Stacy Clifford wrote:I wouldn't go so far as to say that rapier is sissyfied, but I would kind of agree that it doesn't feel quite as "manly" to me as cutting and striking weapons do. I don't think that makes it any less challenging to fight with or against though. However, I'm beginning to understand Silver's contention that it was only good for murder the more I use it.
Then perhaps it's time you start asking yourself what you're doing wrong, starting with your theoretical and historical grasp of the weapon.
Sorry, Stacy, but every time I hear people using words like "manly" in conjunction with a weapon I go into alert mode, even with myself. Every time I feel like I'm starting to dismiss a weapon, the first element I question is myself perhaps getting too lazy and comfortable with my ideas about it. Do I know enough about how it was used? Am I practicing with the necessary intent? Am I overlooking the bulk of the historical work surviving about the weapon (and if you go by what Silver says on the rapier, yes you are)?
And a little open mind and a lot more work usually goes a long way to elevate the weapon back to its proper stature.
If you are a true martial artist, a switchblade in your hands is more "manly" than a baseball bat in the hands of someone who has no idea what you can do with your weapon.
Matt
). The pilcrow cuplets that each appear in are, in my opinion, 15c regional Italian.
