1) Dussack Was this ever used as a real weapon or tool or was it just for sparring ? I can't seem to find much about it outside of the fecthcbuchs. I also can't find a good image of one. Does anyone yet make a reproduction of it?
2) Messer. I have some images of two-handed langen messers (what most of the reproduction companies seem to call 'gross messers'), the best sources were from this group. But in some of the fectbuch drawings there seems to be a slightly smaller one handed form of this sword. Does anyone know the history of this weapon or where an image of such a weapon can be found?
3) Long Seax / Langen Seax Somewhat similar to the messer, the long sax is something of an enigma to me. I have seen photos of badly corroded surviving examples (notably in the British Museum) which look like short hilted single - edged choppers three feet long or longer, but apparently no one has made a modern replica anywhere near this size. I'm also wondering if anyone has done test cutting with saxes of any kind, the blade shape (sloping toward the cutting surface) is unique, and I think specialized for chopping.
4) Scimetar. Is there such a thing? Or is that just some kind of western term for the renaissance Tulwar / Shamshir?
5) Ahlespiess / Awl - Spear. I have seen reproductions of this German weapon on TV (on that show Conflict? I think? With the bald british actor?) it appears to be a medium length spear similar in appearance to the old Roman Pilum / Javelin, with a metal haft running half way down the length. Anyone know anything about this weapon in use and / or where I can find an image of it? I know the Franks used the Pilum themselves, in a version they called an "angon", but they used it as a javelin.
6) Misericorde / Poniard dagger. Can't find an image of it. I understand it was something like an ice-pick.
7) Colichemarde. This fugly two-stage smallsword was very popular in New Orleans. My question: was it a developmental stage between the rapier and the smallsword or the was it a development of the smallsword itself? What was the value of that strong forte? Did it make that blade effective at parrying more formidable miltitary weapons?
Hewing Spear. Numerous references in the Sagas to a 'hewing spear' or Hoddjspogt (please to excuse poor spelling) something in between a spear and a volgue, perhaps like a Japanese Yari. Can't find any portrayal of this weapon anywhere.9) Throwing hammer Similarly numerous references in the Sagas to specific Viking throwing hammers. Even a few tantalizing references to "boomerang like" weapons which were called 'hammers'. Can't find anything solid though.
10) wave bladed weapons. From the Kris or Serpentine knife, to the various wave-bladed rapiers and the infamous Flammard (Flambard to the sword reproduction companies) this difficult to forge serpentine 'wave' or 'flame' pattern keeps re-appearing, particularly in the renaissance. Conventional wisdom holds that it was thought to make the weapon cut better, but didn't. I'm suspicious that the weapon makers of that period were so foolish. It looks to me like it would be good for a draw cut or slash attack, especially in a clinch. Other writers have suggested it may have been good for parrying or disarming. Any ideas?
As usual, any help would be greatly appreciated!
JR