Luddites, ala lantern! We’ll try posting this again after being beat-up by technology … a week late. And we'll catch-up later this week if one of my peer's leaves me a space. There’s nothing this (last) week on WMA/HEMA; but we do have a wealth of links highlighting swords as symbols: of history; of trust; or honour;…
Category: Sword News
Scottish Symbols Sword Press
Scotsmen and Scottish swords dominate todays' offering – if this had happened in the early 16th century, would have meant that something had gone terribly wrong along the Scottish Marches! But in modern context, the items do demonstrate that the modern Gael is still connected to his past and traditions – and swords (and sword…
Truncated Sword Press
The demands of service have resulted in this being the briefest of offerings to date. The German item does bring up an interesting point … the balance between historical ‘authenticity’ versus putting on a good show that will both entertain and educate a general-knowledge audience … ‘and’ result in that potential new recruit approaching your…
Perceptional Sword Press
Two of the items offered today illustrate personal perceptions of HEMA/WMA studies and their practitioners. Though they are but the opinions of but two people, they do demonstrate the need for salles and related-events to have their act together, their facts straight and word-bites prepared well before the press arrive at the door. “Come…
Lost in London (again) Sword Press
This week We see more sword-history being debated, more examples of the juxtaposition of honour and modern sword-culture, and are (again) reminded that HEMA-WMA has no weaker sex. Oh yes, ‘and if you read this item right now, We’ll link you to what could be the next Starfrit™ Handy-Dandy Bottle opener’! Good for the…
Luck of the Irish Sword Press
A bit of everything today; mounted and foot-fought WMA/HEMA and reminders as to where our history comes from (and where sometimes it can unexpectedly be found). Knocked-Down, Down Under SOUTH COAST REGISTER (Shoalhaven, Australia) 08 February 13 Modern renaissance sport comes to show (Robert Crawford) Australia hosted Rod Walker and the team from Full Tilt…
Schwertkampf Sword Press
Wherever We turn this week, We found German steel … and Germans training with it. HEMA/WMA and respect for sword history is alive and well in the land of Ringeck. While back home here, common sense continues its own fight to be considered in day-to-day life. German swords by German artisans for … Brits…
All Disciplines Sword Press
Historical swordplay, historical martial arts, theatre swordplay, fitness and character building. This weeks’ offering of press prove that WMA/HEMA interests originate within a wide of people, and can be used to achieve totally different personal and professional goals. It can also be used to demonstrate that ‘common sense’ amongst some travellers and air travel authorities…
Training Sword Press
Nikolaj Malnač receiving an award from the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence. Now that we’ve all acquired the blades, books and besegew’s that we wanted for Christmas, it’s time to learn new WMA/HEMA techniques – or polish up those we already know. Given the near-universal access to excellent reference material here-to-fore-seldom seen – its stands to…
Pretty Sword Press
Pretty people and prettier poniards provide present-day press provender. It’s apparent that there have been from times historical, sword players that not only insisted on having functional swords – but they also demanded a blade that won’t clash with their fashionable hosiery! My precious-s-s-s! YORKSHIRE EVENING POST (UK) 13 January 13 Weird warfare…
Espada Sword Press
Slim Spaniards wielding slimmer swords make up this week’s slim pickings. A resolution by ‘judicial duel’ would have been … quicker … and probably more entertaining … to say nothing of satisfying (for the winner). PÚBLICO (Madrid, Spain) 04 January 13 Condenado el marqués de Falces por vender la Tizona, la espada del Cid …
Getting Out of the Salle Sword Press
We so-o-o envy our European peers! If their salles are closed for the holidays, they still have a multiple of choices as to where to go to maintain and expand their interests in things HEMA/WMA. You kids go (sword)play in the backyard! DAILY RECORD (Ellensburg, Washington) 28 December 12 Medieval swordplay group to offer…
Marginally Yuletide Sword Press
In chivalric theory, the 12 days surrounding Christmas are times of peace and good-will to all …. the 1460 Battle of Wakefield notwithstanding. But who among us would begrudge another the chance to engage in a friendly passage-at-arms with cold steel with friends under the stars and in the snow* this Christmas eve? And besides,…
Trifecta Sword Press
Three ‘historical’ swords from three different countries. Respect for, interest in and, at times, adoration of the sword as a cultural or historical symbol is not restricted to any one country or group. One of the real pleasures that We’ve enjoyed over the past couple of years is the chance to discuss (by phone, Scype…
Cherished Sword Press
Older swords dominate this week, some of which qualify as gifts to be carefully wrapped and lovingly placed under your modest editors’ Christmas tree! As a historian, We find it ‘scary’ and depressing when We consider just how much history we loose each year as old items decay due to a lack of care; are…
All-Slavic Sword Press
Eastern Europe is a ‘happening place’ for large scale WMA/HEMA/SCA-themed events – and they’re usually conducted with the support of local civic and provincial officials. We’ve selected the most prominent for the last thirty-days and offer them up as ‘snippets’ for your further exploration, amusement … and maybe, just a little envy. ИА REGNUM (St…
In Service Sword Press
We’re lucky that sword blades endure the unforgiving ravages of time better than paper or wood; or some Green Cords too come to think of it. Whether from the near or far past; swords and sword lore continue to influence our view of some of the world around us. Swords in Service HOLLY…
The Sound of Sword Press
We’re embarrassed by riches this week and most of the releases on “old” swords come from hi-tech, academic or modern-social culture sites! Medieval Armour for Dummies. WIRED (New York, New York) 13 November 12 How Medieval Arms Race Led to Swords Capable of Killing ‘Tin Can’ Knights (Mark Teppo) Mark Teppo, contributor to…