A Question (Wrist Involvment, Gloves, and Sword Care)

[BrandonZBilodeau]

Hey, I have a few questions. Should I be using gloves during practice? I noticed after my practice session with my palms being sweaty that tiny bits of the leather handle seem to have rubbed off on to my hand, does this naturally happen or should I apply something to the leather or just use gloves?

How much should I bend my wrist forward for a cut with a single handed sword? I have the problem that the pommel keeps biting into my wrist which I'm trying to discern if it is do to over extending or improper grip.

If it helps the sword I am talking about is the Hanwei Tinker 9th Century Viking Sword.

Thanks to everyone that stops by to read this.

*And just noticed the typo in the title*

[Corey Roberts]

The leather rubbing off issue sounds like a problem of poor grip construction. This is relatively common with Hanwe's unfortunately.

If the pommel is biting into your wrist you are likely gripping the weapon improperly. Try gripping the sword with the web of your hand tucked up against the cross guard where the grip meets the crossguard. Place your thumb along the crossguard and up against the flat of the blade. As the sword moves in your hand, do not grip with an iron grip, but keep the hand supple.

Hope that helps.

[Randall Pleasant]

A Viking Sword has to be held different than an arming sword. I would put the index finger near the guard but keep the the web of the hand back away from the guard. This will allow the pommel ride comfortably on the fleshy lower part of the palm.

[LafayetteCCurtis]

Try Peter Johnsson's thread for an explanation of all this wrist weirdness with "Viking" swords.

[Corey Roberts]

That's a pretty interesting thread. I didn't know viking age swords were intended to be gripped with the pommel in the hand. Neat.