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If you are curious about the Messer as a HEMA weapon or just starting out, I hope the information below is helpful. Feedback is welcome and appreciated in the comments. My goal with this article is to share the sources … Continue reading Getting Started with Messer in HEMA
Smallswords are intriguing as a system, but I have not been a fan of most of the lower-cost training swords on the market because they tend to use epee blades. I understand that epee blades are a light, safe, and … Continue reading Impressions of the Castille Complete Economy Small Sword
Fun little project if you want to make your own Scottish Targe for low cost and low effort. If you happen to have an old belt and some fabric (like an old sheet) you can sacrifice to the cause, you … Continue reading DIY Low Cost Targe for HEMA
Getting started in Messer is my most read article to date and where much of my current passion lies within HEMA. While you can practice Messer with a good wooden stick, I find that my enjoyment and appreciation for a … Continue reading Messer Sword by Viktor Berbekucz
Given the pandemic, many people are unable to attend their normal HEMA classes. Space and ceiling height constraints make practicing longsword at home challenging. My ceiling has its fair share of battle wounds from previous home sessions when times were … Continue reading Indoor Longsword Trainer VB Style, V1 from Purpleheart Armoury
My opponent and I circle, just out of measure. We adopt various counter guards based on what we see in each other’s posture and perceived intent. The moment comes, and my opponent launches a thrust to my mask. I was waiting for this, I can see it coming, but my body can’t move as fast as my mind wants it to and my counter is just a split second too late. – There are a number of factors that contribute to the outcome described above. My opponent is faster, has better form, and has a better feel for measure than … Continue reading Strategies for the Middle-Aged Fencer
If you are interested in trying out fokos techniques from the book “Hungarian Hussar Sabre and Fokos Fencing” by Russ Mitchell, you will need a Fokos! There are options available for sale on the internet (such as this one https://www.woodenswords.com/Hungarian_Axe_Fokos_p/vb.fokos.9.htm), … Continue reading DIY Fokos
The Castille complete economy basket hilt sword is a relatively new option in the traditionally expensive space of HEMA-safe steel broadswords. At $260, the sword is shockingly affordable in comparison to most of the competing products (you can see the … Continue reading Castille Complete Economy Basket Hilt Broadsword Review
