Weapons from the Bronze Age to the Renaissance

Dear fellow sword enthusiasts, researchers, and martial artists,

Of all the books on swords on my shelves, few contain carefully crafted true-to-scale illustrations, let alone comprehensive stats. Such information is hard to come by, and that’s part of the reason why, for over 20 years now, I’ve gathered this data and made tracings of original swords.

Exact drawings are crucial to the study of the sword. Photographs often distort proportions and don’t allow for meticulous design analysis or precise reconstruction. Plus, unless you have the opportunity to take measurements yourself, the detailed specs that modern sword makers and martial artists seek are typically unavailable.

Admittedly, it would be challenging to produce an affordable publication containing my life-size drawings and illustrations of close-combat arms spanning the Bronze Age to the Renaissance. I’m considering various options but have not yet reached a conclusion. So far, I’ve shared digital copies of my works with my most generous supporters on Patreon, and I will continue to do so.

Fortunately, Patreon has recently introduced a straightforward way for me to make these works available to those who may not want a paid membership. You can now visit my new shop and purchase any illustration or photo set you like. I’ve only just begun adding items, but I will continue to expand the collection. You’re welcome to suggest any specific weapons you’re particularly interested in.

Of course, a full-size drawing plus stats of an original specimen is an excellent starting point for commissioning your own custom-made sword. But these prints also make fantastic wall art. Personally, I’m a fan of digital prints on vintage wood. In Germany, Malte Dinkela in Munich offers top-quality printing on selected wood. The handmade undercoating and natural wood texture turn these prints into unique works of art.

Please send me photos of your wall displays—I’d love to see them!

A final word on payments and prices: Apple has imposed an unreasonable fee of 30% on the purchase of digital products. Beginning this month of November 2024, new purchases, including new memberships and digital goods made in the Patreon iOS app, are subject to Apple’s App Store Fee. The App Store fee does not apply to existing memberships and memberships made on other platforms. For more detailed information, see here. So to save money consider avoiding future purchases on iPhones or iPads—not just on my platforms, but on any platform!

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

If you enjoyed this newsletter, please recommend it to your friends. They can sign up here or on my website. Or simply forward them this email.

To learn to fight, consult our sword & buckler online course.

If you wish to read more, find hundreds of related posts on my Patreon. Special thanks to all my loyal supporters on Patreon – you keep me going! And if you are not a patron yet, you are most welcome to join.

If you feel like dropping a coin into my tip jar, you can do so here. Thank you for your time and your interest.

Yours,

Roland

You are receiving this newsletter because you have signed up for it, or because you have previously expressed your interest in my work and events. If you prefer to not receive further emails, you can unsubscribe below.