Fencer Archive

Much of what has been said is accurate so I won't repeat it, just agree with it.

But I can add a couple of bits of useless knowledge :

1) The smaller rapier/dagger was known as the 'main gauche' or literally translated as Left-Hand. It was used for trapping and snapping the opponents blade.

2) When fighting one-handed the average swordsman would tuck his other arm behind his back rather than hold it high in the air. He did this for two reasons - it made him a smaller target, and it enabled a tighter and faster turn or spin. Unlike modern fencing where it is based on 'advance/retreat', actual combat swordplay was all about circles and trying stab your opponent in his side since it was the largest unguarded area. Also, swordsmen who DID hold their hands aloft were usually braggarts and show-offs indicating with their fingers how many duels they had won. People rarely won 6...

HA I love Fencing...

Nice. Welcome to the forum.

_______________

received: from unknown (swg.eclipse.daigoro)