The Armour Archive

Looking to get one of these 2 aluminum wasters for our WMA practice, and I am trying to decide if I am going to get the hand and a half or the greatsword(2 handed longsword on the page)

http://www.varmouries.com/weapons/practice.html

We're doing some Fiore and Talhoffer and a spread of other books, which do you think is going to have better practical use? I am leaning towards the large blade because its more proportional to me(and the longer handle looks like it would accomodate gauntlets better)

I have a set of the two handers and I love them! I have seen many others and the reason I like them the best is just the reason others don't..the flex. I want a sword to flex when I get thrusted! Many others are just too rigid for my likeing...

As for which to get, Fiore seems to use a shorter sword that can be used easily in one hand. Depending on how big and or strong you are, I'd say go for the longer one. I'm a big fan of a long reach myself

As Angus pointed out, Fiore uses his "Spadone" in one hand for the one hand sword section, and in two hands in the more commonly known longsword section. If you are over 6 ft and your partner is too, using the longer aluminum for both of these sections shouldn't be a problem. Otherwise, I'd recommend the hand-and-a-half. 7 inches of handle is plenty for some people, but I dunno what your paws are like with gauntlets. However, a longer handle does generate more leverage, though you need more room to move it. Choices, choices....

However, a longer handle does generate more leverage, though you need more room to move it.

Fortunatly, if I lose that advantage I can go to grapple mode
Another reason I am leaning towards the longer blade, the rules arent quite as restrictive as SCA.

While on this topic, what kind of vistors do you use while fighting armored up? The AEMMA crew fences with these longswords with hockey gloves fencing mask and gambeson, I wonder if you could rivet in the wire into a bascinet visor like on a fencing mask? Since there is a greater chance of the blade sliding into the visor(which has a 3/4 inch slot)

For unarmoured combat (the kind where we use these aluminum swords) my academy wears, a reinforced fencing mask, hand protection of at least hockey gloves, gorget, gambeson, elbow cops and knee cops. I'd also suggest forearm guards, shoulder cops and front grieves all made out of couirboli. That may seem like alot of armour to wear for unarmoured combat but it being hardened leather keeps all of the weight down and keeps our movement unrestricted. It also allows us to play a little harder.

Thanks. Where do you get the reinforced fencing masks from? Everything else is pretty much on hand I think.

Actually we make them. We get the $55 triplette 3 weapon masks, then we attach youth baseball face cages to the top of them. Then we hang leather on the back.

They work really well and save the mask from alot of denting and wear.

Is there a reason that you are using the aluminum blades over rebated steel? I've tried both and really cant stand the aluminum ones. I understand if it's the rules of where ever you are sparring --I was just curious. I make extensive use of my Del Tin 2146 ( http://albion-swords.com/swords/deltin/dt2146.htm ) and its been great for Talhoffer-- though I would like a similar one with a longer grip.

Yep, 2 reasons. Cost, and I have been told it will be less harsh on our armor.

Do you do unarmoured or armoured fighting? For unarmoured we use the aluminum and for armoured we use rebatted steel. With the aluminum weighing less than it's steel counterpart I feel it's a bit safer when all you really have is a gambeson on.

Why do you dislike the aluminums?

AllenJ wrote:Is there a reason that you are using the aluminum blades over rebated steel? I've tried both and really cant stand the aluminum ones. I understand if it's the rules of where ever you are sparring --I was just curious. I make extensive use of my Del Tin 2146 ( http://albion-swords.com/swords/deltin/dt2146.htm ) and its been great for Talhoffer-- though I would like a similar one with a longer grip.

Like Angus said... Why do you dislike the alumimum wasters?
Which ones have you tried? There are at least three manufacturers at the moment, maybe more. I can guess why you don't like the Valentine Armoury product. What about the others?

Also, have you actually fenced at speed with a Del Tin, wearing light protection to simulate unarmoured fencing? Do you have any videos of this that you are willing to share? I haven't seen anyone doing more than slow tag. It would be great to see someone doing more realistic bouting with rebated steel.

In harness, I see no reason to bother with tempered aluminum wasters. Just use steel blunts and stop whacking the snot out each other. Your harness should protect you from thrusts and being thrown to the ground. Once you accept that steel swords don't penetrate steel plate armour, your interest in great big swinging blows will diminish. Your harness will not be abused the same way as your playmates realize a cut won't stop you from throwing their butt on the ground or stabbing them. Well that has been my experience, anyway....

My main reason for disliking the aluminum is the weight issue. I was assuming (always dangerous) that it was armoured being refered to. I used the Valentine ones and it just felt like a toy. On just a personal issue I like my weapons to look like weapons. Chrome is icky but thats just me and has nothing to do with the performance issue.