Sharp Weapons Experiments

Hello sword & shield enthusiasts.

The Hedeby Bouts were a huge success. They took place at the Wikinger Häuser Haithabu last weekend. Fencers from Denmark and Germany were practicing, experimenting and exchanging ideas.

Thanks to the participants’ skill and discipline, there were no injuries despite not using any modern safety gear, and training with sharp weapons at times.

Read about it below.

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Fencing with Sharp Swords

I introduced some fellow martial artists to using sharp swords in practice, and they were unanimously thrilled by the experience. Historical sword-fighting technique makes so much more sense when you become aware of the gripping and biting quality of a binding sword. Thus sharp swords can manipulate an opposing shield quite effectively, both by drawing and pulling, as well as by pushing and pressing. Read more about the subject in a previous newsletter.

Read about remodeling my old sharp swords here.

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I had some thrilling passes with my good friend Mikkel Mønsted, and some of them were recorded.

I have compiled for you an image gallery with numerous stills from the video footage. I will edit and share the actual film, too. However, I find screenshots quite interesting to look at as well, particularly if ordered in sequence. I hope you find the images enjoyable and educational.

Go to gallery

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Spear Work

We also trained slide-thrusts with a spear. You can find more information on the subject in a previous newsletter, which also includes links to free training videos.

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Shields in Formation

In coming years we want to explore shield wall fighting. In order to get a sense of what it means to be opposed by sharp weapons, we ran a couple of basic experiments, e.g. covering against the impact of a spear. All volunteers were reasonable and well-trained fighters. I wanted participants to experience the awe-inspiring presence of an acute point stabbing at their shield. The other aspect we examined was weapon interaction: When does a spear point get stuck? At which shield angle does it glance off? What is an appropriate shield position? How well can a fighter control angulation and position of their shield on impact? Does a guige strap help, and which strap setup works best in this context?

I will compile and share our preliminary results in due course. At any rate, these initial experiments have already stirred lively discussions, and I have gained plenty of new insights and ideas.

Special thanks to all particpants and the museum direction for their kind and continuous support of this event format.

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So, that's it for today. Take care, and keep your blade well-honed and your shield held high.

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Yours,

Roland

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