Q: What's the difference between a sword and a scimitar?

A: Aziza Sa'id: The swords used for dancing are generally a moderately to deeply curved blade with the blade the same width for it's entire length. A scimitar is also curved but the blade widens toward the tip and may have a hook shape at the end. Both may have plain blades or have decorative etching on the face of the blade. Some dancers use actual swords or scimitars with a sharp edge, others may use actual blades with the sharp edge ground down for safer handling. There are some made especially for dancing that do not have an edge on them at all, Saroyan makes both chrome and matte finish scimitars.

Q: How do I make my sword or scimitar balance properly?

A: Aziza Sa'id: If the blade is curved but doesn't balance properly on it's back or tends to roll over and lie flat, you can try taking the handle off and turning it around to lower the balance point. Unscrew the nut holding on the grip and basket, remove both, then replace it the other way and screw it back on. This won't work on all swords, but it's enough to fix the balance on most.

A: Ranaiyah: Mine came with the handle already "backward" [handle guard hanging down when sword is on one's head] and personally I'd rather it wasn't. It balances fine and maybe it wouldn't with the handle on "right" [handle guard up], but I think it might look better. ...Also, we all cheat...right after I bought my sword, my teacher had a friend of hers make big notches in it where the back of the blade touches my head so it wouldn't slide all over. This has made a huge difference (it no longer falls off) and though the notches are rather large, you can't see them from the audience.

A: Shakira: This won't hold a cane or sword on your head, but it will create a surface with more friction: put a piece of double-sided sticky tape (scotch makes some, among others) right at the balance point. Then you can feel the balance point with your hands, so it'll also help you position it right! And, it offers some slight protection from sweat to your unchromed scimitar!

Q: How do I remove the rust from my sword or scimitar?

A: Athena Mizelle: I live in north Florida, where it stays humid most of the summer. Here's how you get the rust off -- steel wool and naval jelly. Use gloves! Once the worst of the rust is off, you can use very fine grit sandpaper to get off what's left of the rust, and finish with the steel wool again. Then get some Simichrome polish (available in auto/bike supply shops) to polish the blade again.

Now, so you don't have to do this again -- put a thin coat of petroleum jelly on it; just enough to rub into and coat the metal without getting gunk all over your hair & costume. This will keep the blade out of contact with the air. Also, keep your blade wrapped in an old towel.

A: Shakira: Antique dealers like a product called "Simichrome." If it's good enough for brass scales that devalue if the print is rubbed off, it's good enough for swords! ;-) That plus some ultra fine grade steel wool or just a rough cloth.

A: Ranaiyah: I use the Brasso I use on my tea kettle and it worked really well. It got off most of the rust, and shined up everything else.

Q: What type of fabric and shape works best for veils?

A: Cheryl: If you like silk, use the more inexpensive silk lining material (usually called 'China Silk'). It's better if you wash it--it gets softer and softer and has a nice weight to it. Here in Boston we often get it on sale for oh, say $10 a yard, so that you can have a nice silk veil for $30. The way that they can flutter is oh so wonderful--and it feels nice next to your skin :-)

A: Shakira: Each type of veil is good for a particular style--silk does certain things well, other things it collapses on. With silk, I like rectangular, lots of yardage. Other fabrics do other things well...

A: Z'alandra: Another type of fabric that moves almost as exactly like silk is pearlized chiffon. I know that Gaylene in Wilsonville, OR carries it and it's about $10 a yard...she does sell mail-order.