Escape, Adapt, Overcome

Dear fellow sword enthusiasts, researchers, and history fans,

First of all, Cornelius and I would like to express our gratitude to all the practitioners of historical sword-fighting who have enrolled in our latest online course, Counterbound!. Your positive reception and feedback have been incredibly encouraging, and we are excited to continue our work on the upcoming I.33 course, which will focus on Cover Against Secunda and Tertia Custodia.

Our course Counterbound! offers a concise and practical introduction to timing and tempo, helping you regain control in critical moments. For just $50, you’ll gain lifelong access and receive a coupon for 50% off our foundational I.33 course. Even better, owning Course 1 secures you the best value when Course 2 launches next year.

Start while there's still time!

One-Handed Spear and Viking Round Shield

At the recent Ribe Bouts held at the marvellous Ribe VikingeCenter, my fellow researcher and instructor Mikkel Mønsted delivered a two-part class on fighting with a one-handed spear in combination with a large, centre-gripped round shield. Portions of the workshop were video-recorded, and Mikkel has generously made the footage available for you.

Original Sword Grip Covers

A surprising number of surviving historical swords retain their original grip covers, showcasing a fascinating variety of handle wrappings—a detail also supported by contemporary depictions. Naturally, the majority of these surviving grips are found on swords preserved and maintained in armouries and collections. It is comparatively rare to find such components on archaeological specimens, as the organic materials of a sword are typically the first to decay.

​On my Patreon, I am currently sharing photos of surviving late medieval and Renaissance sword grips. Some of these images are available for expert discussions but cannot be shared on public platforms or social media (much to my regret).

You’re always welcome to join my community of patrons. If you’d like to gift a membership to a sword enthusiast dear to you, you can do so as well. Give your friends and family access to Dimicator on Patreon! Memberships can be gifted for up to one year.

So, that's it for today. Take care, and keep your blade well-honed.

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Improve your skills with our sword-and-buckler online course.

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.

If you feel like dropping a coin into my tip jar, you can do so here. Thank you for your time and your interest.

Yours,

Roland

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