The second sword which i think you call "the Borgholm sword" can be viewed live at denmarks National Museum in copenhagen, its part of the permanent medieval exhibition. Just a side note if anyone would like to know. Good video!
I started using this a year ago after discussing this with Roland on SFI I believe. It has worked quite well, so I am happy they have discovered the true purpose.
I find that the flanges on my federschwert often seem to serve in the same manner, so often in fact that it leaves little doubt in my mind as to their purpose. Interestingly, I don't get hit on the thumb that often in sparring, however. My pinkies suffer far more often. This might be a result of the way my group spars, or of the fact that I'm left-handed. If anyone could shed some light on this I would certainly appreciate it.
That happened to me all the time at this year's Dreyn event! Im very interested in this kind of leather protection. I would definitely would buy some for my longsword.
@jimmy202500 More complex hilts were developed later, of course, with nagels, thumb rings, knuckle bows and all that--presumably to prevent just such a problem. I'm assuming that before anyone thought of that, a little disposable scrap of leather seemed like a damn fine idea, though.
It's an interesting idea, but I'm not convinced. Cross-leathers exist in forms that are much more closely fitted to the scabbard throat and not useful shapes for this - look at the one on the Bayerisches XVIII for example. Also I think if these were an ablative addition designed to be easily replaced they would go over, rather than under, the grip covering.
In fact, the closer fitting ones do the job just as fine. I have already cut the leather seen in the clip down in width. Width does not offer extra protection and the leather wears out at the edges quickly if too wide. But the proof is in the pudding - so try it out yourself!
I like it! I think you may be on to something here. As a side note, I have also seen the "rain guard" made of metal. Perhaps this was a precursor to war swords having side rings build onto the cross.
The second sword which i think you call "the Borgholm sword" can be viewed live at denmarks National Museum in copenhagen, its part of the permanent medieval exhibition. Just a side note if anyone would like to know. Good video!
smeden91 3 weeks ago
I wonder if that bind problem is why Italian and Spanish swords later on grew more elaborate cross guards with multiple finger loops and such.
Lukos0036 4 months ago
that cross leather thingy also resembles , to me the more complex guards seen in later period medieval swords
elgostine 9 months ago
This is Thrand!!!
Excellent I believe you have rediscovered the purpose of that it seems totally logical.
ThegnThrand 9 months ago
That's why you need a basket hilt,rest is all too risky.
yanniskusogaki 11 months ago
I started using this a year ago after discussing this with Roland on SFI I believe. It has worked quite well, so I am happy they have discovered the true purpose.
Woodcrafter1372 11 months ago
I find that the flanges on my federschwert often seem to serve in the same manner, so often in fact that it leaves little doubt in my mind as to their purpose. Interestingly, I don't get hit on the thumb that often in sparring, however. My pinkies suffer far more often. This might be a result of the way my group spars, or of the fact that I'm left-handed. If anyone could shed some light on this I would certainly appreciate it.
Marxbruder505 1 year ago
3:46
That happened to me all the time at this year's Dreyn event! Im very interested in this kind of leather protection. I would definitely would buy some for my longsword.
Desdicharo 1 year ago
why not just make the hilt triangular?
jimmy202500 1 year ago
@jimmy202500 More complex hilts were developed later, of course, with nagels, thumb rings, knuckle bows and all that--presumably to prevent just such a problem. I'm assuming that before anyone thought of that, a little disposable scrap of leather seemed like a damn fine idea, though.
ruebuscm 1 year ago
Excellent. Very well presented. Thanks!
ArmeAntica 2 years ago
Where can I buy one for my sword? Any recomended makers?
st3r30s 2 years ago
make one yourself!
buy a bit of 3mm bridle leather, make the shape, sew it in place, and bingo, you're there. :)
to be honest, there's so many different swords out there, and all different cross shapes, I cant see anyone producing a kit for sale.
suzerain01 2 years ago
It's an interesting idea, but I'm not convinced. Cross-leathers exist in forms that are much more closely fitted to the scabbard throat and not useful shapes for this - look at the one on the Bayerisches XVIII for example. Also I think if these were an ablative addition designed to be easily replaced they would go over, rather than under, the grip covering.
amuckart 2 years ago
In fact, the closer fitting ones do the job just as fine. I have already cut the leather seen in the clip down in width. Width does not offer extra protection and the leather wears out at the edges quickly if too wide. But the proof is in the pudding - so try it out yourself!
warzechas 2 years ago
umm... why not using gloves instead? it seems simpler to me.
locassen 2 years ago
Gloves are to protect the hand when hit. The idea presented in this video is that the leather piece is to keep the sword off the hand altogether.
gcoffman06 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I don't buy it. :)
That sword would be used with a shield for defense.
Kortoso 2 years ago
Not always. And a shield does not discount the used of binding "am schwert."
gcoffman06 2 years ago
Excellently presented. Thanks again for continuing to share information with the community at large. This is very convincing.
Hugonis 2 years ago 8
Very interesting theory, sounds plausible. I will definitely try it.
faehrengaust 2 years ago 4
I like it! I think you may be on to something here. As a side note, I have also seen the "rain guard" made of metal. Perhaps this was a precursor to war swords having side rings build onto the cross.
Great presentation.
MattABryant 2 years ago
Never thought of it that way...
Why would someone use these leather guards instead of a side ring guard?
Except for the obvious reason: weight.
punio4 2 years ago
Maybe because as all ideas, this idea needed the time to evolve to get perfected.
Irrehaare 2 years ago
Very cool. It sort of fits well with roman era wooden crossguards, narrow but "tall" likely also good hand protection
mikkelpauli 2 years ago
whoops, should have written some roman era crossguards...
mikkelpauli 2 years ago
oh god, I hate writing always the same to you my friends.... brilliant work out from claus' idea!
thx for sharing
DreynHarry 2 years ago
very cool! Is there a good place to maybe purchase some of these that you know of?
tiamat9989 2 years ago
Very ggod !
grifonero06 2 years ago
Schönes Video. Der Ton könnte noch eine Ecke besser sein, aber "Hall" kommt schließlich von "Halle". Oder so ähnlich ;)
KingHaggard2006 2 years ago
Very Interesting, always just took for granted it was a rain guard, Serves me right for taking things at face value. Thanks for the lesson.
wolfdragga 2 years ago