What I really love about side swords is that they're pretty much the jack-of-all-trades. They offer both cut & thrust, they're a dual edged straight sword, they can be half sworded, they provide protection for your hand, or you can use the hilt to punch with. They can be used for war, & for everyday carry. They pair great with a shield, firearm, knife / dagger, cloak, lantern, short sword, or paired with another sidesword, they're extremely versatile. They're "essentially" an arming sword's blade on a rapier's hilt (albeit not every design is the same), they still roughly weigh 2-4 pounds depending on how the sword was constructed, & the dynamics of the blade, etc. They're beautiful weapons, that can be used in or out of armor, they're the precursor to the rapier deriving from the knightly arming sword. Let's not forget that depending on the style of school you're using, you can effectively use this weapon as an arming sword (cut & thrust), a rapier (thrusting focused), or a saber (cutting focused) & switch attacks relatively quickly. I absolutely adore these swords.
@@finalbossd Can't quite fork up enough to buy one for myself just yet, but my favorites are the Cavalier Rapier and the Town Guard sword both produced by Arms & Armor.
I heart sidesword (and backsword) so hard! This was a great bout with lots of nice exchanges, could definitely see the Meyer in there! Nick: you always get your feet under you. Very impressive, sir! Esther: you are cool as a cucumber. [Do people even say that?!] You act and react quite well to your opponent. Must be the result of some damn fine training. Great stuff you guys!
I like it. I really prefer those same type vs. same type of weapon sparrings - feels more representative for actual skills. ;) However, I think Esther is a little bit shorter and have a little bit shorter arms - hence, I'm even more impressed by her performance. :) I like sideswords, however I have to say, that I felt in love with backswords some time ago. Still, I'm only theoretician so far - no funds for equipment, and no HEMA club nearby. But I do enjoy to watch your videos. Very interesting. :) It would be quite interesting to see some comparisons between different "schools" - like for example George Silver's system interpretation, vs. Roworth's. ;) But I guess you would have to invite someone from different club, to make such a video. ;) Anyway, thx. for another interesting sparring. :)
sideswords are great! idont think ive ever seen you beat a sword with your own sword and stepping to the side, is that in meyer or from manciolino?. real interesting compared to military saber.
It's right out of Manciolino certainly. In fact we did a block on his sword and buckler and paired swords over the winter. Meyer has much the same stuff too.
Both using Red Dragon sparring gloves here, though we have since moved onto Thokk Weaponmaster for these swords and many others, which are a huge improvement. Five finger heavy gloves have always been a nightmare to get right, and Thokk is the first one we are actually happy with.
@@AcademyofHistoricalFencing ok I think I will order the Thokk then too. Until delivery I will just avoid being hit ;) Thanks for the advice and keep on uploading vids, they are great!
No not at all. Sidesword is what came before the rapier and smallsword is what came after it. Sideswords are typically shorter and have broader blades and so use a lot more cutting than rapier typically would, whereas the smallsword is much lighter than both and usually only thrusts. The terms are made all the more confusing when you realise that in their own time, all three of these swords were called rapier at times.
There is indeed a lot in common between the styles. The main differences (when comparing to late 18th and 19th century sabre styles) is the extensive use of the back edge in attack and defence and the large rotational openings with some cuts. You will see more passing steps with some sidesword, but it depends on the style and individual practitioner.
What I really love about side swords is that they're pretty much the jack-of-all-trades. They offer both cut & thrust, they're a dual edged straight sword, they can be half sworded, they provide protection for your hand, or you can use the hilt to punch with. They can be used for war, & for everyday carry. They pair great with a shield, firearm, knife / dagger, cloak, lantern, short sword, or paired with another sidesword, they're extremely versatile. They're "essentially" an arming sword's blade on a rapier's hilt (albeit not every design is the same), they still roughly weigh 2-4 pounds depending on how the sword was constructed, & the dynamics of the blade, etc. They're beautiful weapons, that can be used in or out of armor, they're the precursor to the rapier deriving from the knightly arming sword. Let's not forget that depending on the style of school you're using, you can effectively use this weapon as an arming sword (cut & thrust), a rapier (thrusting focused), or a saber (cutting focused) & switch attacks relatively quickly. I absolutely adore these swords.
Any recommendations for a good side sword?
@@Urizen777 Why thank you Mr. Lovecraft, these will be perfect for fighting eldritch terrors beyond human comprehension!
@@finalbossd Can't quite fork up enough to buy one for myself just yet, but my favorites are the Cavalier Rapier and the Town Guard sword both produced by Arms & Armor.
@@Danny-pk6lkI think I’ll probably pick up the LK Chen town guard sword.
Never knew sidesword techniques were so fluent and graceful, truly enthralling to watch!
I heart sidesword (and backsword) so hard! This was a great bout with lots of nice exchanges, could definitely see the Meyer in there! Nick: you always get your feet under you. Very impressive, sir! Esther: you are cool as a cucumber. [Do people even say that?!] You act and react quite well to your opponent. Must be the result of some damn fine training. Great stuff you guys!
looks like fun mixing up the styles a bit - enjoyed the followup grapples.
I like it. I really prefer those same type vs. same type of weapon sparrings - feels more representative for actual skills. ;) However, I think Esther is a little bit shorter and have a little bit shorter arms - hence, I'm even more impressed by her performance. :) I like sideswords, however I have to say, that I felt in love with backswords some time ago. Still, I'm only theoretician so far - no funds for equipment, and no HEMA club nearby. But I do enjoy to watch your videos. Very interesting. :) It would be quite interesting to see some comparisons between different "schools" - like for example George Silver's system interpretation, vs. Roworth's. ;) But I guess you would have to invite someone from different club, to make such a video. ;) Anyway, thx. for another interesting sparring. :)
Love it!
Excellent sparring!
sideswords are great!
idont think ive ever seen you beat a sword with your own sword and stepping to the side, is that in meyer or from manciolino?. real interesting compared to military saber.
It's right out of Manciolino certainly. In fact we did a block on his sword and buckler and paired swords over the winter. Meyer has much the same stuff too.
Very very nice! What gloves are you using there?
Both using Red Dragon sparring gloves here, though we have since moved onto Thokk Weaponmaster for these swords and many others, which are a huge improvement. Five finger heavy gloves have always been a nightmare to get right, and Thokk is the first one we are actually happy with.
@@AcademyofHistoricalFencing ok I think I will order the Thokk then too. Until delivery I will just avoid being hit ;) Thanks for the advice and keep on uploading vids, they are great!
Now that was nice. As always, beautiful sparring!
Is side sword the same as small sword/court sword?
No not at all. Sidesword is what came before the rapier and smallsword is what came after it. Sideswords are typically shorter and have broader blades and so use a lot more cutting than rapier typically would, whereas the smallsword is much lighter than both and usually only thrusts. The terms are made all the more confusing when you realise that in their own time, all three of these swords were called rapier at times.
@@AcademyofHistoricalFencing thank you! That clears things up 🥰
Fun.
looks very similar with sabre
There is indeed a lot in common between the styles. The main differences (when comparing to late 18th and 19th century sabre styles) is the extensive use of the back edge in attack and defence and the large rotational openings with some cuts. You will see more passing steps with some sidesword, but it depends on the style and individual practitioner.
Filthy DEX builds.