The weapons of the Liechtenauer Tradition were numerous, but the principles behind their use were universal. The exemplar weapon of the tradition, that is the weapon used to teach these principles, was the longsword. This is the weapon that occupies most of our time and effort. The longsword is the most difficult of the weapons to learn and master, for its use requires the utmost in full body coordination and discipline. Once learned, the skills of the longsword are transferable to every other weapon in the system.

Longsword: The longsword is primarily a 14th and 15th century weapon, though it was most likely in use much earlier and survived in some form in later centuries. It is a double edged sword with a blade length averaging approximately 36” (much longer and much shorter examples abound). Its hilt is long enough for two hands but it is light enough to be used in one. It is a very versatile weapon, offering superior speed, power and range over a single handed sword while maintaining the ability to be used from horseback.

Dagger: The most common type of dagger in the 14th and 15th centuries was the rondel, a long and slender thrusting weapon, sometimes without a sharp edge. Unlike the longsword, it would have been worn almost universally. It was the go to weapon for personal defense in the cities, villages and while travelling when nothing more substantial was available. Its use is closely related to Ringen, the grappling of the Liechtenauer tradition, which is not listed here as a weapon, though the time we spend in its study is second only to the longsword.

Sword and Buckler: The shorter arming sword was often worn with a small round shield called a buckler. This shield compensated for the single hand sword's disadvantages and created a formidable weapon combination. There isn’t much material in the tradition on the use of the sword and buckler, but that is because the longsword material is directly applicable.

Spear: The spear is a weapon that has been with us since we first started to use tools and is still with us today in one form or another. We practice the use of the long and short spears in both armored and unarmored contexts.

Poleaxe: The poleaxe is a devastating weapon of the knightly class, capable of killing a man in plate armor with a single blow. The design of the head varied greatly, generally bearing an axe or hammer upon the damaging face, with a spike, hammer, or fluke on the reverse. In addition, there was a projection from the top (often square in cross section) built somewhat like a dagger. The head was attached to the squared-off wooden pole by long flat strips of metal, which were riveted in place on either two or four of its sides, called langets. Sometimes a round hilt-like disc called a rondel was placed just below the head. The poleaxe is NYHFA’s favorite staffed weapon and we spend a good deal of time on it.

Messer: The word messer means “knife.” It began life as an alternative to swords for the lower classes, since it was a knife, and knives were never outlawed. Its use caught the attention of fencing masters who adopted it into their curriculums and it soon found favor among the fashion minded upper classes. The use of the messer is a cross between the longsword and ringen, which makes it similar to the use of the dagger.