Katana vs Rapier

[nobody4422]

I stumbled across this interesting essay on the hypothetical question of which would win in a duel A katana wielding samurai or a cavalier with his rapier.

Fun little read
http://www.thearma.org/essays/katanavs.htm

[Delerium]

that is an interesting read. I have often wondered that myself. There was an episode of Mythbusters on the Discovery Channel that tested the strenghts of various swords hitting each other. They used Scottish Claymores, Katana, Rapiers etc. It was interesting to see the weaknesses of each sword. I really do think, however, it is in the skill of the user and not the sword that wins the fight.

[Vahn]

Gah! I was all set to watch that episode of Mythbusters back whenever it was on, and somehow I ended up missing it - thanks for reminding me :P

I agree about it coming down to the skill of the user though.

Good find nobody4422! It was fun to get a perspective from someone who has studied on both sides of the arts in question.

[Svage]

I'll have to find out the outcome of an actual duel that was tested out locally for me with the Society for Creative Anacronisms (SCA). THey had a grand master duel take on several of our armored combatants with practice weapons. If I remember correctly (and I am pretty sure I do) the Grand master and his katana easily dispatched approx 4-5 "cavaliers" at once.

[Shiro]

I can test this with my sister, if you guys want to know the outcome?