Late Republican Re-Enactment groups + handspun fibre query

[Neuraleanus]

For a military example, what does it feel like to wield a blade for hours on end? What does it feel like when it contacts a shield does it vibrate, or is it a harsh jar? Does it grip into the shield or glance off?

Well I cannot say too much about wielding a blade for hours on end, as I haven't yet done that, but I do have a bit of experience of shield on shield. At last year's Nashville event, we stood in two lines facing each other, the clash was supposed of been choreographed, aim for the guy to your left, do not worry about the guy on your right. Guess what? I do as I'm told, I clash with the guy on my left, and then here comes the guy opposite to me from my right. I see him, turn about with my scutum raised high, but I wasn't prepared for the impact. The upper edge of my scutum and my nose make contact. I had a sore nose for at least a week after-wards.

You also learn what works and what doesn't. I saw many smashed shield bosses that day. Mine is made from 14 gauge steel. It came through with only a tiny dent. A legionaire doesn't go cheap on his scutum.