Broke a Meyer!

[Sir Edward]

So our combat demos went pretty well this past weekend at VARF, but we did have one casualty. My Albion Meyer snapped when I was straightening the blade. I knew it would happen eventually, I was just hoping it would be a while.

I've had several hard thrusts over the years (accidentally, usually when the other person steps in and I'm not expecting it), that have required some straightening. Once this happens the first time, it's much easier to repeat it in the future, as the steel weakens. And it'll only take so many permanent-bends and straightenings before it breaks.

Inside the break, the grain looked good, and there were no rust spots migrating in. So it looks like normal wear and tear.

I still think these are some of the best trainers out there, so I've ordered the replacement. It'll take a few months to get here, so I'm back to using my A&A Fechterspiel until it arrives. This is fine, as it's a good trainer too. I just prefer the balance of the Meyer.

[Sir Wolf]

somewhere i think you made an angel cry

[SirNathanQ]

Or a Mike Edelson...

[Sir William]

I'm glad it didn't fail you mid-duel, although that would've been a crowd pleaser most like.

[SirNathanQ]

I think the thrust that did it in was enough for the crowd. According to our squire, there was a collective gasp and everyone stopped and stared...

[Sir Brian]

I think the thrust that did it in was enough fro the crowd. According to our squire, there was a collective gasp and everyone stopped and stared...

… and having been on the receiving end of that particular thrust I can confirm that it was well executed! 

Actually I had stepped into that thrust too late while I was attempting to void the thrust and cleave your head as I did to end our duel from the previous day when I sidestepped into your thrust to my chest and let the point pass beneath my arm.

[Sir James A]

I think the thrust that did it in was enough fro the crowd. According to our squire, there was a collective gasp and everyone stopped and stared...

I saw their faces, it was a rather inspiring moment.

[SirNathanQ]

I think the thrust that did it in was enough fro the crowd. According to our squire, there was a collective gasp and everyone stopped and stared...

… and having been on the receiving end of that particular thrust I can confirm that it was well executed! 

Actually I had stepped into that thrust too late while I was attempting to void the thrust and cleave your head as I did to end our duel from the previous day when I sidestepped into your thrust to my chest and let the point pass beneath my arm.

Which I must say was a fantastic play, Sir Brian! Even on the receiving end, I could do naught but admire!       
I think that and the Albion-rending thrust (Lord, I hope I never have to type the phrase "Albion-rending" ever again!  )  were our Mortal Combat style "finishers" for the day. 

[Sir Rodney]

Oh bummer... 

[Sir Edward]

These sorts of incidents just underscore how careful we have to be about power and control of the weapon. Ideally, even if the other person steps into it, we should be prepared to pull back on the sword so that it doesn't bend so hard.

Imagine doing this sort of thrust, where the sword bends, and actually snaps right then and there. Let's say the thrust was to the throat, and the recipient wasn't wearing a gorget. Scary things can happen.

Accidents can and do happen, of course, and we can't plan for every possible contingency. And clearly I've done exactly this sort of thing several times, or else the sword wouldn't have broken when it did.

But as I've said elsewhere, analyzing and discussing these things will make us safer swordsmen in the long run.

[Thorsteinn]

Thus why Melees of Peace would sometimes ban thrusting.

Though when you ban thrusting it does change the nature of the game (ala BOTN).

[Joshua Santana]

These sorts of incidents just underscore how careful we have to be about power and control of the weapon. Ideally, even if the other person steps into it, we should be prepared to pull back on the sword so that it doesn't bend so hard.

Imagine doing this sort of thrust, where the sword bends, and actually snaps right then and there. Let's say the thrust was to the throat, and the recipient wasn't wearing a gorget. Scary things can happen.

Accidents can and do happen, of course, and we can't plan for every possible contingency. And clearly I've done exactly this sort of thing several times, or else the sword wouldn't have broken when it did.

But as I've said elsewhere, analyzing and discussing these things will make us safer swordsmen in the long run.

Hear! Hear! Hear!

[Sir Edward]

It's a shame I might have to wait 3 months for the replacement Meyer to get here, but that's part of the game. Albion doesn't typically stock swords ahead of time, so it's a matter of getting in the queue as with any other sword.

But I'll use the Fechterspiel in the meantime and it'll be fine. It's a good sword too. This is exactly why I always take both swords with me to events. I've always been terrified that one will break when I leave the other at home.

While I was at it, I reserved a Morozzo as well, which is still on the drawing board. I like this style of single-hander, with the finger rings. It's a little later period than most of the stuff I do, but if I'm going to add a single-hander in addition to the Messer that I have, I figure I might as well go for something a little different. No idea how long it'll be until these are released, but at least I can lock the price in before any other price changes might come up.

[Sir James A]

This is exactly why I always take both swords with me to events. I've always been terrified that one will break when I leave the other at home.

So the lesson is, always buy swords in multiples, so you're never stuck with only a broken sword ... right? If it's fun for us to get someone to spend money on a sword, it should be, at least, *double* fun to get them to buy 2 or more at once.

Congrats on the pending new arrivals!

[Sir Wolf]

amen to that! hehehehe