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Why steel helmets for HEMA steel sword sparing? Because...
Sir Edward:
--- Quote from: Thorsteinn on 2013-09-13, 20:51:03 ---BUT... not for nothing I'm unsure why if I can dent a helm well with a rattan sword that weigh's 3-ish lbs then why is it safe to strike a fencing masked man using a steel sword that weighs 3-ish lbs?
--- End quote ---
Well, the safety of using a fencing mask is under some debate. But generally, it's considered safe with the appropriate level of control, but not for full-out hard-hitting fights. A lot of folks will use something more substantial for competitions, or when fencing people they're not familiar with.
HEMA/WMA practice with steel generally doesn't use anywhere near the power level that you're used to in SCA. The reasons are two-fold:
1. Such power actually isn't necessary when you're fighting with unarmored techniques. It only takes a modest amount of power for a sharp weapon to deliver an incapacitating blow, particularly in sensitive areas like the face, armpits, etc.
2. Safety, of course. Using a fencing mask with rebated steel simply requires that the participants are controlled and don't strike too hard. But even with a heavier helmet, there are other safety considerations. We're finding that adequate hand-protection is proving to be one of the more challenging aspects, so we have to worry about injuries in other areas too.
Ian:
--- Quote from: Thorsteinn on 2013-09-13, 20:51:03 ---
BUT... not for nothing I'm unsure why if I can dent a helm well with a rattan sword that weigh's 3-ish lbs then why is it safe to strike a fencing masked man using a steel sword that weighs 3-ish lbs?
(IE: My 55" SCA greatsword with steel furniture is 3lb 9oz, and my 14 ga SS helm has dents)
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Your 55'' SCA greatsword has a mass distribution that's equal throughout it's entire length, and has a large hitting surface area. The only part that doesn't have equal mass distribution is your crossguard (assuming you use one).
A HEMA federschwert has the overwhelming majority of it's mass concentrated in it's hilt. At least the last 1/3 of the sword and the center of percussion (which hits the hardest due to the node in the standing wave created in the blade), is very flexible so the force is not transmitted to the fencing mask you just hit with it as if it were a solid object with no give and a lot of mass. The part of the sword that impacts the person has very little mass compared to the overall mass of the sword.
That's why you can safely hit a fencing mask with a steel federschwert, but you need a 12 gauge steel helm for rattan. Physics :)
Sir Edward:
--- Quote from: Ian on 2013-09-13, 21:03:53 ---That's why you can safely hit a fencing mask with a steel federschwert, but you need a 12 gauge steel helm for rattan. Physics :)
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That's also a really good answer. :)
Sir Brian:
--- Quote from: Sir Edward on 2013-09-13, 21:07:08 ---
--- Quote from: Ian on 2013-09-13, 21:03:53 ---That's why you can safely hit a fencing mask with a steel federschwert, but you need a 12 gauge steel helm for rattan. Physics :)
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That's also a really good answer. :)
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Oh I see! So I wouldn't have gnarled fingers if I didn't take that 'physics' to the hand? ;D
Sir Ulrich:
Remind me not to take my Dargen Great Helm to a European reenactment, mines only 16 gauge too, which is prolly too thin for fighting but I cant stand things being too heavy. Looks like I'm going to have to find a new helm for fighting practice.
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