Hi everyone, My name is Hank Reinhardtand I've just joined this group. I founded Museum Replicas in 1985, sold it in 95,, and my contract expires this January. Which is OK, because they never listened to me anyway. I've been involved with arms and armor most of my life. I start seriously studying it when I was about 19-20, started collecting when I was in Germany in 56-58 and have been avid and serious student since then. I confess to having been in the SCA in 1968, started the groups inthe South then, dropped out in 73 when I just couldn't handle the politics of the groups. Name then was Ulric of Wolfhaven. A choice I regret. When I met Sybil and Ewart oakeshott (fell madly in love with Sybil, sigh, Ewart saw her first) she named me Hankfin. Sill wonder why I didn't come up with that name. Sadly Sybil passed away a short time ago. I can only feel sorry for those of you who never had the pleasure to meet the Oakeshotts, A more gracious, delightful, entertaining couple you would never find.But filled with the iron that saw the UK handle the Blitz with aplomb.
Like Ewart, I consider myself a serious student, and do not believe there are experts in this field. The weapons were made by individuals, for individuals and while fashion may have been important, personal taste was also. Too many people ignore that these weapons were made for young men to use in killing other young men. Brutal, but true.
I have had an advantage that most of you will have lacked. With owning MRL I was able to gather well made replicas, and study them to the point of destruction. Rank has its priviliges and I damn sure made the most of it.
In reading over the post I was impressed, it was not the usual nonsense that I have run across. I hope to be active, but not sure how much time I can spend. I am finishing a book on swords, finishing the touches on some practise weapons that a friend of mine and I have patented, thinking of teaching swordplay again, and doing my best to stay off old age. I am blessed with an Iron Willpower, but at 71 my body is doubly blessed with Steel Won't Power. In January I will turn 72, and the following week I will do what I have done for the past few years, have som friends over, shoot bows, throw axes, and do my dead level best to beat some of the young kids with rapier and sword and dagger, Have a websit up, but not finished, hankreinhardt .com.

Hi Hank. I look forward to your input. Welcome,W.

I'd like to offer a warm welcome to you, Hank. I, for one, am honored that you've joined this forum. I'm sure that you have a tremendous amount to offer here. On a personal note, you and your company have had a huge impact on my interest in swords since I was a teenager and I'd like to thank you for that. I raise my glass to you.

Hi Hank, and welcome aboard! Glad to have you amongst us sword lovers. :)

Hank Reinhardt wrote:

I am finishing a book on swords, finishing the touches on some practise weapons that a friend of mine and I have patented,

Ooo! Both of these tidbits of news sound excellent! I look forward to seeing what you come out with!

Hello Mr. Reinhardt, it is indeed a pleasure to have you on board here. A thousand welcomes.


Cheer's

Bill

Hank, it's an excellent thing that you are here. With the addition of you and others who love swords, it is sure to be a grand time.

Best,

Eric

Greetings & welcome, Mr. Reinhardt

We are thrilled that you have come to join us, and very much welcome your experience, input, and any and all stories of your exciting adventures!

Slàinte, & best wishes, Mac

Welcome, welcome, Mr. Reinhardt. I have to echo Jay Barron, in that you have had a profound impact in my early years as a student of the sword and its histories. It is something of an honor to have you with us.

Welcome, Hank!

Hello Hank

Good to have you here. Its been way to long since we have had a beer and talked swords. Have you stayed in touch with Nils? I email him every once in a great while but have not heard much for a long time. Good to know you are still kicking butt and talking names.

Look forward to discussing and learning.

Keep well
Craig

Hank,

I will consider my self lucky if I ever manage to acquire a fifth of the relevant experience you've collected. Welcome and thank you for offering to share here.

Best regards,
Joe

Welcome Mr. Reinhardt, your input here will be most appreciated. I also would like to personally say thank you. Years ago, it was my exposure to the MRL catalog that brought me to the realization that someone was actually producing quality replicas. It was a refreshing change from the usual cheap or stainless steel wall hangers.

Cool... glad to see you posting here. Lots of "interesting people" show up on this site... :D

Cheers!

Gordon

I can only repeat a warm welcome to this site and I hope you will enjoy your participation here as much as we will enjoy learning from you or even arguing with you in a respectful way. :cool:

Learning the pluses and pitfalls of the sometimes mutually contradictory goals of making historically accurate swords and running a business. ( Unless you want to get away from that subject :?: )

I can think of a lot of questions about destructive testing / performance against various targets etc ....... But I leave that for later. :lol:

Once again, welcome to myArmoury Hank. It's great to have someone with your experience participating here, and thanks for the kind words.

Well, along with the rest, welcome. Like others have said, MRL...hmmm, saw my first catalog in 1986 or 87. I was immediately fired up! Never lost the bug, and even went on to work for Albion as a result. I've always wondered, why have I never seen Hank post anywhere before? Well your here know and I hope you have a good time of it.

A thousand welcomes to you Hank! :) I must say, it was MRL that initially got me into collecting sharp, pointy things when I first saw your products way back during the 1998 Ohio RenFestival. Been doing it ever since! I guess that puts you as one of the founding members of my (and our) hobby! Jay and I both raise our glasses to you. -Ted H.

Welcome aboard, Hank! Not sure that you really needed the introduction, though, since I think that your name is pretty well known in our circles. I look forward to learning from a serious student.

Hank,

Great news you have joined this forum.
I am very much looking forward to hear your thoughts and benefit from your insights!

Welcome!

Welcome to the forum Hank! I look foward to read more informative posts from you in the future! :D