Weapons We Wield

There are myriad weapons throughout history, a number of which we can learn about through the study of historical texts!

About

Bucklers are a small, round shield often held in front of the body while using another weapon in the dominant hand. While there aren't many manuscripts describing the historical usage of bucklers, a few do exist, and the principles of weapon-and-shield combat can be inferred and experimented with through the study of other shield-based systems (such as Bolognese sidesword and rotella).

Source(s):

Opera Nova
View Source
Andre Lignitzer's Manuscripts
View Source
Hans Talhoffer's Treatises
View Source

Discipline(s):

Sword and Buckler
View Discipline

About

Daggers are small, knife-like weapons that greatly vary in shape, size, grip, and handling. Some daggers are even specially designed for parrying other weapons such as rapiers.

Source(s):

Joachim Meyer 1561 Manuscript
View Source

About

Federschwerter (also known simply as "feders") are longsword variants that were used in Fechtschulen ("fighting schools") during the German Renaissance era for practise and sparring. They are perhaps the most common type of longsword that you will see in the HEMA world due to the fact that we generally aren't trying to kill one another. They are very similar to longswords but feature a distinctive "Schilt" near the base of the blade.

Source(s):

Joachim Meyer 1561 Manuscript
View Source

Discipline(s):

Meyer's Longsword (Advanced)
View Discipline
Meyer's Longsword (Beginner)
View Discipline

About

Longswords are - as the name suggests - long swords that usually weigh a bit over 1 kilogram. They were used from around the 14th to 16th century. Pictured: two Federschwerts (which are similar to longswords, but with a narrower blade and a Schilt on the base of the blade).

Source(s):

Joachim Meyer 1561 Manuscript
View Source

Discipline(s):

Meyer's Longsword (Advanced)
View Discipline
Meyer's Longsword (Beginner)
View Discipline

About

Rapiers are one-handed weapons that usually weigh around a kilogram, making them heavier than one might expect! Rapiers come in various shapes and sizes and were commonly used in the Renaissance era until the 17th century, and were even carried around by common citizens! Pictured: a cup-hilted rapier and a complex-hilted rapier.

Source(s):

Joachim Meyer 1561 Manuscript
View Source

Discipline(s):

Capo Ferro's Rapier
View Discipline

About

As rapiers were one-handed weapons, they were often used in conjunction with a dagger. This dagger was typically used for parrying an opponent's thrusts (as opposed to using the off hand) and for controlling the opponent's rapier during a fight.

About

This is a weapon similar to a sabre, except heavier and with considerably more hand protection in the form of a basket hilt.

Source(s):

The Art of Defence on Foot with the Broad Sword and Sabre
View Source

Discipline(s):

British Military Swordsmanship
View Discipline

About

Sabres are a very old type of sword, typically with a curve in the blade and finger or hand protection. They vary in shape, size, and weight.

Source(s):

The Art of Defence on Foot with the Broad Sword and Sabre
View Source

Discipline(s):

British Military Swordsmanship
View Discipline

About

A smallsword is - as one might expect - a small sword! It is seen as the evolution of the rapier into a smaller, efficient weapon. It is very light and primarily used for thrusting due to its lack of edge. It later transitioned into the modern foil, as used in Olympic / sport fencing.

Discipline(s):

British Military Swordsmanship
View Discipline

About

A spadroon is a light sword with a straight-edged blade, enabling both cut and thrust attacks.

Source(s):

The Art of Defence on Foot with the Broad Sword and Sabre
View Source

Discipline(s):

British Military Swordsmanship
View Discipline