lklawson
Grandmaster
Rapier, Saber, etc. are chock full of different schools and methods all with variations on strategy and technique based on weapon and lineage (such as to moulinet from the wrist or from the elbow).
The thrust, and especially the lunge, is one of the most visible and noted attack methods of the post-Renaissance methods of Western swordsmanship. It is noted for lighting quick delivery, deadly accuracy, and mortal penetration. Yet it also commits the fencer and sword to a specific movement which is difficult to defend from and offers little in the way innate protection.
Against another trained fencer, the "protection" you have in a thrust is that the other fencer is neither suicidal nor stupid and so will attempt a parry or some other defense on his part. This has even been codified in modern sport Fencing as the Right of Way rule.
However, historically, a swordsman might not be able to count on his opponent being neither suicidal nor stupid. He might be what was sometimes referred to as the "vulgar" fencer (an untrained goob who picked up a sword yesterday or someone who, for some other reason, lacks the good sense God gave a door-knob). These opponents might not recognize your thrust or might think "hey, he's opened his line!" and simo thrust or cut. A double hit/mutual kill isn't a good outcome.
What methods do you use to stay safe during a thrust when you cannot count on the other party to defend against it?
Peace favor your sword,
Kirk
The thrust, and especially the lunge, is one of the most visible and noted attack methods of the post-Renaissance methods of Western swordsmanship. It is noted for lighting quick delivery, deadly accuracy, and mortal penetration. Yet it also commits the fencer and sword to a specific movement which is difficult to defend from and offers little in the way innate protection.
Against another trained fencer, the "protection" you have in a thrust is that the other fencer is neither suicidal nor stupid and so will attempt a parry or some other defense on his part. This has even been codified in modern sport Fencing as the Right of Way rule.
However, historically, a swordsman might not be able to count on his opponent being neither suicidal nor stupid. He might be what was sometimes referred to as the "vulgar" fencer (an untrained goob who picked up a sword yesterday or someone who, for some other reason, lacks the good sense God gave a door-knob). These opponents might not recognize your thrust or might think "hey, he's opened his line!" and simo thrust or cut. A double hit/mutual kill isn't a good outcome.
What methods do you use to stay safe during a thrust when you cannot count on the other party to defend against it?
Peace favor your sword,
Kirk