Why swords are so expensive?

[gilbertocarlos]

Originally Posted by Sam Cade

Distal taper.

Most (real) swords have distal taper. Most knives (even big'uns) don't.

..and thus the price jump was justified. :-)

Thanks, I really appreciate it.

Would you recommend a penalty of -1 on skill for cheap swords?

[Sam Cade]

Originally Posted by gilbertocarlos

Would you recommend a penalty of -1 on skill for cheap swords?

That could be reasonable depending on what exactly makes the sword "cheap".


http://www.myarmoury.com/feature_properties.php

[DanHoward]

Fine quality can mean extra damage or extra balance. You could allow the same with cheap quality. Chose between -1 damage and -1 skill.

[Ji ji]

Originally Posted by gilbertocarlos

Thanks, I really appreciate it.

Would you recommend a penalty of -1 on skill for cheap swords?

For poorly built sword there is "poorly balanced" quality, which gives -1 to skill.
A "cheap" sword could be one that proved itself less-than-ideal after production. A well balanced but flawed blade, perhaps because of bad temper, selled at lower price because of its flaws.

[dntimm]

Here is an interesting video on swords of the dark age. I thought it was a good show to watch, and gives some insight in why swords especially good ones cost so much. It takes a lot of effort to build a sword...

NOVA : Secrets of the viking sword

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient...ing-sword.html


DNT