This stick is ridiculously big and heavy. Where to begin? Well let’s start with the original plastic shillelagh, the Cold Steel blackthorn. This might be less of an issue with someone who has longer arms, as the dorn depends on the individual’s forearm length. The point of balance are surprisingly similar on both models, but were much too high above the dorn for me. The weight can potentially make it a tool to train strength, but as I will discuss later on, this reason alone does not merit the purchase. It will also demand less maintenance than a wooden stick. It’s supposed to be standard in shape, so you do know what you are going to get (though as seen above, that doesn’t quite seem to be the case) and it can be cheaper to buy than a real Irish blackthorn stick, depending on where you live. I believe those sticks are indeed incredibly tough, though not indestructible, especially in regards to the fake murlán that often ends up flying away if used for more vigorous training. Here is a figure to help decipher those terms. Throughout the article, I will be using the terminology I came up with to refer to the parts of the bata. I am also adding an actual blackthorn used for practice as well as what I consider to be an antique fighting shillelagh to really give some contrast. I guess there might be some variation there, and the models may have changed over time, but you wouldn’t expect that from mass produced plastic sticks. Some websites hugely misrepresent the weight of these sticks. Each company produces variations on the theme, with longer and shorter batas, but I decided to talk about the standard ones that are more relevant to us.īefore presenting the stats, I have to say that it was quite difficult to find the exact information online. Nevertheless, I decided to buy an example of each to really be thorough in my evaluation and not rely entirely on memory. I had the chance to handle these two models before in numerous occasions, but never felt the need to buy any, the reasons why will be found below. They may work for other styles, and as I often say I do not intend to speak for them, but this is coming from one of the few styles of Irish stick fighting, which I guess should hold some weight when talking about our weapon of choice. If you wonder what a suitable shillelagh for Antrim Bata looks like, please read this previous article I wrote on choosing the perfect shillelagh.īefore I start, I want to say that I have no ill will towards any of the companies producing these sticks, and that my opinion is based on my knowledge of Antrim Bata, a traditional style of bataireacht, as well as extensive research in the history and practice of this martial art. I already pointed out what a good shillelagh ought to be, and why shillelaghs are not oversized walking sticks, but I think I have to really tackle the elephant sized stick in the room… I haven’t been hiding my opinions about them. These have been around for so long, that I can’t quite remember a time when they didn’t exist, even more so considering that, teaching bataireacht, I get questions about them more often than is probably safe for my mental health! With a handsome bark-like wood texture and raised “clipped thorns” on the shaft, and a highly polished faux-wood head, this good looking stick will be sure to turn heads – whether it is carried under your arm at a historical re-enactment event, or simply hung by the door to greet uninvited guests.If you have any interest in bataireacht, you must have run into one of these before, I’m talking about the Cold steel and United Cutlery polypropylene shillelaghs. Thompson’s private collection, the Blackthorn Shillelagh mimics the look, feel and balance of the original, but made from high-impact polymer that will withstand even the harshest weather conditions. Modeled after an ancient cudgel in Lynn C. A shorter, lighter model that is simply named the Blackthorn Shillelagh. Its good looks, combined with its hard-wearing materials have made it an often imitated but never equaled classic!įor 2016, they are proud to add a “little brother” to their line-up. Cold Steel’s Irish Blackthorn Walking Stick has been a firm fan favorite since its inception.
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