I am Roland Warzecha, a professional illustrator – and a swordsman. Hence the name ‘Dimicator’ which is a Latin term meaning sword fighter. I present to you cutting-edge research into historical martial arts, and Viking & high medieval sword & shield fighting in particular. I am co-operating with museums, fellow martial artists and scholars worldwide. Renowned expert for historical arms, Dr Alfred Geibig, says: “The careful reconstruction of historical swordsmanship, impressively demonstrated by Mr. Warzecha, is a valuable supplement to archaeological insights, and clearly proves the efficiency of European swords and the sophistication of the associated historical fighting arts.” To get regular up-dates on the archaeology and history of sword & shield and how they were used, sign up for my newsletter! I would be delighted if you would join my quest.
Making A Metal Viking Shield Edge, plus BBB Info
When your shield edge frays out …
Hello craftspeople, researchers and fighters.
It is time for the workshop again, particularly with fighting practice at the Hedeby Bouts coming up this very weekend. I have documented the making of a metal edge reinforcement for my Viking shield, and I share with you a brief video tutorial, plus links to background info.
Being busy preparing for Hedeby, I will only send out invitations for the winter edition of the Berlin Buckler Bouts after my return. So that is when you can officially sign up. Look forward to meeting no less than five fellow sword & shield fighters from Alaska in Berlin on 25/26 November this year.
You can still have me add your name to the invitational list by replying to this email.
Save travels everyone, to whichever fencing event you may be journeying.
Full Metal Edging
After a long season, my Viking shield’s edge was in an ill state of repair. Last year’s maintenance did not live up to the task due to a poor choice of raw material. I had to do something about it to avoid further damage of the shield.
Thanks to Tomáš Vlasatý's excellent research, I had become aware of a unique kind of edge reinforcement which is confirmed for a shield from a Viking burial in Ness, Norway. Read about it here.
I found the concept very appealing, and as my six-year-old shield has become an ongoing archaeological experiment, I made new edge fittings, and mounted them to the shield's damaged front edge.
I am quite happy with the result. If you are in the area this weekend, come to Hedeby, and see how it holds up in fencing with sharps & blunts.
Meanwhile, you can watch the five-minute making-of. (Well, that is the video's playing time. The actual process was much, much longer, of course!)
| Watch the video tutorial |
See you at Hedeby, if you like – the weather forecast sounds promising. Take care, and keep your blade well-honed.
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Yours,
Roland
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Dimicator
I am Roland Warzecha, a professional illustrator – and a swordsman. Hence the name ‘Dimicator’ which is a Latin term meaning sword fighter. I present to you cutting-edge research into historical martial arts, and Viking & high medieval sword & shield fighting in particular. I am co-operating with museums, fellow martial artists and scholars worldwide. Renowned expert for historical arms, Dr Alfred Geibig, says: “The careful reconstruction of historical swordsmanship, impressively demonstrated by Mr. Warzecha, is a valuable supplement to archaeological insights, and clearly proves the efficiency of European swords and the sophistication of the associated historical fighting arts.” To get regular up-dates on the archaeology and history of sword & shield and how they were used, sign up for my newsletter! I would be delighted if you would join my quest.
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