold it - it was too heavy for my neck, and everybody in my neck of the woods has it, which was a huge turn-off for me. The Beledi sword from Kult of Athena is similar and nice, too. Bit smaller than the CAS, and I tried a friend's, it balances well.

At Rakkasah, I tried the dragon scimitar sold by Turquoise International, and I really liked it, plus it's in stock and a bit cheaper than the Saroyan. (On top of that, it comes with a responsive vendor!) If I needed a sword, that's probably the path I would take.

I once owned Sword #2 in your post, but I practiced with it a few times and then sold it to someone else. I really did not like it. I thought it was too heavy for how small it was, and the balancing edge was very slick. The fact that it has a guard over the hilt also limits some of the movements that you can do with it.

I played with a Kult of Athena Balady Sword for the first time yesterday--sooooooo many dancers swear by them. I thought I'd never want to get one because its pointy edge has always scared me a bit, but once I got my hands on one I was really impressed with how well-proportioned and easy to balance that it is.

SW665 - Baladay Scimitar - $44.95

I've also heard great things about the "Anubis" sword that Audrena sells. I played with that one yesterday, too, and I liked it a lot, also. It's lighter than the Balady sword, and it's pointy, but not "scary" pointy.

Audrena.com -> Balancing Sword/Belly Dance Scimitar

First of all, I'm not a truly experienced sword dancer, but I own a Saroyan sword. When I got interested in performing with a sword, that's the one I bought. I felt that instead of spending money on something I might not be able to use (and probably having to go ahead and spend more for what would actually work for me later), I would go all the way and purchase something pretty much guaranteed to balance. I am very happy with my Saroyan, and it's a delightful beauty to behold and balances perfectly. Also, as far as having or not having a scabbard, when I ordered mine over a year and a half ago, Saroyan also offered a beautiful brocade scabbard for about $20 more.

That's just my take on swords and just my personal opinion. After all, I bought an electric-start, self-propelled Ariens snow blower four winters ago when I suddenly found myself with all the outside work responsibility at my family's home, figuring if I bought one I could handle (even if I paid a bit more), I wouldn't have to run out a year or so later and replace it. That's just me . . .