Postby Allen Johnson » Wed Aug 30, 2006 1:35 am
Glad to hear others are picking up the baskethilt. That book is certainly a good start. There are many manuals on the broadsword (see earlier post for a list of a few) that vary quite a bit their scope. One of the larger debates, I feel, with the baskethilt is it's earlier use by specifically the Highlanders. Since there are no native Highland manuals it is hard to judge. They have all been written by lowland Scots, Englishmen, or Highlanders that were trained by English or people from the continent. I personally feel that the manner of use by the Highlanders prior to the 1745 rebellion was different than that shown in the later regimental manuals of the 18th century. Though there are certainly arguments that go both ways.
Other things like whether or not you are using a targe will alter your approach quite a bit as well. There is also the challenge of 'why are you fighting'. There were alot of feuds between clans (both Highland and Border families). This would quite often result in raids and skirmishes. At risk of an even bloodier retaliation, many of these duels and fights were fought to 'first blood'. So using a style in which the end goal is a non lethal injury is a different beast as well. In fact, one of the broadsword manuals tells you to strike at the arms and legs...try anything but killing the man, lest it imperish your soul... or something like that. Of course fighting in battle is a different thing altogether. And thats where you will get the accounts of guys being split nearly in twain, and cuts going from head to sternum. These are obviously not the same wrist and elbow cuts shown in later 18th century manuals nor the types of blows one would use when just 'first blood' is needed.
There is still lots of research, experimentation and training needed.
Welcome to ARMA and the wonderful world of baskethilts!
"Why is there a picture of a man with a sword in his head on your desk?" -friends inquiry
