Work in progess and Previews

[Quinzy]

The rapier evolved from the old cut-and-thrust swords, so yes, armour penetration was it's priority. I understand rapier-like straight swords were in use by some cavalries during the late 18th and early 19th century alongside sabres, but against pike formations? Very curious, I'd like to know your source for that so I can read in to it

As for working best with a dagger, well, that depends on your swordsmanship school. Italian schools of historical fencing are fond of rapier and dagger, if I recall correctly.

 

[Jerry'sGoldfish]

no, i have no source this time, i just figured it out what might be if a dismounted cavalry unit would stab into the front and second rank of pikemen. it think you would find that attested in the ospreys covering the 16-17 centuries.

 

[Sword_Of_Geddon]

I'd like to see a skilled rapier using fencer duel someone skilled in the use of a katana. I think it would be an interesting fight.

 

[Steph]

Here you go

 

[Sword_Of_Geddon]

That is not quite what I had in mind but I guess it fits.

 

[Quinzy]

Unfortunately, many people trained with a katana are, nowadays, kendo sportsmen, and many people trained with a rapier are sport fencers.

 

[Jerry'sGoldfish]

i do not think that fencing matches the rapier, it is not heavy at all, but is neither very very light, i think distance is the factor, and also the enemy' clothing and soft armour...

ps the rapier is a scary weapon that u might desconsider on the first look. katana is somehow predictable questioning the type of damage...the rapier is wicked..

 

[Quinzy]

Of course, I do not underestimate anything capable of poking a man full of holes. That is exactly my point: fencing is to real rapier fighting as kendo is to real katana fighting.

 

[Jerry'sGoldfish]

no.

for the real time purpose one has a different array of gestures. for examples clashing with the tip of the sowrd in the face of a japanese oponent, or via rapier - driving the oponents sword away, while stabbing him in the liver with the dagger...unfortunate description but i think you understand what i tried to describe; today people concentrate on certain point delivering hits. a real life battle is improvisation 103%

 

[Quinzy]

That was my point; sword sports don't match up to real swordsmanship.

 

[Jerry'sGoldfish]

i have expected nothing less of you SIR QUINZY.

 

[Sword_Of_Geddon]

Speaking of swords, did the soldiers of Japan during and after the Meiji Restoration period carry a melee weapon?

I'm thinking Shiro is going to come back, see what has transpired and say "What have you guys done to my thread?!"

 

[ShiroKobbure]

During the Meiji period, some soldiers from samurai families kept their swords and wore them in battle. And police forces only had swords, so during the Satsuma Rebellion the police force fought the rebels with their swords. And officers and cavalrymen would have swords, but guns became the main weapon, and European tactics were used.

By the Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War swords were only carried by officers.

 

[Steph]

And soldiers of course had a bayonet.

Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido, was a bayonet expert for instance.

 

[ShiroKobbure]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v0QEwZmiIU
Jukendo 銃剣道, bayonet kendo developed during the Meiji period

 

[Jerry'sGoldfish]

this is life on the forums, i very enjoy this conversation - there many people knowing many things

 

[T-mun]

The History forum would offer you many discussion of this kind, Jerry

 

[Jerry'sGoldfish]

i agree with you manuneed, but we must be with our feet on earth - meaning that maybe these conversations would be transposed into the game - it sounds to me like a very sophisticated request thread...if you agree of course

 

[Sword_Of_Geddon]

I agree with Jerry, there are many intelligent people here on the forums that are a pleasure to talk and exchange ideas with.

On topic I know there is a Meiji period rifleman, but I'm not certain other units of this period exist.

If you were historically accurate would a Japanese unit line go straight from Edo period units directly to Meiji period?

BTW thankyou for the link Shiro, its very interesting.

 

[Ozymandias]

On topic I know there is a Meiji period rifleman, but I'm not certain other units of this period exist.

Sandris has a fine example (Rifleman) which I believe fits this period.

Best,

Oz