12-03-2016, 04:13 AM
(12-02-2016, 03:14 PM)Bryan Wrote: I saw this on youtube, two HEMA reenactors sparring with round shields (parma) and spears, one using overhand, the other underhand.
Overarm spear & shield vs underarm - HEMA - Part 1
There are probably too many variables to draw too many conclusions from this one duelling example, in which overhand definitely appears to have the upper hand.
I venture to suggest that an army fighting 'en masse', such as a phalanx cannot dodge about as the duellists do - one must hold one's place in the line and not leave it. Because of this, and the dangers to men in successive ranks from underhand, overhand has very distinct advantages - as I can vouch from personal re-enactment experience. I won't even mention the 'couched' position, the worst of any!!
"dulce et decorum est pro patria mori " - Horace
(It is a sweet and proper thing to die for ones country)
"No son-of-a-bitch ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" - George C Scott as General George S. Patton
Paul McDonnell-Staff
(It is a sweet and proper thing to die for ones country)
"No son-of-a-bitch ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country" - George C Scott as General George S. Patton
Paul McDonnell-Staff