"The exercising of weapons putteth away aches, griefs, and diseases, it increaseth strength and sharpeneth the wits, it giveth a perfect judgment, it expelleth melancholy, choleric, and evil conceits, it keepeth a man in breath, in perfect healthe, and long life." – George Silver (1599)


I like the explanation of the techniques but when he talks about how x and y affect scoring in fencing, I’m reminded of how poncy it is. Why can’t you step off the line? Because dems da rules. Silly rules.

Experience thoughts on the subject.


http://www.scabastardsword.com/offense.htm


Want to see how modern commercial swords hold up under strenuous conditions? This guy has a pile of swords and has put them through their paces. Good place to check out Western sword quality.




Here is something on Japanese swords.




except…, in the future, when we are all in space and shooting each other with guns might blow a hole in the world, swords will come back in vogue, with zero-grav lunges across the void. Space pirates vs. space ninjas!

Download it here