A plan set in motion...

[Neil Bockus]

Salve. First off, let me say that I'm new to sword fence, but not to the subjects of knights and men at arms. Here at SU, a couple of fellow students and I are beginning research into the subject of Renaissance Martial Arts, and trying to accurately interpret fighting manuals for both unarmored and (eventually) armored combat.

If any of you experts out there wouldn't mind answering, I have a few basic questions about different aspects of the research.

On two-hand swords: To preserve accuracy, I have looked online for I believe what are refered to as "wasters" or practice swords that are semi accurate to the early to mid 1500's German dopplehander design, but haven't had much luck. Does anyone knows of a site, or for that matter if there isn't one and I'll have to make one?

On the ARMA method: Will we be able to attain a fair enough amount of knowledge by studying this site, or should other help be seeked?

Finally, if anyone could tell me, how well balanced/accurate are swords from Windlass Steelcrafts? There is a two-hand design that I find fairly attractive, and if I am to become proficient with the sword, I know that I will need an accurate sword that I can wield so I know how they would really handle.

Anything else you feel is important to mention?

Gratia!

[Casper Bradak]

On the ARMA method: Will we be able to attain a fair enough amount of knowledge by studying this site, or should other help be seeked?

This site should keep you occupied for a very long time, and continue to be a great source of information, but by no means need it be exclusive. You should also print out or buy published translations of manuals to have on hand during training.

Finally, if anyone could tell me, how well balanced/accurate are swords from Windlass Steelcrafts? There is a two-hand design that I find fairly attractive, and if I am to become proficient with the sword, I know that I will need an accurate sword that I can wield so I know how they would really handle.

MRL deals primarily windlass weapons, and they are a gamble, ranging from good to bad. I wouldn't recommend them for use as foils. Most of them, even without an edge, lean more to the sharp end, and so are less durable (edgewise)and more dangerous than a true foil. They do tend to be less expensive as replicas go however.

[Patrick Hardin]

I have, I think, a fair amount of experience with Windlass weapons, and I believe I can safely say that with few exceptions, the bigger the sword, the lesser the quality. I have found some of their smaller stuff to be quite good, but I've never owned or handled many of the larger swords from Windlass Steelcrafts that I would place a great deal of confidence in. Personally, I don't think their tempering methods are quite right, and most of their hilts are poorly constructed. Thus the bigger the weapon, the more noticeable these failings will be. All that said, you certainly can find an occasional gem, but since you're looking for two-handers, I wouldn't risk Windlass Steelcrafts.

Patrick Hardin

[Shane Smith]

I agree with Patrick.My personal MRL Sword of War is blade-whippy and had an atrocious hilt fit. The first one was even worse...sent back for replacement. I had to re-hilt and fill the ill-fitted handle cutout with epoxy.

The smaller MRL swords and the older ones, reportedly with DelTin blades, seem to be okay.

[Neil Bockus]

Well, from what I can draw, Windlass isn't the way to go...are there any companies then that anyone can reccomend to me?

thanks in advance.

[Stacy Clifford]

Take a look at our Links page to find waster manufacturers and replica dealers. For replicas, Albion, Lutel and Del Tin are all pretty popular here and have good pieces in or near the same price range as MRL.

[M Wallgren]

I agree! And could recomend albion-swords.com both the squireline blunts and the Next generation sharps. I have a great trust in Peter Johnssons abaility as smith and designer, yes I know him personaly and is a little bit bias <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" /> .

Have fun...
Marin wallgren, ARMA Östersund, Sweden.

[Aaron Pynenberg]

Hello, I met Peter here in Wisconsin when he was at the Albion shop. He should remember my Wife and I as we were there on a personal tour. I spent about 2 hours with him talking about his methods and work. I was very, very impressed with him and learned so much from him in a short time span. Could you tell him thanks again for his time that day and pass along my message?- Thank you- Aaron Pynenberg