Practice Notes- Durer's Rondel and Messer

This practice, before kicking of a month of proper sword and dagger, we decided to look at something a bit more unusual. Albrecht Dürer, in attempting to secure patronage from Maximilian I, wrote a manual based on existing documents from the Nuremberg tradition. This one section (really just three plates) seems to unique on the whole.

Many of Dürer's messer-alone plates feature the left hand behind the back, which is probably a good idea if you're planning on keeping your hands for any length of time. All of the messer text is unglossed, and it contain differences when compared to earlier messer manuals such as Hans Leckuchner.

What I find interesting though are three plates that follow closely to these. In these plates are the only depictions (that I've found in any event) of grossemesser and rondel dagger. To me these are especially interesting because this could very well be close to what an 'everyday carry' would look like in 1500s Germany. Afterall, a messer is basically an oversized utility knife, and a rondel or similar dagger was frequently kept at the small of the back.

Additionally, the last two on the page worked well as double time attacks- namely you could block with the sword and then bring the dagger in. This could be a helpful priority when you must draw your weapons quickly.

The topmost play is essentially using the weapons to create a crossed guard. The addition of the dagger to block was noticably stronger than just the messer alone, and this also allowed for a smooth bind transfer to free the messer for follow-up.

The second was an overhanded hook/rip to the outside that put a surprising amount of pressure on the wrist. This is also one where you can block with the sword as you draw the dagger and then hook.

The third is nearly the same hook/rip but the grip is underhanded. Despite appearances, it's actually quite difficult to preform an actual disarm, but it does create a lot of uncomfortable pressure on the thumb- and this is with a blunt.