Reenactment combat often rewards a large, visible action that clearly communicates a cut to participants and spectators. In unarmoured HEMA, a compact cut combines speed with a drawing or pushing action and reaches the opening sooner than a large swing. Armoured fighting presents another problem: swords are less efficient against protection than maces, axes, and polearms. Techniques such as the Mordhau adapt the sword by using its hilt and pommel as an improvised impact weapon when a better armoured-combat weapon is unavailable. The guest also notes longswords with mace-like pommels and spear-like points, designs that blur the boundary between sword and specialist impact or thrusting weapon.
Notable Point · 29:34-31:07
HEMA and reenactment use different cuts
The demonstration contrasts large, visible reenactment blows with compact unarmoured techniques and explains why armour favours other weapons and methods.