Thread: Silly question about bees wax on sword..

Do you have to melt it?

My sword is slippery and heavy. It hurts my head but maybe I just have to get used to it. But I can only be 100% confident with balancing it when wearing a head band. It is so slippery and I read here that bees wax is good for it. Do I need to melt it? I know the question may be stupid but I have no clue. I just tried rubbing the block without melting against the blade but I don't see a difference.

Thanks!

(I think this question may be in the wrong forum)

No, you don't have to melt it, just rub it back and forth over the balancing point. My sword has notches and when I've used beeswax, I only really see it where it builds up a little in the notches.

No melting, just rub it on like Nazarah said. I don't have notches in my sword though. It really just puts a thin layer of the wax to help counteract the slickness of your hair on the sword.

In addition to the beeswax, you can spray the top of your head with hairspray to make your hair less slippery, too.

I use this and it works like a charm:
Amazon.com: GLUE CANDLE STICK-UM FOX: Kitchen & Dining

A little stickier than beeswax, and wipes right off.

I ssupect it isn't the sword that is slippery but your hair. Don't wash it before you perform. If you must use bees wax as the others have said, just rub a little where it sits on your head.

I would suggest NOT practicing (let alone performing) with a head band. The whole point is balancing it - and as things go a sword is one of the easiest. Two problems can arise. One is that your isolation is not up to scratch - for this go back to basics and ensure you are isolating when dancing. The other problem is if you have got into the habit of doing cutesy head tilts (or worse hold your head at an angle when stressed). This habit has to broken.

Other than that, parctice. Walk around the room while preparing a meal etc with the sword on your head. And of course practice your dance. But never use any artifical aid to keep the sword in place (other than perhaps bees wax or similar) Personally I don't do this - or notch the sword either (the latter spoils the effect if people see it close up "Oh, it's not a real sword")

Adding to what Kashmir said, if you're having trouble balancing, there's always the small possibility that the sword is the problem, not your dancing. You didn't say what kind of sword you are using, but not all swords are created equal. A quality dancing sword is designed to sit easily on its edge at a single point. Cheap knockoff swords, other theatrical weapons, renfaire props, etc., may not have the same attention paid to the positioning of the center of gravity for balancing, either because they're not well made or because their weight is distributed differently for another use.

Did you get your tool-savvy guy friend to take a coarse metal file and rough up the balance point? Stainless steel is slick and it's good to get rid of it right in that spot. Make sure there is no silicone shine stuff on the top of your head, if you like that stuff. Others mention hairspray right there, too; excellent idea, but read the ingredients and make sure there is no silicone additives in the spray (look for dimethicone and names like that).

If my hair freshly washed I put in a pinch of baby powder on the crown of my head. Gives the sword some resistance to help with the sliding action.

I know others have indicated the general desire for an unadorned head, but when I sword balance - if I don't have the small cushioning that a several layer fabric headband gives me (think scarf or bandana) I tend to get really horrid headaches from it. I like to opt for non-slick fabric, and a little bees wax on the balance point helps with that too.

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

Adding to what Kashmir said, if you're having trouble balancing, there's always the small possibility that the sword is the problem, not your dancing. You didn't say what kind of sword you are using, but not all swords are created equal. A quality dancing sword is designed to sit easily on its edge at a single point. Cheap knockoff swords, other theatrical weapons, renfaire props, etc., may not have the same attention paid to the positioning of the center of gravity for balancing, either because they're not well made or because their weight is distributed differently for another use.

This is what I bought

MOON & CRESCENT STAR SCIMITAR BALANCING BELLY DANCING/DANCE SWORD (GOLD HANDLE) | eBay

I have tried friends' swords and it doesn't feel as sleek. Maybe because theirs aren't chromed?

Mine is just super shiny and slippery. I should have not ordered my first sword online but tried some at a shop instead.

Originally Posted by TediThomas

I know others have indicated the general desire for an unadorned head, but when I sword balance - if I don't have the small cushioning that a several layer fabric headband gives me (think scarf or bandana) I tend to get really horrid headaches from it. I like to opt for non-slick fabric, and a little bees wax on the balance point helps with that too.

I also get terrible headaches. I was thinking I may just be too sensitive (even most sunglasses give me nose pain from the weight).

But I see headaches from swords aren't uncommon.

Thank you for all the tips ladies!! I'm not too into swords which is why I have never used one. I prefer veils (double veil, veil, fans, wings etc.) and cane. But sword is something customers love and I feel I need to incorporate that now.

You can also try Museum Wax.

I also used to own a chromed sword. It WAS much more slippery than stainless steel. I no longer own that one

Originally Posted by resullivan

You can also try Museum Wax.

I also used to own a chromed sword. It WAS much more slippery than stainless steel. I no longer own that one

So I guess the chrome is the issue main issue. The ones I've tried that I felt I could balance better were stainless steel. Maybe as a first sword I should switch to stainless steel.

Once I determine the sweet spot (balance point), I simply rub a bit of candle was in that area. I finally realized I should take a felt tip pen and mark the outside of the sweet spot on all my swords. Candle wax is readily available around here. If I forget prior to a gig I have improvised with ChapStick or Carmex or some other similar product. I do not recommend lip gloss. A friend tried it with a tinted lip gloss. Her hair was platinum - enough said?

Do you ladies think sandpaper would work to buff the chrome at the balance point?

Originally Posted by Aesera

Do you ladies think sandpaper would work to buff the chrome at the balance point?

Maybe not a good idea because then rust could set in at that spot.

Originally Posted by dunyah

Maybe not a good idea because then rust could set in at that spot.

Bummer. Makes sense. I also heard of glueing a strip of sandpaper at the balance point. But I don't want to put anything there that can be seen by audience. I guess I will just have to practice so much more with that chromed sword or get stainless steel one (and practice practice anyway ). I will try lots of hairspray and more bees wax.

I have a notches sword and I like it. The only issue is if anyone sees it, they would think it was a trick. But no one, absolutely no one, gets their hands on my sword, so it isn't an issue.

I have heard of skateboard tape being used.

I recommend that you do the bulk of your practicing with a headband because it does hurt and it can break your hair. I pretty much stopped sword dancing because of the patch of 1 inch hairs on the top of my head. But also practice balancing other things as it is all mostly the same. Use a book or a plastic plate, a water bottle.

It just takes good practice. And dirty hair.

Originally Posted by Aesera

Bummer. Makes sense. I also heard of glueing a strip of sandpaper at the balance point. But I don't want to put anything there that can be seen by audience. I guess I will just have to practice so much more with that chromed sword or get stainless steel one (and practice practice anyway ). I will try lots of hairspray and more bees wax.

Sabine, who is here on Bhuz, balances chromed swords I bet she has some tips, maybe she will chime in, or you could email her. Sabine Dance - About Sabine

In the past I have used a bowling grip cream/silicone-based product. It's awesome - you can get at most bowling alleys, apply to the balance point (needs 24 hours to dry)...dries clear and creates a nice non-slip surface. After several performances, hair products and oil can discolor it, but it easily comes off using your fingernail and then you can reapply.

I'm anti-notching, especially with chromed swords, as it compromises the seal on the sword and can introduce rust. Also, as mentioned above, if a customer sees it, kind of ruins the illusion of the balancing act.

In a pinch, I've also used a small strip of costume tape - again, clear so not visible, but a nice effective way to quickly find and maintain the balancing point.

I did a bit of filing to rough up the balance point without notching it, I was having major issues with it sliding around when I was wearing a wig. That helped a bunch. I also can't dance with mine very long due to headaches, so I play with other ways of dancing with it and other balance points.

Originally Posted by Khalilah

In the past I have used a bowling grip cream/silicone-based product. It's awesome - you can get at most bowling alleys, apply to the balance point (needs 24 hours to dry)...dries clear and creates a nice non-slip surface. After several performances, hair products and oil can discolor it, but it easily comes off using your fingernail and then you can reapply.

I'm anti-notching, especially with chromed swords, as it compromises the seal on the sword and can introduce rust. Also, as mentioned above, if a customer sees it, kind of ruins the illusion of the balancing act.

In a pinch, I've also used a small strip of costume tape - again, clear so not visible, but a nice effective way to quickly find and maintain the balancing point.

I'm going to look for that bowling grip cream today! Thanks! and thanks for the costume tape trick too

Originally Posted by Aesera

I'm going to look for that bowling grip cream today! Thanks! and thanks for the costume tape trick too

Here's a link to the product, called Pro Grip. Again,sold at most bowling alleys for a couple of bucks. Be sure to let it dry overnight after applying!! (If I'm able to plan ahead enough, I will often do 2-3 coats). And also, just at the balancing point (I apply on about 2 inches of the sword edge).

Pro Grip Bowling Accessories at Discount Prices!

I'm anti notching as well, but more because I occasionally let people see my props- I let them know it is NON "battle ready" & sharp, am happy to explain that dance swords have to be balanced differently than combat swords, but I can get rid of candle wax in 2 seconds flat, while notching looks more like cheating and horrifies the local "blade buffs" IME. Plus the notching can pull hair and just doesn't feel right.

I use headbands too, and I really do think some of us just have softer/more sensitive heads than others. Maybe the way our soft spots grew over as kids? I don't know.

Tourbeau is spot on regarding quality of dance swords too. Sure, chrome tends to be more slick, but I have a chrome sword I love ever so much more than my old brass sword or some of the others I have tried because the balance makes up for it. I simply will not buy a sword without testing it anymore, which is hard since I'm drooling over a couple which I'm not sure i'll ever get to see in person!

I love the sticky wax used to hold candles in a candle holder too. Found it at a Michael's. Only warning: not much help if dancing outdoors on an un-covered stage on a hot day in AZ. Wax melted, sword slid right off my head! Was my face red.
Also practiced at home one day with freshly washed hair, no wax (duh) and was on my left hip in Cleopatra pose, supported by my left hand . . . Sword slid to the left and fell, point-first through my middle finger. The nail broke and there was actually an exit wounding the finger pad! Had to have a tetanus shot - you live, you learn.

OUCH!

Originally Posted by ShoshannaQ

Also practiced at home one day with freshly washed hair, no wax (duh) and was on my left hip in Cleopatra pose, supported by my left hand . . . Sword slid to the left and fell, point-first through my middle finger. The nail broke and there was actually an exit wounding the finger pad! Had to have a tetanus shot - you live, you learn.

Ow!

My troupe mate has just bought a sword with a super sharp point. I asked her if she was planning to file it down some, and she assured me that she wasn't going to drop it point first because she always catches it before it slides off...