Blog

At first glance, the differences between sabers and rapiers appear obvious. Although both are one-handed swords, the shape of the blade and how it is used are vastly different. Let's take a closer look at these fascinating blades. Rapiers are straight, thrust-oriented swords. Although it is not common, there are historical examples of the top third of the blade being sharpened and honed to a fine edge so that the blade can double as a draw cut s...

Studying the Long Sword of War at my private school of arms, the longsword is the foundational introductory weapon of my curricula in the Art and Science of Defence. At present, I have a particular novice student who is challenging to teach. It's a challenge for me not because of any lack of aptitude or effort on the part of the student, but because every student needs to be taught a little differently. This might mean taking a certain approach t...

The sword is a product of the wonderful harmony of shape and proportion, ergonomically refined by generations of violent trial and error. It represents an achievement of forging deadly utility of form from earnest function. It expresses mastery of the mysteries of hand-working natures iron into mans steel. As an instrument, it evokes both a challenge to rediscover it's artistry of creation and recover its artistry of application. After han...