Quote Originally Posted by Archwizard View Post
That being said, even if swords are "overdone" by some standards, it is worth pointing out that A) there are multiple styles of swordplay the world over, enough that various weapons classified as "swords" can look and be used completely differently (such as, say, the Khopesh versus the Schiavona), and B) only about half of the jobs with swords actually focus on swordplay and technique, versus just awkwardly slashing around.

Given the Middle Eastern-inspired appearance of the Spellblade in FF5, BD, and various side-entries, I would say the most appropriate weapon-type for them would be curved swords (which FF11 treated with enough distinction to make the purview purely of BLU), such as Scimitars, Falchions, Sabers, Shamshirs, Falx, Dao, Falcata, etc.
I'm on the same page with you there. I earlier mentioned that saying Nin's dual knives are the same as DRK's greatsword is basically like saying DRG's lance is the same as the bow and arrow.

Even just dual swords would be fine. NIN back wields his knives (a rather ineffective style to be honest, but expertly flashy) True dual weilding is best done with a longsword and a shorter parrying dagger. The biggest historical example of a truly successful dual wielder is Musashi Miyamoto, who basically one man armied against up to 24 warriors once using two swords. (including opponents with bows) Accounts differ greatly, but a few things are fact, He knowingly came to the "duel" that was actually an ambush with murdering intent and he turned it around. I mean he came out of it half dead and was basically unconscious for a few days after according to some reports. But seriously impressive. At one point the guy literally stopped using real swords because he kept killing his opponents, and then he started killing them with wooden sword strikes too @_@.

Anyways that's enough mild Historical musashi fan for the moment. Please note my above paragraph holds discrepancies that some scholars argue about.

But of the swords we have each is extremely unique fighting style. Sword and Board PLD classic, Greatsword/claymore style. Katana Iai Style. RDM fencing is absolutely unique and restricts one from using slashes in favor of flourished stabs and ripostes. NIN dual knives is less practical in reality, but basically acrobatic.