Research and Discussion Forums

Wounds going all the way to the skull bone require a lot of force and a very heavy blade??? Harldy. People get cut to the scalp all the time by simple accidents from even blunt instruments. I've seen scalps cut and torn by volleyballs and boffer toys. The skin on the human head is tight and thin an...

LafayetteCCurtis wrote:Aren't the Mensur techniques themselves specifically designed to be non-lethal?

Indeed. However, it a very sharp blade you're handling so not only the techniques but also the protecive gear (steel goggles, chainmail etc) are specifically designed to prevent any lethal injuries.

[quote="John_Clements"] Jeffrey Hull wrote: On a related note: the funny thing is, here we have countless examples of slender very sharp blades striking edge blows with considerable force, yet can only manage to lacerate the skin on the head. But rapier cutting enthusiasts continue to clin...

Wikipedia said that small sword was used at the end of the 15th Century. Huh? Is that an example of someone not knowing what a small sword is compared to other swords? Most people can identify a sword but they cant tell you what a long sword is, or a rapier is, or a small sword is, etc... Mensur fe...

Great pic! The guy on the far right seems to be enjoying the bloodshed. I laughed when I saw the wounded fencer clinging to his buddy's arm. Perhaps he passed out after the picture was taken? <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" /> Actually, the both guys sitting are ...

whats the point of standing still and not moving when the other guy attacks you then? 1. It's actually safer not to move. If you don't move and keep the correct posture, if there's a hit, it's usually on your scalp, not your cheek. 2. The Mensur is also a test of will. The idea is to stand fast and...

JeffGentry wrote:
So I Take it that you are amember of a fencing fraternity?

Jeff

That's right.

Yes, it's still happening. It's not illegal and it's not a secret thing nor is it done to get a scar or impress the ladies. To me and most people who have been fencing a mensur, a scar shows that you made a mistake while fencing - nothing to be proud of. Before judging something you don't kow about...

The scar resulting from a hit is called a Schmiss (German for a "smite") which was seen as a badge of honour especially in the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. Today it is not easy for an outsider to identify Mensur scars in the face of a conversatio...

Yes, it's still happening. It's not illegal and it's not a secret thing nor is it done to get a scar or impress the ladies. To me and most people who have been fencing a mensur, a scar shows that you made a mistake while fencing - nothing to be proud of. Before judging something you don't kow about,...