"He that respects himself is safe from others; he wears a coat of mail that none can pierce."
                -- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Poll

If you were forced to perform ground combat which would you prefer?

Rapier
5 (20.8%)
1700's Standard Longsword
3 (12.5%)
Scimitar
0 (0%)
Polearm
8 (33.3%)
Two-Handed Sword
8 (33.3%)

Total Members Voted: 15

Voting closed: 2013-05-03, 06:59:07

Author Topic: Weapon of Choice?  (Read 29531 times)

RackThor

  • New Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 41
  • New Member
Weapon of Choice?
« on: 2013-04-08, 06:59:07 »
I am gathering opinions for a paper I intend to write here in the near future for my final history paper for college. I may be posting more polls later with different weapons, but for now please vote based on what is here.
Dragons live in us all, but it takes knowing ones self to become the knight capable of slaying it

Thorsteinn

  • Squire of the Order
  • Forum Veteran
  • ***
  • Posts: 2,470
Re: Weapon of Choice?
« Reply #1 on: 2013-04-08, 07:30:05 »
#1)What is a "1700's Standard Longsword"?
#2)Why rapier & Scimitar being specific, but "Polearms" are general?
#3)Two-handed sword? Do you mean a greatsword or an Epée de Guerre?
#4)Why no axe, mace, or sword & shield option?
#5) What are we facing? Is this a war or duel?
#6) Are we armoured?
« Last Edit: 2013-04-08, 07:31:04 by Thorsteinn »
Fall down seven, get up eight.

Sir William

  • Cogito ergo sum
  • Knight of the Order
  • Forum Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 7,154
Re: Weapon of Choice?
« Reply #2 on: 2013-04-08, 17:08:26 »
Depends on what my opponent chooses; as Thorsteinn pointed out, some of the choices are a bit ambiguous- I too have never heard of a 1700s standard longsword, as that would be 18th Century and as far as I can recall, the transition to smaller, slimmer swords had already begun taking place.  Polearms, there are quite a few and while the manner in which they are used is similar, it isn't exactly the same- they all have their strengths and few weaknesses.

Also, is this a one-on-one type of situation, or a mass melee between opposing forces?  Are we talking tournament-style of play, or actual warfare?  The situation would dictate the weaponry I'd choose, not to mention giving my opponent first choice so that I may choose a suitable foil.

What's your thesis going to cover?
« Last Edit: 2013-04-08, 17:08:58 by Sir William »
The Black Knight, Order of the Marshal
'Per Pale Azure and Sable, a Chevron counterchanged fimbriated argent.' 
“Pride makes a man, it drives him, it is the shield wall around his reputation.  Men die, but reputation does not.”

RackThor

  • New Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 41
  • New Member
Re: Weapon of Choice?
« Reply #3 on: 2013-04-09, 15:16:01 »
forgive me for my ambiguity. However these were the choices I was handed to ask to you gentlemen. While I agree a 15th century German long sword would be more specific I am not allowed to give you such an option at the moment. (in other words I am gathering data on those who like you guys want more information as well as those who just vote amongst people who show real intrest in the topic above) so treat it kind of like a test.

I am able to clarify that it is a one on one situation. Duel to the death.
 
Dragons live in us all, but it takes knowing ones self to become the knight capable of slaying it

RackThor

  • New Forum Member
  • *
  • Posts: 41
  • New Member
Re: Weapon of Choice?
« Reply #4 on: 2013-04-09, 15:18:37 »
#1)What is a "1700's Standard Longsword"?
#2)Why rapier & Scimitar being specific, but "Polearms" are general?
#3)Two-handed sword? Do you mean a greatsword or an Epée de Guerre?
#4)Why no axe, mace, or sword & shield option?
#5) What are we facing? Is this a war or duel?
#6) Are we armoured?


Yes you are wearing a protection of your choice.

The polls later on will change and be more specific as the data I am allowed to collect and my freedom of questions begins to become more available
.
Dragons live in us all, but it takes knowing ones self to become the knight capable of slaying it

Sir William

  • Cogito ergo sum
  • Knight of the Order
  • Forum Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 7,154
Re: Weapon of Choice?
« Reply #5 on: 2013-04-09, 15:22:37 »
As I'm not a fan of longsword techniques, I chose the rapier and the polearm.
The Black Knight, Order of the Marshal
'Per Pale Azure and Sable, a Chevron counterchanged fimbriated argent.' 
“Pride makes a man, it drives him, it is the shield wall around his reputation.  Men die, but reputation does not.”

Thorsteinn

  • Squire of the Order
  • Forum Veteran
  • ***
  • Posts: 2,470
Re: Weapon of Choice?
« Reply #6 on: 2013-04-09, 18:00:18 »
OK, then if I'm unsure of what I'm facing, and it's a fight to the death (On foot I'm assuming), and I'm not allowed a shield. Then full plate with a pole-axe please. It's not my best form by far, but I don't want to have to worry about my weapons effectiveness nor my protection.

My choices will change depending upon what my opponent is wearing, what I'm allowed to wear, and what weapons we're using, whether we're ahorse, and the terrain.

Whats a good choice in a Holmganga is a poor one in a French Judicial Duel, not allowed in a German one, or unfamiliar to the Hero's of Antiquity.
« Last Edit: 2013-04-09, 18:01:21 by Thorsteinn »
Fall down seven, get up eight.

Sir James A

  • Weapons & Armor addict
  • Knight of the Order
  • Forum Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 6,043
Re: Weapon of Choice?
« Reply #7 on: 2013-04-09, 19:08:45 »
There isn't much a polearm & two-handed sword won't solve. :D
Knight, Order of the Marshal
Sable, a chevron between three lions statant Argent

Sir William

  • Cogito ergo sum
  • Knight of the Order
  • Forum Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 7,154
Re: Weapon of Choice?
« Reply #8 on: 2013-04-10, 14:36:02 »
I'd prefer a singlehander and round shield but that wasn't one of the choices.
The Black Knight, Order of the Marshal
'Per Pale Azure and Sable, a Chevron counterchanged fimbriated argent.' 
“Pride makes a man, it drives him, it is the shield wall around his reputation.  Men die, but reputation does not.”

Thorsteinn

  • Squire of the Order
  • Forum Veteran
  • ***
  • Posts: 2,470
Re: Weapon of Choice?
« Reply #9 on: 2013-04-12, 02:20:05 »
I. Can't. Help. IT!!!  ;D

Fall down seven, get up eight.

Sir Brian

  • Knight of the Order
  • Forum Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 4,735
  • Felix uxor beatam vitam - Happy Wife Happy Life
    • Order of the Marshal
Re: Weapon of Choice?
« Reply #10 on: 2013-04-12, 17:47:41 »
As I don’t have full plate armor I will have to settle for my transitional and a poleaxe or longsword.

Lol Thorsteinn is you hadn’t posted that video then I would have!  ;D
"Chivalry our Strength, Brotherhood our sword"
Vert, on a Chief wavy Argent a Rose Sable,
a Gryphon Segreant Or

[img width=100 height=100]
<a href="http://s221.photobucket.com/user/Tah908/media/LP_Medals_zpsq7zzdvve.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i221.photobucket.

Corvus

  • A wanderer on the road less traveled
  • Forum Follower
  • ***
  • Posts: 137
  • New Member
Re: Weapon of Choice?
« Reply #11 on: 2013-04-15, 17:33:45 »
My favorites have always been either spears or two handed swords. My current battle ready sword is a heavy Grosse-Messer.
“Gæð a wyrd swa hio scel.”    - Beowulf

Lord Tristin

  • Forum Member
  • **
  • Posts: 51
  • Always strive to better yourself.
    • My facebook
Re: Weapon of Choice?
« Reply #12 on: 2013-04-16, 15:58:52 »
I am a fan of Shields, a longsword or mace, perhaps a flail. but mostly a longsword and shield. also a hand and a half or bastard sword and heavy gauntlets work well. I frequently use the shield and sword combo, trapping and shield attacks abound! With proper gauntlets I do not fear grabbing an opponents weapon.

Lord Chagatai

  • Yeoman of the Order
  • Forum Follower
  • **
  • Posts: 188
  • New Member
Re: Weapon of Choice?
« Reply #13 on: 2013-04-16, 23:38:02 »
Glaive or pole arm.....maybe even a great axe!!!!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Lord Dane

  • The Hound, Hunter, and Hammer of Justice
  • Knight of the Order
  • Forum Acolyte
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,900
  • Selflessness, Service, Justice.
Re: Weapon of Choice?
« Reply #14 on: 2013-04-17, 00:26:39 »
Give me a bo staff, I'm taking you down.
Give me a longsword, I'm taking your head.
Give me a spear, I have something to put your head on.
Any questions??  ;D
« Last Edit: 2013-04-17, 01:36:14 by Lord Dane »
"Fides, Honos, Prudentia, Sapiencia" (Faith, Honor, Prudence, Wisdom)
"Fiat justitia ruat caelum" (Let justice be done)