Well I read through some of the posts here in the weapons area, and most of the posts are on eastern asian weapons. Though i do indeed the asian weapons, as well as being asian myself, I have also studied many European weapons. I actually really like some of them. And i have to say that the Renessaince rapier has got to be my favorite weapon because of its light weight, presicion, piercing and slashing potential. Many other European weapons like War swords caught my attention and also war hammers and maces were quite interesting. I would like to know what others think of western european weapons, and if you would like compare them to Asian weapons please do. Also if you can also inform me on fencing information, please post that aswell, since I am very much so interested in fencing. Thank you

http://www.thehaca.com/

I've fenced since I was 17 (I'll be 30 next month), mostly epée - which is the descendant of the duelling sword, and love it. It also gives you highly transferable skills of accuracy, timing and distance. Epée has few rules - basically that you have to hit the other person anywhere on the body at least 0.04 of a second before he hits you. Despite that simple outline, it's actually a very technical sport.

 

That's the only western weapon I've tried - though only from lack of opportunity. I'd also like to learn short staff fighting (short staff is about 8 or 9 feet long, and has two fighting styles: quarterstaff (where you hold the end quarter of the staff - used for distance fighting) and halfstaff (where you hold roughly the centre half of the stick, used for close in fighting).

I too find eurpean swords fascinating. Personnally, I am a fan of the so called Victorian 'Gentleman' swords.

 

Unfortunately, I only have a french shortsword in my collection. Oh well....time will change that

I find I am becoming interested in the flail and the mace.