Hello fellow history enthusiasts and blade aficionados,

Whether we study historical martial arts or historical weapons, one question continually arises: why were things done this way?

The answer may lie partly in movement and partly in craftsmanship. More often than not, however, it emerges from the dialogue between maker and user—a relationship encapsulated in the artefacts of our martial heritage.

The Longpoint Lesson — Hand-Foot Coordination in Fencing

What makes a fencing action truly irresistible?

At the heart of our answer lies the concept of tempo — the relationship between time, distance, and the coordinated movement of hand and foot.

In my latest Patreon post, I explain how Cornelius Berthold's longpoint lesson helps students develop exactly these skills, why it has become a cornerstone of our teaching, and how its underlying principles can improve both your fencing practice and your interpretation of historical fight books.

The post features Cornelius' recent video demonstrating the exercise in action, together with a free preview from our online courses.

If you would like to explore these ideas in greater depth, our I.33 online courses are available with 15% off using the code SUMMERWEDDING, or simply follow the links below with the discount already applied:

• ​Course 1 – Fundamentals
• ​Course 2 – Schutzen
• I.33 Sword & Buckler: The Fundamentals Bundle​

I hope to see you on Patreon — and perhaps later on the fencing floor.

What a Viking Age Fighting Knife Reveals

Research into historical ergonomics continues to produce fascinating questions.

On my Patreon, a brief video clip demonstrates the handling of a distinctive long fighting knife from the Viking Age, known primarily from finds around the Baltic Sea and beyond.

The post examines a possible wrist strap attached to the typical tang loop to support the rather plain grip design, and how these features may have contributed to precise blade control.

As always, practical handling complements archaeological evidence.

The video first premiered on Patreon and is now freely available to everyone. I hope you will find it useful

An INGELRI Sword — Collected in One Place

Some years ago, my friend Arthur von Eschen and I examined one particular sword from the collection of the Swiss National Museum: the graceful INGELRI sword (inventory no. LM 16061), dating from the late 10th or early 11th century.

Its elegant proportions, inscriptions, geometry, and subtle hilt design have featured in numerous articles, videos, drawings, and image galleries.

To make this material easier to access, I have now brought everything together in a single resource.

The collection includes full-scale drawings, the complete geometric layout, detailed illustrations of the inscriptions, photographs, measurements, and links to all previous posts devoted to this remarkable weapon.

Patrons of the relevant tiers have access as part of their membership. The complete documentation is also available as a one-time purchase in my online shop.

A Book Worth Reading

Finally, I would like to recommend a newly published book by fellow illustrator and history enthusiast Timm Radt.

Men in Blech presents a richly illustrated survey of European armour from around 1150 to 1650 through the lives of some twenty-five historical knights. The book introduces actual knights whose effigies and funerary monuments survive, allowing the development of armour to be followed across five centuries.

Detailed illustrations accompany carefully researched text, making the volume an excellent resource for anyone interested in medieval arms, armour, castles, or historical reconstruction.

The book is available in German only.

You can find additional preview images in my Patreon post or visit the publisher's website directly.

Thank you, as always, for your interest and continued support.

Swords up!⚔️

Roland

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If you wish to read more, find hundreds of related posts on my Patreon. Special thanks to all my loyal supporters on Patreon – you keep me going! And if you are not a patron yet, you are most welcome to join.

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