The flail

[Sal Bertucci]

I just want it stated right now that I have always been partial to the flail .

As such, I was looking at the padded weapon construction page, as was interested to find plans there.

Because of the nature of the flail, to me it seems like it would be a difficult weapon for sparring. It seems to reason though that many of the basics would be the same. (footwork, buckler/shield use, timing, distance, etc.) But does anyone know of, or as seen a manual that might give more insight as to actual techniques to use it with?

Lastly, would anyone have any suggestions or ideas on how to make a flail "waster"?

[Keith Culbertson]

Hey there Sal, while I am no expert on the flail, I do own a couple and have practiced with them quite a bit for my own exploration of their tendencies in motion and how to control them and such. The only flail info we have that I ever saw was some images of Maximillian in duels in different books, such as Sydney Anglo's.

since they are flexible, the greatest thing about a flail is its unpredictable nature, but also its greatest difficulty in use. any proper flail I have seen/owned allows for a grip area below where the business end can reach as it moves about---you are on your own to learn how not tho hit yourself everywhere else. I tend to keep the thing in motion constantly until I see an opportunity (or pretend so in 'test smashing' with the iron model I got in Prague) to whip it about or through into an attack. nunchukas are a smaller flail type that might have a few sources to learn some ideas.

as for a flail waster, well I made a footman's version out of a couple lengths of stick (handle about two-three feet, one foot for the bar, a foot of rope), screwed in eyehole hardware and connected it with rope. the business end can be padded easily enough many different ways, but rags strapped with duct tape is cheapest. watch it with the power though---speed adds to force so you need lots of control.

as far as application in sparring, well remember that the special power of a flail other than unpredictability is the flexibility to go around a shield, so set up some of those bouts and go explore from there. think about good footwork, timing, control, and all the rest as usual, try not to be wild with a very wild weapon---it will teach you not to the hard way otherwise.

have fun, sorry no histrorical sorces as of yet I know of, just explore and use common sense for now.

[Gene Tausk]

Hey there Sal, while I am no expert on the flail, I do own a couple and have practiced with them quite a bit for my own exploration of their tendencies in motion and how to control them and such. The only flail info we have that I ever saw was some images of Maximillian in duels in different books, such as Sydney Anglo's.

since they are flexible, the greatest thing about a flail is its unpredictable nature, but also its greatest difficulty in use. any proper flail I have seen/owned allows for a grip area below where the business end can reach as it moves about---you are on your own to learn how not tho hit yourself everywhere else. I tend to keep the thing in motion constantly until I see an opportunity (or pretend so in 'test smashing' with the iron model I got in Prague) to whip it about or through into an attack. nunchukas are a smaller flail type that might have a few sources to learn some ideas.

as for a flail waster, well I made a footman's version out of a couple lengths of stick (handle about two-three feet, one foot for the bar, a foot of rope), screwed in eyehole hardware and connected it with rope. the business end can be padded easily enough many different ways, but rags strapped with duct tape is cheapest. watch it with the power though---speed adds to force so you need lots of control.

as far as application in sparring, well remember that the special power of a flail other than unpredictability is the flexibility to go around a shield, so set up some of those bouts and go explore from there. think about good footwork, timing, control, and all the rest as usual, try not to be wild with a very wild weapon---it will teach you not to the hard way otherwise.

have fun, sorry no histrorical sorces as of yet I know of, just explore and use common sense for now.

I did some test "cutting" using Keith's flail at the recent 1.0 with John. It is really quite an impressive weapon. I heartily second Keith's reccomendation to use control. I had a few close calls with it and I am certain that I could have easily given myself a concussion.

Thanx again for bringing those weapons, Keith. It was an interesting experience.

[Mike Cartier]

i have used a padded flail

there is a flail, presumably a leather topped waister shown by Meyer where two kids are using it.

i think it makes and excellent halberd trainer, the same attention to the head of the weapon is needed and required.

[Keith Culbertson]

Gene Tausk wrote:
"Thanx again for bringing those weapons, Keith. It was an interesting experience.[/quote]

Always glad to provide entertainment and variety for everyone Gene---glad you enjoyed the experience; as it turns out, on Sun after most had gone I glanced the pell along with the jug and the chained balls flew loose from the handle of the Czech weapon! all was recovered and I have re-set it better than it was, but suggest to check for or create very secure fittings to others as a precaution.

best,