[Eric G.]

Just wondering if anyone could help me out here. My HEMA group has recently started studying bolognese swordsmanship. So far I have really enjoyed it, but I'm having a hard time pinpointing what kind of sword really is intended for this style of martial arts.

Looking at different swords that I think might be appropriate has lead me to realize that I need to expand my understanding of this time period. When looking at swords on Arms and Armor's website or on the Wallace Collection's website, I sometimes cannot tell which swords would be more appropriate a Capo Ferro style rapier and which would fit the Morozzo/Manciolino/Dall' Agocchie.

So, can anyone point out to me some historical examples of swords that would be suitable to this style? What about some appropriate reproductions? Perhaps give me some perimeters as far as blade width/length, taper, weight, point of balance, etc.? I am especially interested in in swords with a bit more of a complex hilt like this one in Nathan's retired collection. http://www.myArmoury.com/swor_pmc_floral.html To be honest, I don't even know if that side sword would be right for the style.

Thanks in advance.

[Roger Hooper]

There are some models over at Darkwood Armory that would be good for that style, like This One

the A&A Serenissima rapier with a blunt side-sword blade would also be good.

[Eric G.]

Thanks Roger,

One of my instructors has been using that Darkwood model. However, as I mentioned, I kinda like a little more hand protection, but I don't know if that fits into the right style. For practice I have been using the Darkwood Schiavona, but that's so much heavier than the two you mentioned. Would any of these A&A models be suited? If not, what style would they be suited for?

http://www.arms-n-armor.com/sets121.html
http://www.arms-n-armor.com/rapier164.html
http://www.arms-n-armor.com/rapier142.html

[Kalle Kylmänen]

our group has been using almost exclusively Peter Regenyi swords, which seem to be working fine. My Darkwood spada blade is a wee bit too long at 38 inches, which makes some follow-up thrusts require more setting up to get the angle right, some are just impossible. But imho these are relative to the opponents blade.
The most of our bolognese swords look like the one on the left in this photo
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/5515...9741_n.jpg

http://regenyei.sg18.net/en_feders.html
We have a few of the "firenze" swords (I atleast associate the pommel with venice o.O) wich have a slightly better balance, and they look pretty sweet. However, the weak is pretty weak. hehe. They could be a little thicker, I remember Peter had a similar problem with his longsword feders in the beginning. One broke during a demo from a non-excessive blow, here's the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuJ9ACn_a20&feature=player_detailpage#t=52s

If the strength issue has already been dealt with in the new firenze feders, I would hihgly recommend the firenze sword, otherwise I'd vouch for the bolognese swords. Of course ordering from the other side of the globe might not be the smartest choice. But comparing to my darksword, regenyi swords (of not counting the possible strenght issues in the foible, wich I hear he has been replacing pretty fairly) are better swords for half the price according to my limited experience.