This new line of sparring
swords has been designed by Swedish researcher, author and swordsmith,
Peter Johnsson to specifically
fill the need for sword types that handle like those covered in period
fencing books.
It is Albion's mission with the Maestro Line to provide sparring
swords that are traditionially constructed, sturdy and safe,
with a durable finish and a rugged, attractive look.
Perhaps most importantly, these models are designed to be highly responsive
and agile, just as authentic weapons of the period. As with all
martial arts training tools, these swords are designed to be used
with proper safety equipment.
To have a sword that both looks exactly like a sharp historical sword,
and have it be safe in practice combat, is frankly not possible
-- a sparring sword needs to be designed along completely different
lines from the ground up. As a result, to make the sword safe to use
in regular practice, the outline of the sword must be different. Side
by side, a practice sword will have a different silhouette than its
sharp counterpart, but it will have the same handling characteristics.
This is our philosophy behind producing a superior -- and safe --
tool to use in the study of historical swordsmanship, demonstrating
proper weight, proper length, and proper dynamic balance.
These swords are obviously not meant to take an edge or to be used
for test cutting -- the cross-section is designed to attain a
certain stiffness or flexibility and a safe blunt edge. As
a result, these swords will not be sharpened by Albion and we would
strongly discourage anyone from attempting to sharpen these models
after sale.
These swords are made to meet the demanding requirements of Western
Martial Artists and stage combat, built to endure years of hard use.
See a pair of Liechtenauers being used by John Clements and Aaron
Pynenberg in a video produced by the Association for Renaissance Martial
Arts (ARMA) here
and see more videos here.
|
