On the Manner of Wearing a Sword: The Lesson

Greetings,

This is the lesson version of the discussion which I had previously made on the manner of wearing a sword. This takes a much more practical approach to the subject and includes references for anyone who might be interested in a little more research, or where I got my findings from. This lesson is more focussed at a recreationalist approach to the subject, but still applies overall.

Introduction

“The man dancing the Balletti gravi will wear the cloak, and the sword in the manner which is demonstrated in the design of the Balletto of the Bellezze d' Olimpia: and dancing Cascarde, or Gagliarda, they will carry that as is demonstrated in the design of the Cascarda Alta Regina: keeping it as most it will please him either under the right arm or under the left; which one does not matter much: neither dance without this ever, because it makes a most brutish sight. Dancing gagliarda, and finding the sword, he shall hold that with the left hand, such that he would not let it go wandering: and finding it again in the Ballo to have little field, keeping it with the hand, it will return some with the point towards the forward part, such that it not offend the bystanders.” (Caroso, 1581)

The wearing of a sword is a subject which is often overlooked with regard to weapons, but is one which needs some attention paid to it. Some would think that this is a subject where the knowledge is automatic, but there is a great deal more attention that needs to be paid to it. The wearing of a sword, especially in public is a skill not unlike those designed to teach how to use the sword, thus it is a skill which needs instruction, especially for the modern wearer who is not used to the issues associated.

Caroso, in the above statement, gives some very specific instructions for wearing the sword and cloak when dancing. Some of the information presented above will be re-presented below as it is applicable to the situation. Caroso's instruction is primarily discussing the wearing of the sword and cloak while dancing whereas this investigation will cover a much broader consideration of wearing the sword, while covering some specifics as well.

Appropriateness

            The first question that must be dealt with in regards to wearing a sword is whether or not it is appropriate to wear a sword in the first place. There are times when it is appropriate to wear a sword and there are also times when it is most definitely not appropriate. In this, there are times in medieval and Renaissance instances, as they are being recreated, and times in the modern world when it is and is not appropriate to wear a sword and the level of censure can be severe for some of these.

Most of the appropriateness of wearing a sword comes from the perceived social norms and conventions of the situation, as well as some legal ones. It is not normal for a person to be seen walking down the street in the modern world with a sword, this would obviously be a breach of a social norm. More to the point in this particular situation a person could also be pulled up by the local constabulary and could be charged with "going armed in public with intent to cause fear", which while it is a misdemeanour is still a serious situation to put yourself in. However, should the same person be found wearing medieval or Renaissance dress and the appropriate weapon at a medieval or Renaissance event or fair, then the situation would be different and the person would blend in. Consider whether the situation is appropriate before girding yourself with your weapon.

Weapons and Alcohol

Weapons and alcohol simply do not mix. There are many stories of people being injured and/or killed when weapons and alcohol are mixed. Some of these stories are from the medieval and Renaissance period and some are from the modern period. The two should be kept from one another regardless of the social situation, thus it is advised that the weapon be put in a safe place before going anywhere near a bar or tavern. Wearing a sword into such a situation has too high a potential for causing issues. The owner of the weapon should even consider putting the weapon away in a safe place should they be in a private situation where alcohol will be served.

Costume

“While some military swords were worn as costume decoration from the end of the fifteenth century, the rapier and dagger combination were specialist weapons designed for use away from the battlefield.” (Patterson, 2009:58)

Surprisingly enough, even when associating with a medieval or Renaissance recreation group the consideration of appropriateness still applies and needs to be considered. The first question that needs to be asked is whether the wearing of a sword is appropriate for the attire which is being worn in the first place. The common wearing of swords in a civilian situation did not really come about until the Renaissance period, as indicated, and even in that it was not really until the later period that it became common. Thus the period of the costume with regard to wearing a weapon is something that needs to be considered. You should investigate whether or not it would be appropriate for your own costume.

Rank

“as economic development generated wealth for the middle classes, many aspiring gentlemen incorporated the rapier and dagger into their everyday dress … As clothing accessories they were decorated as a set and worn in a fashionable sling called a hanger. Their decoration might also match the spurs in their boots, the pendants around their necks, and the embroidery in their clothes” (Patterson, 2009:58)

With regard to the suitability of the attire for wearing a sword with it there is also the question of rank, or to be more general, social status. Wearing a sword with a peasant outfit would look almost as out of place as being heavily jewelled. Thus we must consider whether the attire which is being worn is appropriate to be accompanied by such a weapon.

With regard to the question of rank, there are some obvious ranks which would carry swords as part of their outfits. These would be knights and the nobility. However there are also lower ranks that would wear weapons, such as the gentry. In fact a gentleman of the later Renaissance period would not be seen in public without a weapon at his side. However, to add to this we must consider the image which is being presented in this instance and whether such a weapon is suitable for it. Clearly a person should consider whether they will wear a sword in the presence of royalty as this can cause some issues as well. Obviously only people of the appropriate rank should even consider doing so. It is better to assume that you do not have the appropriate rank than to wear the weapon and possibly cause issues.

Mounting

Now that the appropriate situations have been considered it is possible to look at the mounting of the weapon, or how it is worn. This would seem to be an automatic sort of thing, but actually there are things which need to be considered. The appropriate mounting for the weapon must be considered in order to be able to control the weapon. Having a weapon in an in appropriate mounting not only looks bad but also can lead to a lack of control of the weapon which can be disastrous. Thus the appropriate weapon must be placed with the correct mounting.

Suitable to Weapon

“Most medieval swords were strapped to the wearer with belts attached directly to the scabbards. They sat on the left hip, slightly angled forward so they could be controlled and drawn easily. Later swords were usually suspended from the belt at a more horizontal angle, either by various arrangements of straps or by a baldric, a broad strap hung from the right shoulder and running round the body across the left hip.” (Ducklin and Waller, 2001:34)

In the case of all swords, this must start with a scabbard. This protects the blade of the weapon and prevents a piece of steel being exposed to damaging or being damaged by passers-by. The next part is what sort of hanger is appropriate, or even if one should be used. For most medieval swords, the scabbard was mounted directly on to the belt as they had a belt designed for the purpose. In the case of the rapier and later weapons a hanger was attached to the scabbard and this was mounted on to the belt. The owner of the weapon should research for the appropriate mounting rig for the weapon.

Position

Once the correct mounting rig has been chosen then it is necessary to consider the position of the weapon. In the case of the rapier the hanger and belt made it possible to shift ...

The rest of this article can be found in Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings by Henry Walker, which is available in paperback from:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blogged-Ramblings-Henry-Leigh-Walker/dp/098764470X
Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/un-blogged-henry-leigh-walker/book/9780987644701.html
Among other places...

It is also available in electronic format (pdf) from: https://buy.stripe.com/fZecP419c7CB9VKeUV

... or direct from the author.

Bibliography

Caroso da Sermoneta, Fabritio (1581) Il Ballarino

Ducklin, K. and Waller, J. (2001) Sword Fighting: A Manual for Actors & Directors, Applause Theatre Books, New York, USA

Patterson, A. (2009) Fashion and Armour in Renaissance Europe: Proud Lookes and Brave Attire, V&A Publishing, London, UK

On the Manner of Wearing a Sword

Greetings,

This is a subject which has been written on request from some of my readers. It is a subject which is often overlooked with regard to weapons, but is one which needs some attention paid to it. Some would think that this is a subject which the knowledge is automatic, but there is a great deal more attention that needs to be paid to it.

“The man dancing the Balletti gravi will wear the cloak, and the sword in the manner which is demonstrated in the design of the Balletto of the Bellezze d' Olimpia: and dancing Cascarde, or Gagliarda, they will carry that as is demonstrated in the design of the Cascarda Alta Regina: keeping it as most it will please him either under the right arm or under the left; which one does not matter much: neither dance without this ever, because it makes a most brutish sight. Dancing gagliarda, and finding the sword, he shall hold that with the left hand, such that he would not let it go wandering: and finding it again in the Ballo to have little field, keeping it with the hand, it will return some with the point towards the forward part, such that it not offend the bystanders.”
Fabritio Caroso da Sermoneta (1581) Il Ballarino

Caroso in the above statement gives some very specific instructions for wearing the sword and cloak when dancing. Some of the information presented above will be re-presented below as it is applicable to the situation. Caroso's instruction is primarily discussing the wearing of the sword and cloak while dancing whereas this investigation will cover a much broader consideration of wearing the sword.

The object of this particular topic is to cover a rather broad and general appraisal of wearing the sword. Some of the information presented will be specific to the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), but for the most part it will address the concept of wearing a sword from a much more general approach. The discussion will be presented in terms of some general areas of discussion which will be covered in order to cover as much of the subject as possible.

There are times when it is appropriate to wear a sword and there are also times when it is most definitely not appropriate. It is important to be able to discuss and divide these so that the sword can be worn at the appropriate time and not at others. In this particular instance there are times in medieval and Renaissance instances, as they are being recreated, and times in the modern world when it is and is not appropriate to wear a sword, and the level of censure can be severe for some of these.

Most of the appropriateness of wearing a sword comes from the percieved social norms of the situation. It is not normal for a person to be seen walking down the street in the modern world with a sword, this would obviously be a breach of a social norm. More to the point in this particular situation a person could also be pulled up by the local constabulary and could be charged with "going armed in public with intent to cause fear", which while it is a misdemeanour is still a serious situation to put yourself in. However, should the same person be found wearing medieval or Renaissance dress and the appropriate weapon at a medieval or Renaissance fair, then the situation would be different and the person would blend in.

Weapons and alcohol simply do not mix. There are many stories of people being injured and/or killed when weapons and alcohol are mixed. The two should be kept from one another regardless of the social situation, thus it is advised that the weapon be put in a safe place before going anywhere near a bar or tavern. Wearing a sword into such a situation has too high a potential for causing issues.

Surprisingly enough, even when associating with a particular medieval or Renaissance recreation group the consideration of appropriateness still applies and needs to be considered. The first question that needs to be asked is whether the wearing of a sword is appropriate for the attire which is being worn in the first place. The common wearing of swords in a civilian situation did not really come about until the Renaissance period, and even in that it was not really until the later period that it became common.

With regard to the suitability of the attire for wearing a sword with it there is also the question of rank, or to be more general, social status. Rank is a question which will be discussed further along. Wearing a sword with a peasant outfit would look almost as out of place as being heavily jewelled. Thus we must consider whether the attire which is being worn is appropriate to be accompanied by such a weapon.

In the question of rank there are some obvious ranks which would carry swords as part of their outfits, these would be knights and the higher nobility. However there is also a lower rank that of the Award of Arms which it is also suitable to carry a sword, hence the title of the rank. The lower status of this rank ...

The rest of this article can be found in Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings by Henry Walker, which is available in paperback from:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blogged-Ramblings-Henry-Leigh-Walker/dp/098764470X
Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/un-blogged-henry-leigh-walker/book/9780987644701.html
Among other places...

It is also available in electronic format (pdf) from: https://buy.stripe.com/fZecP419c7CB9VKeUV

... or direct from the author.

Documentable Combinations

Greetings,

Things have been a little "dry" of late with regard to subjects of usefulness for my blog hence the gap between my last post and this one. However with some due consideration, I have decided that the current subject would be one which would be pertinent to discuss. I will be starting this particular subject with a disclaimer in order that I can be clear as to my subject matter and the point to the discussion.

Disclaimer:
This discussion is a discussion about the seven standard forms used in rapier combat within the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism), as such the discussion will be more focussed on the conventions and rules of the SCA rather than any other organised form of combat. The discussion is not encouraging the removal of any combination of weapons or form from combat due to their documentable or not documentable nature. Something can be learnt from all forms regardless. This is designed to be a discussion of an intellectual nature exploring what is and is not available with regard to the documentation available and what we as fencers can imply or infer from what is available in order to make such undocumentable forms legitimate.

Seven Standard Combinations
In SCA Heavy Rapier which is the standard form of rapier combat used in Australia, with the adjunct of Cut-and-Thrust Combat being an additional form of combat. Within the standard form of Heavy Rapier there are seven recognised "standard" combinations being: single rapier, rapier and gauntlet, rapier and dagger, case of rapier, rapier and buckler, rapier and cloak, and rapier and cane or baton. This is not to imply that other forms do not exist or indeed are used. These are the seven recognised as "standard" for SCA Heavy Rapier purposes. As time goes on and other weapons are discovered and used more forms are introduced, but the seven remain as the standard ones.

Documentation
Documentation is available for all but the rapier and baton combination. The single rapier is the standard one which most theorists begin with or at least appears somewhere in their work. Almost as popular as the single rapier is rapier and dagger, which is mentioned by most including Capo Ferro and Fabris to mention only two. Rapier and gauntlet is mentioned by Saviolo and Silver, if only in passing, though Saviolo's single rapier does focus on the use of the off-hand in defence as primary. Case of Rapier is mentioned in Di Grassi and also Agrippa, as is rapier and cloak. Finally rapier and dagger is mentioned in Di Grassi and even earlier in Marozzo. This presents a true glossing over of the theorists for these forms.

Rapier and Cane: Plausible
Arguments for the use of the rapier and cane can be found in the simple idea of an item found at hand ...

The rest of this article can be found in Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings by Henry Walker, which is available in paperback from:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blogged-Ramblings-Henry-Leigh-Walker/dp/098764470X
Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/un-blogged-henry-leigh-walker/book/9780987644701.html
Among other places...

It is also available in electronic format (pdf) from: https://buy.stripe.com/fZecP419c7CB9VKeUV

... or direct from the author.

Glove Preparation

Greetings,

One of the most important pieces of equipment and indeed protective equipment that a fencer needs to obtain is gloves. This is regardless of the type of fencing that the person is engaging in. This blog addresses the idea of new gloves primarily and how to make them more usable to the fencer, or how to prepare a pair of gloves so that they can be used.

The first thing that needs to be discussed is glove choice. In this there are many different pieces of advice that can be given and many different types of glove to choose from. There are fencing gloves of various kinds, gardening gloves of various kinds, and of course all manner of glove in between. So the fencer needs to make a choice as to what is best for them.

The first piece of advice that I will give is go for a leather pair, that is leather in some fashion. Leather has the advantage of being natural and also hardy in nature for the most part. These are two attributes which will serve you well in the long run. Natural has the advantage of being able to breathe and thus allow some of the sweat from your hands to dissipate. Hardy means that they will last a longer amount of time than if they were not. As such avoid artificial or constructed materials such as vinyl in your gloves.

The next piece of advice which is important is fit. Some styles of gloves only come in certain sizes and it is important that you choose a style of glove which suits your hand shape and size. Sure there is some leeway, but they have to start with a reasonable fit to start with if you are to have any hope of being comfortable. This is the second factor they need to be comfortable, not much good if you want to take them off the instant you put them on.

Some gloves start of quite supple due to their construction and material. Some gloves start of quite stiff and will need quite a bit of working to get them supple. The irony is that the stiffer gloves will take longer to prepare, but will also last longer. The ones which are more supple to begin with will be easy to use and prepare but are less likely to last as long. These are all considerations that should be made in your glove choice.

The primary focus for the preparation of the gloves in this blog will be toward welding gloves. This is because these are the type of glove which I favour myself and have been using for years. However the points which are raised here will pertain to other types of glove as well. However, consider how the preparation suggested may affect your particular type of glove before applying it.

...

The rest of this article can be found in Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings by Henry Walker, which is available in paperback from:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blogged-Ramblings-Henry-Leigh-Walker/dp/098764470X
Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/un-blogged-henry-leigh-walker/book/9780987644701.html
Among other places...

It is also available in electronic format (pdf) from: https://buy.stripe.com/fZecP419c7CB9VKeUV

... or direct from the author.

Henry's Rules - The Essentials

Greetings,

Sometime ago I mentioned that I would post something of my own rules of fencing and I have had a long think about this particular subject. Much like the Jethro Gibbs (NCIS) list mine is a work in progress and tends to grow and change somewhat as I find new things to add. In order to reduce this I have decided that I will talk about my most essential rules in this blog.

1. Don't get hit - defence is most important.
2. Hit the opponent - only real way to victory.

All the other rules that I have come up with are supplementary to these two and assist in some way to achieve them. As I have mentioned above I have a much longer list of rules also about 20 in number which I have assembled from various experiences in my fencing career to date. I use them here and there in training my students and obviously during fencing. Rather than listing all the ones that I have to date, there is a more useful purpose that can be gained from this discussion.

My personal piece of advice is that each fencer should develop their own list of rules to follow. In this at least one thing is most important, they will not be set in stone, they will change. You need to be ...

The rest of this article can be found in Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings by Henry Walker, which is available in paperback from:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blogged-Ramblings-Henry-Leigh-Walker/dp/098764470X
Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/un-blogged-henry-leigh-walker/book/9780987644701.html
Among other places...

It is also available in electronic format (pdf) from: https://buy.stripe.com/fZecP419c7CB9VKeUV

... or direct from the author.

Why Do I Research?

Greetings,

Anybody who knows me at all will know that I tend to get into my research projects heavily. I tend to find big projects which are disguised as little ones and then feel that I have to complete them in order to feel that I have done the job properly. I don't tend to do things small and tend to research things to death, of course as would be expected there is a cause behind this. The reasons for this can be found in my own history and interests.

I have had a long-term interest in things historical and in order to understand where this comes from I need to explain a little of my own history. I suppose my first interest in history is a result of the influence of my parents, especially my father who is quite well-read and who have encouraged me to follow my interests in the field. My first real inspiration for history can be found in my first trip abroad.

In 1981, my parents took me and my sister over to the United Kingdom we explored England, Scotland and Ireland. We saw great and popular sites such as the Tower of London, Windsor Castle and the British Museum. What an eye-opener. The trip to Ireland was more of a personal trip and we spent some time in a graveyard scrubbing grave stones looking for ancestors. Now, sounds pretty boring, I can tell you it was quite the opposite, nothing like finding your roots to inspire a deeper love of history. So, this sewed the seeds of my interest, and it was only to be increased as I grew older.

My sixth year of primary school was also a turning point for me as I had a teacher who encouraged my interest in history so I went with it, investing time and energy in my assignments on various topics. Most male kids at this age wanted to be astronauts, policemen or in the army. Me, I decided at that point in time that history would be my thing and I decided that I wanted to become a historian. It would give me an excuse to research periods of history and have some sort of tangible result as a purpose, needless to say the following years would just increase this desire.

From my this point in time I would attempt to tailor all of my education with an historical bend to it. I took History in grade 10, and would follow this up with both Ancient and Modern History in grade 11 and 12. The other subjects were merely means to an end, to allow me to pursue my love of history even better. This was only to be advanced when I found a social group interested in medieval history.

I joined the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) in grade 12. This group is focused on the years 500 to 1600AD or thereabouts so suited me down to the ground. Now not only could I study history but I could go about putting some of my research into practice. Talk about finding a niche. I am still in this group and am really enjoying it, the practical aspects of the research really adds something to it.

Needless to say my venture into higher education would result in me studying a Bachelor of Arts (BA), with majors in History and Anthropology. More chances to put my zeal into subjects that I enjoyed and further myself to my goal of becoming a historian. It also allowed even more research into areas of interest and allowed me to gain even more tools with which to do so. It would also result in the reason that I tend to research things to death as my training in research would tend to a bend where it was to be done properly. Eventually after graduating with my BA I would eventually get to pursue Honours in ...

The rest of this article can be found in Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings by Henry Walker, which is available in paperback from:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blogged-Ramblings-Henry-Leigh-Walker/dp/098764470X
Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/un-blogged-henry-leigh-walker/book/9780987644701.html
Among other places...

It is also available in electronic format (pdf) from: https://buy.stripe.com/fZecP419c7CB9VKeUV

... or direct from the author.

The Other Project: A Gentleman's Handbook

Greetings,

For those who are used to my more formal manner of writing, they will have to excuse me for this particular edition as this is a discussion of a more personal nature. I have mentioned previously about my project to create a fencing manual in the style of the Elizabethan period, and made some discussion of it. It is still proceeding and as I get further along I will give another update. At the same time I have been working on a second project and it is this one which I will be discussing here.

Before I go any further, I will apologise to my female readership as this project is aimed at the male fencer rather than the female fencer. This does not imply or suggest that the female is not suited to fencing, or cannot learn something from what is contained within this project, simply that it is aimed more at the male fencer. This is simply due to my own knowledge on the subject, the data which has been collected along with my own proximity to the subject being of the male gender. Once again I apologise for any offence taken in any form as it is totally unintended.

The project is what I originally called "supplementary education" and is designed to fill in those parts of the education of the fencer which are not usually filled in the usual aspects of fencing instruction. Since this time it has changed its name to "A Gentleman's Handbook" which more suits its contents, being aimed at the male fencer. With the simple aim of changing the fencer into a gentleman. In order to understand this particular project some information will have to be filled in. This will present an approach and reasons for the project.

I have had an interest in those aspects of fencing which occur both on and off the field for sometime. These are not the simple interactions of two fencers crossing blades with one another but the more social aspects of this encounter. I have already put some of my thoughts into words in an article that I wrote on fencing etiquette a while ago. If you are interested this can be found here: http://www.sca.org.au/rapier/index.php/Henry-Fencing-Etiquette. The writing of this particular article got me thinking about the less martial aspects of the art which is practiced and what the difference between a gentleman and a fencer is.

Before I can explain the thought processes some terms need to be explained. A fencer is someone who is interested and learns how to use a sword and then crosses swords with other like-minded individuals. Hopefully this individual is taught some respect for what he does and the others he does it with. When the gentleman is thought of in the modern conception he is polite and does nice things for people and is an example of good etiquette. This pales in comparison to the character that my project is attempting to inspire the reader to become. The goal in order for this achievement is to bring up the image of the fencer in general and also as a result fencing in general.

For my readers who are of a more sport or classical fencing bend this approach can still apply to you, but it is more aimed at my Renaissance fencing colleagues. This is not in order that a person can become more of their persona, though it will help with this, it is more so that they can more understand the type of individual who wielded a rapier in the Renaissance period, and who they emulate in the process of doing this themselves. It is the finer points of the gentleman of the period and the etiquette associated which gives the sword arts of the period their flavour, and also provides one of the reasons why we engage in combats on a "level playing field" and with courtesy.

There will be two versions for this particular project, one which is a discussion paper presenting theories and points of view in a more formal manner. This is the intellectual discussion of the material presented in the manual. This version of the handbook is singular and succinct and can be found for your perusal, should you be interested, here: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/32538238/A%20Gentleman%27s%20Handbook%20-%20Discussion.pdf. This will form the basis for the second version of the handbook which will be more practical in nature.

The second version of the handbook will see the chapters and discussions presented in the discussion version turned into lessons allowing for more practical application of what is presented in them. This will hopefully allow the reader to take the knowledge presented and then be able to apply the knowledge in appropriate situation and as a process be able to grow as a fencer, hopefully toward the ideal which is presented in the handbook. This version of the book will have a more evolutionary nature in that there will no doubt be supplementary lessons which will be added on to it as time goes along. This is in order to enhance the reader of the handbook and increase his abilities to perform at his best furthering him along the path to the true gentleman. I had thought that I may have to create a website or another blog for the dissimulation of the lessons as they are created, an appropriate method will be found in order to do this. Any thoughts my readers my have about this would be greatly appreciated.

While this has been named the "other" project, I actually find that both projects are important as one another while they serve different purposes. In one way the information from one can be used to enhance the other and vice versa

Cheers,

Henry.