.50 BMG vs Samurai Sword

[1K3]

Originally posted by Viking
A samurai warrior would stand little chance against an armoured European knight.

In close-in fighting, Samurai warrior would run circles around the heavy armored knites.  The heavy 10/20-pound knite sword would be too slow to get the Samurai warrior.

[StSanta]

Excellent writeup here:

http://www.thehaca.com/essays/knightvs.htm

[Viking]

Originally posted by 1K3
In close-in fighting, Samurai warrior would run circles around the heavy armored knites.  The heavy 10/20-pound knite sword would be too slow to get the Samurai warrior.

A typical broadsword did not weigh more than a katana, and a typical longsword did not weigh more than a no dachi. Also the European full plate or gothic plate armour did not weigh more than the samurai's armour, but were nearly impervious to sword blows. Also the katana, while excellent for cutting flesh, were ill suited to piercing armour. Something the straight, double edged and pointy european swords were designed to do.

Here’s a demonstration of the mobility of a greatsword, one of the heaviest swords used by knights:

http://www.thearma.org/Videos/mov37.mpg

Originally posted by Odee
And do you really think in Knight vs. Samurai encounter that the Knight would win?

It is all speculation of course, but I think the knight would have the upper hand in any armoured combat. Unamoured the samurai probably would be the superior warrior.

Cutting straw mats is not anything like cutting through steel plate or mail. Also the ability to cut through a straw mat roll is not anything special, most swords can do it. However pop culture would have you believe differently.

http://www.thearma.org/photos/Gathering03/G03Vids/AVIs/Blunt_cutting.avi

European swords against a mule carcass:
http://thearma.org/Videos/sword_test_cutting.mov

[1K3]

Originally posted by Viking

European swords against a mule carcass:
http://thearma.org/Videos/sword_test_cutting.mov

P.E.T.A.* would be crying foul if they see that video:p



















*People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
The largest animal rights organization in the world.

[Viking]

If the mule was still alive I could see that happening.

[Furball]

Easy.  The Medieval Knight would just trample the Samurai with his horse.

[Viking]

Well, the samurai fought mounted as well. They had perhaps the world's finest horse archers.

[lazs2]

Ok.. so any sword will cut bamboo and..

It only takes one .50 round to put a hole in a jap sword.   I would say a 9mm would do the trick too if it shot the sword in the flat and not the edge.

I have seen 45 slugs get chopped in half by an axe blade... mild steel..  the trick was to hit the edge... it wasn't to prove how tough the axe blade was.

lazs

[john9001]

my ninja can beat your samurai.

[Furball]

Originally posted by Viking
Well, the samurai fought mounted as well. They had perhaps the world's finest horse archers.

Wow! they must have been some clever horses!

How did they pick up the arrows with their hooves?

[ink]

Originally posted by Viking
Japanese swords are seriously overrated. Don't believe the hype.


http://www.thearma.org/Videos/Blunt_Bastard-Sword_onBamboo.MOV


A samurai warrior would stand little chance against an armoured European knight.

 thats laughable

[Furball]

Oh yeah, ink is a samurai.  He once killed 6 water bottles with his katana.

[indy007]

From what I've read, "Master" swordsman were routinely picked apart by squares of spear armed peasants in feudal Japan.

That blade can be as sharp as you want, but it's not going to get you through a hedgehog of pointy sticks.

[Furball]

unless you cut the pointy sticks with your ubersword?

[indy007]

Originally posted by Furball
unless you cut the pointy sticks with your ubersword?

I'd imagine if it were that easy, I'd have read about their glorious victory, instead of their untimely death.


off topic a bit, but I read recently that Britian was banning samurai swords. You'll need a special permit to be able to collect ancient swords. Don't think there was a provision for anything currently made like you could get at a mall shop.