Recent content by ColonelHopper

I have been diagnosed with Severe Major Depressive Disorder, (The highest tier of clinical depression under American diagnostic criteria.) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Both are results of genetic anomalies and have been undiagnosed but present in my family for at least three generations...

Learn something every day. Actually, makes sense, much thicker blade. The explanation that I've always heard is that it prevents damage to the blade, a flat parry spreads the impact, an edge impact might snap the blade easier. Not sure if this is true. Most practitioners don't really try to...

Excellent example! Both of these fighters seem to be about equally skilled, and this video showcases virtually all of the specific techniques and scenarios that have been discussed that would be most applicable to our little hypothetical here. Sure, the weapon opposing the rapier is not a...

By transition between attacks I do mean disengages, and changes in target. As for being fastest in thrust, well, that is kinda what the rapier is all about. It doesn't really matter how fast you are in the cut with a thrusting weapon. For the parrying, yes, rapier parries are difficult to...

Okay, I'll give you in the cut that a two-handed weapon can have a speed advantage. However, compared to a rapier-type weapon, it's still slower in transitioning between attacks. As for the parrying of a thrust, the motion for a proper parry with rapier systems is generally very, very small...

First, thank you, I poured tons of time and effort into that one, so it's nice to see that someone actually read it. Now, about the actual point here. Using two hands does provide superior control during a cut or slash compared to one. But, adding a hand doesn't really significantly change...

Wow, it's been ages since I really, really wanted to reply to a thread, heck, this is tangentially work-related! Here goes! Disclaimer: I am much more qualified to speak for the rapier than I am for the katana. Here's why: Additional disclaimer. This is approaching novel length. I hope you...

I don't bring home bacon, my victims are much more tasty. I stab children for my income. It's good work, and fun too. What's even better is that their parents pay for the privilege. All joking aside though, that's what I do. (Sans eating the kids) I'm a fencing instructor, mostly working with...

U.S. Jersey Shore. 'nuff said. (P.S. Sorry if this was already mentioned.)