As one can imagine, we get all sorts of fun people in the shop. I've noticed that you really can tell a lot about a person by how they respond/react when they see the wall of swords. People tend to fall into a few categories that really help how you respond in kind:
The sword dorks: For the most part these people consist of nerds that have no life outside of their D&D games and the fantasy world they have created. They immediately gravitate towards the fantasy swords (ie the "sword of darkness" that we all refer to as the "sword of dorkness") that have no place in the real world, are dull as all getup, and look tacky almost anywhere. They talk your ear off about everything from correct elven dialects to their level 300 MUDD character or whatnot. They're harmless but annoying and never go for the truly sharp swords.
The sword geeks: Not to be confused with the sword dorks, the sword geeks actually pay attention to the more historical swords. They know some semblance of history, unfortunately they think they know it all when most of their knowledge comes from movies like braveheart etc. No, people did not actually swing claymores around like in the movie (if you handled one u would know), they are anti-cavalry weapons. In this category we also put re-enactors who carry swords to sca events etc. They will stand there trying to wow you with their "knowledge" of swords which half the time leads to a good laugh as to their real ignorance. Unfortunately many of these tend to go for the sharper swords when half of them you wouldn't trust with a plastic sword.
The sword collectors: These people enjoy swords. While not everyone in this category actually owns them, they have the same mentality and those that do buy them generally put them on their wall. Some actually know a good thing or two about what they are holding/buying, while others know nothing but enjoy them anyway. They have enough understanding to realize that most of our swords are still extremely dangerous and respect that. They generally stick to the real/historical swords.
The annoying kids: They know absolutely nothing about sharp pointy things and talk about how cool it would be to buy one to swing around etc. They are generally under the age of 25, although you get the occasional older person that falls into this category. They are one of the scarier types as they always ask which one is sharpest.
The unsuspecting joe: These people are generally parents that have their jaws drop open when they see we actually carry real swords. They ask who on earth would actually buy such a thing, why would you own something like that, and that they just flat out look scary. Some end up fascinated, while others quickly walk away from that part of the shop shooing their kids away.
Most people tend to fall into one of those categories, although there is always the exception to every rule. Which category they fall in affects my response to each person in kind obviously. Those that fall into the "you shouldn't even be looking at something sharp and pointy" tend to get a very special response actually. I always point out our celtic man sword that is smaller and really not very intimidating looking. I call them over and show them my lovely large red scar on my thumb and inform them of the fact that i no longer have any feeling in that finger due to a very minor incident with that seemingly harmless, yet extremely dangerous and sharp sword. Most people tend to then shudder and back up, leading me to know that i've done some good and kept someone from being stupid. Not everyone listens, but at least i try. Which category do you think you fall into?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
How Twins are made
I thought this was too perfect! For all those wondering how twins are actually made:
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