Reverse grip

[Aaron Pynenberg]

I thought I saw a post awhile back on the reverse grip, is there any historical reference to using a reverse grip for striking? Thanks Aaron-

[JeffGentry]

Hey Aaron

I thought I saw a post awhile back on the reverse grip, is there any historical reference to using a reverse grip for striking?

not real sure what you mean by reverse grip, on a sword?
i know most dagger stuff is reverse grip i.e. blade down toward the ground, is that the reverse grip you mean?

Jeff

P.S. did you get your sword? mumblesaboutyoubeingabutheadgoingtothefactory.

[Aaron Pynenberg]

Hey Jeff, yes I should have been more clear, thats what I mean though, the blade pointed towards the back of the hand. I was fooling around the other day and happened to find myself doing it, I was like, hmmm I wonder if that's historically correct, it felt a little "movie-ish".

As far as my sword,ahhem and custom scabbard, I go and pick it up at the Albion Factory tour on the 12th in New Glarus, I'm also touring the Brewery, My Wife and I are staying there for a little getaway, I'll let you know how it goes. -Aaron

[JeffGentry]

Hey Aaron

yea a reverse grip is correct on a dagger actualy if you pickup a rondell the other way it feel's weird(at least to me).

if you look at Vadi or Liberi they have more pic's of the reverse grip than a forward grip both were used, i haven't done much knife work though.

Jeff

[Jared L. Cass]

Hi Aaron! You'll also see the "reverse gripped" sword in many period paintings of battles. Usually shown used to finish off a downed opponent.

Here's an example. looks to be used to stab a fleeing enemy in the back (center figure).

http://www.bnf.fr/enluminures/images/jpeg/i3_0032.jpg

Jared L. Cass, ARMA Associate, Wisconsin

(edited to include link)

[Casper Bradak]

Weren't there a few underhand swords used by cavalry in the maciejowski bible?
There are a few in the manuals, but not for striking.

[JeffGentry]

hey Casper

There could be, i haven't seen the maciejowski bible have heard there is alot of unsual thing's in it i would like to see it though.

The only reason i could see to hold a sword in a reverse grip is to finish off someone on the ground with a stab other then that seem's pretty useless.

(disclaimer: i am in no way advocating hold your sword in a reverse grip i am only saying i see one reason as stated above, if you are a bone head who want's to argue do not attempt to say i advocated the reverse grip with a sword, thank you, this disclaimer does not apply to most ARMA member's as i am sure you understand what i said.)

Jeff <img src="/forum/images/icons/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[Allen Johnson]

Heres a good source for the Mac Bible:
http://www.medievaltymes.com/courtyard/index.html

[Aaron Pynenberg]

Thanks for that link, I have been trying to find that for awhile.

I am still doing some tinkering with this reverse grip strike, and I want to use it in sparring before I post the description.