The Abandonment of the Gladius for the Spatha - Why?

[Robert Vermaat]

Spathae are still unsuitable for fencing - you´d loose your fingers. :!:

Not if you do it right! :twisted:

I'm not sure what Robert means by 'fencing' here, but I used Viking-style swords (descended from and very similar to spathae) in what I'd call 'fencing'/swordplay bouts for years. I still have all my fingers.
A relatively long slashing sword with a useful point and a good centre of balance - sounds perfect for fencing to me.

The point here is, folks, not about a point and a good balance, but about the lack of a cross-guard on all known spathae (these are first starting to develop on Anglo-Saxon swords). Any blow glancing off from the blade to your hand will immediately take off your top two knuckles from at least a few fingers. All Late Romans who I discussed this with agrees on that so far. Which is another reason why there is far less swordplay in Late Roman re-enactment. If any, then always with gloves, or not at all. Not just for safety, for necessity. Viking swords have cross-guards, or at least small ones.