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Our new DSMR (Deputy Society Marshal for Rapier) has approved a variety
of new blades for experimentation in Rapier and Cut & Thrust. This
is exciting news for us since we have been on hold for years now
concerning the many new blades manufacturers are now making for us and
the rest of the WMA community. He has asked that we experiment with
these blades and give him feedback before Pensic.<br>
<br>
So, I hereby approve following blades for experimental use in Ansteorra:<br>
<b><br>
Epee & Foil<br>
</b>
<ul>
<li>Hanwei main gauche dagger blade</li>
</ul>
<br>
<b>Rapier</b><br>
<ul>
<li>Windlass Flamberge</li>
<li>Darkwood Sapda</li>
<li>Darkwood curved blades from the #5 blank (7/8" wide) e.g. late
saber</li>
<li>Hanwei hollow ground practical rapier</li>
<li>Hanwei main gauche dagger blade</li>
</ul>
<br>
<b>C&T</b><br>
<ul>
<li>MKA30 Wide</li>
<li>Darkwood Spada</li>
<li>Darkwood curved blades from the #5 blank (7/8" wide) e.g. late
saber</li>
<li>Darkwood curved blades from the #6 blank (1" wide) e.g. katana,
hussar
saber, swiss saber, hanger</li>
<li>Darkwood curved blades from the #7 blank (1 1/4" wide) e.g.
cutlass,
dussage, grosse messer</li>
<li>Hanwei main gauche dagger blade</li>
<li>Hanwei three fullered practical longsword -- Note: This is a fine
blade but it requires more skill to control than does the typical
C&T blade. It is best used by those with training in longsword
technique since it does not move like a rapier, sidesword or backsword.</li>
</ul>
<br>
<b>What does experimental mean?</b><br>
Experimental means that we can use the blades but they don't yet have
final approval from SCA inc. Based on the results of our
experimentation the DSMR will make a final determination whether to
approve these blades for everyone to use.<br>
<br>
The odds are these blades will be approved but you are taking a risk in
buying and using them as the DSMR could decide to ban the blade based
on our results. Based on everything we know we think they are safe and
reasonable for use but it is these experiments we use to make sure.<br>
<br>
<b>How do we experiment?</b><br>
This is simple. Just contact me <u>before using the blade</u> and tell
me what blade you wish to use.
If I approve you then you may use that blade in Ansteorran rapier or
C&T as appropriate. I will add you to a list and contact you for an
update. Here are the conditions:<br>
<ul>
<li>The tip of the blade must be marked with red and green. For
example, you can use a red tip with green tape, a green tip with red
tape, or any other color tip with red and green tape. This same color
combination is used to mark experimental weapons for Ansteorran armored
combat.<br>
</li>
<li>Only authorized fighters may use these blades, even for practice.<br>
</li>
<li>You can use the blade, you can allow your opponent to use the
blade (if he is an authorized fighter), or you can marshal
others(authorized fighters only) as they use the blade (assuming you
are a marshal). The blade cannot be used when you are not there. If the
blade is used in a way that presents a hazard, you are expected to put
the blade away and stop it's use.</li>
<li>The person using the blade must inform his opponent of the
experimental blade and that
opponent must agree to face the blade, <b>even for practice</b>. In
melee each person must agree to face that weapon, which will make it
impractical for large melees.<br>
</li>
<li>You must, <u>must</u>, <u><b>must</b></u> report within 48
hours any incidents
directly to me of excessive hits, injuries, blade failures or other
issues that result from or during the use of this blade.<br>
</li>
<li>Following the conditions above, these blades <u><b>can</b></u>
be used in tournament.<br>
</li>
</ul>
So, mark the blade so we can tell it is experimental, be an authorized
fighter, tell your opponent(s) you are using an experimental blade, and
call or email me if something goes wrong.<br>
<br>
Failure to follow these guidelines -- including reporting if necessary
-- will result in you being removed from the experiment at a minimum.<br>
<br>
As for me, I will be putting in my order for a spada right away.<br>
<br>
Christian Doré, Kingdom Rapier Marshal, Ansteorra<br>
<br>
<br>
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