Fechtschule 2025

Dear fellow sword enthusiasts, HEMA practitioners, and living history aficionados,

I'm all packed and ready to travel to Bruges with my friends and fellow instructors/researchers Dierk Hagedorn and Cornelius Berthold. We’re very much looking forward to spending a few formidable days at Fechtschule 2025, organised by Sint-Michielsgilde de Hallebardiers.

To mark the occasion, Cornelius and I have prepared a special offer:
You can now enjoy 25% off our extensive I.33 sword-and-buckler courses!
The offer runs until 18 May—just two weeks away—but once you’re enrolled, the courses are yours for life.

Here are the direct links with the discount already applied:

• ​Course 1 – One-time purchase or 10 monthly instalments​
• ​Course 2 – One-time purchase or 10 monthly instalments​

Let us polish our shields and brandish our swords!

Scabbard Making-Of Continues

I'm sure you've spotted my new sword by Atelier Thibaud, as well as its matching scabbard. I’ll share more about the sword once it’s passed its first testing at Fechtschule 2025.

In the meantime, don’t miss the latest update on the scabbard-making project—you'll find explanations and images in my dedicated posts:

• ​Attaching a leather facing​
• ​Tooling the scabbard based on period designs​
• ​Decorating the scabbard mouth​

... to be continued: next, I will make a belt.

New Addition to My Sword Art Shop

This immaculate bronze sword of the Riegsee type (c. 1300 BC) was found at the site of a Bronze Age conflict in the Tollense Valley, north-eastern Germany. It may have been deliberately deposited rather than lost in battle—but traces of re-sharpening and a small notch suggest it saw use, either in training or in combat. Here’s a brief video clip.

Get your full-colour, full-size images and all measurements of this unique piece for only $12.50!

Live Chat on Rapier’s Delight

Mark your calendars!​
I’ve been invited to talk swords with host Gabriele Damiano on his YouTube channel Rapier’s Delight.

Talking about swords comes second only to wielding them on my list of favourite activities—so of course, I jumped at the opportunity.

Join us for a lively discussion on 11 May 2025, where we’ll explore how the study of original period swords informs modern interpretations of historical sword fighting.

What better way to spend two hours on a Sunday?
​

Hedeby Bouts: Photos & Videos

The recent Hedeby Bouts were two absolutely delightful days of fencing in an amazing venue. Add to that excellent company, good food, and a bit of luck with the weather—and you’ve got the perfect weekend.

Hedeby veteran Tom Jersø has shared some fantastic photos and a brief video on his social channels.

And if you’re still craving more, I’ve posted additional fencing footage from last year's bouts on Patreon. Watch some sword-and-shield practice with Mikkel Mønsted.

You can watch the first fight as a preview—or even better, excellent patrons to view the full video and many more.

Shields up!​
​Roland

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 courses.

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Yours,

Roland

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