Cut & Thrust
Cut & Thrust Definitions
Many kingdoms have different interpretations of what makes a good blow. In addition to the basic rapier blows, we've put together research on the exact verbage for each kingdom.
Society
- 3.B: Chopping or hacking blows are not permitted in light or heavy rapier combat. For cut and thrust rapier, they still must be delivered with sufficient control.
- 4.C: In rapier combat, blows will be counted as though they were struck with a real blade, extremely sharp on point and edge. Any blow that would have penetrated the skin shall be counted a good blow. Any blow that strikes a mask, helm or gorget shall be counted as though it struck flesh. Kingdoms shall not alter this standard.
Æthelmearc
- IV.A.3 At all times cuts must be controlled and pulled sufficiently so as not to injure the opponent while still retaining the necessary contact and pressure to validate the cut. (Enough contact that a reasonable person could be expected to calibrate properly.)
An Tir
- 5.6.1.b: ... if a blow is felt AND was delivered using a valid attack ... then it must be called as good.
Ansteorra
- III.A.4: Cut and thrust combat also includes the use of percussive cuts as a valid blow. Percussive cuts must always be delivered with sufficient control as not to injure the opponent while still delivering the necessary impact for a valid cut.
- III.B: Chopping or hacking blows are not permitted in light or heavy rapier combat. For cut and thrust combat, they still must be delivered with sufficient control.
- IV.A: In judging blows, all fighters are presumed to be wearing common civil attire of the period, not armor. For the sake of definition, the standard for civil attire is assumed to be lower stocks (hose), upper stocks (pants), a shirt, a doublet or doublet/jerkin combination, and shoes (not boots). No blow may be discounted because of actual clothing or equipment worn unless agreed upon ahead of time.
- IV.D: In rapier combat, blows will be counted as though they were struck with a real blade, extremely sharp on point and edge. Any blow that would have penetrated the skin shall be counted a good blow.
Atenveldt
- "a clear, unimpeded blow with intent"
Atlantia
- A valid percussive cut is any cut with positive force. Combattants will decide prior to the bout what constitutes an excessive blow, and maintain proper control over their shots. Combattants who land blows above what has been agreed upon between them may be subject to sanction by the marshal. Any blow deliberately landed will be called either a wound or a kill.
Drachenwald
- Percussive Cut: for Cut-andthrust fencing only. Cut-and-thrust fencing is intended to allow a closer replication historical fencing practice, accordingly only cuts delivered with a percussive impact count as valid cuts.
- Draw cuts, push cuts and tip cuts are not counted as valid blows in Cut-and-thrust fencing in Drachenwald. Exceptions are cuts to the throat and to a hand grasping the cutting blade.
- Percussive cuts must always be delivered with sufficient control so as not to injure the opponent while still delivering the necessary impact for a valid cut. The percussion need not be heavy impact, so long as it is noticeable and carried out in the manner of a valid cut. An injury is defined as something that causes the person to be unable to continue fighting, even briefly.
- Simulated Face Strike: In Cut-and-thrust fencing, simulated strikes may be made to an opponents mask by fist, pommel or other suitable hard object. Such strikes must not involve actual physical impact. They may be indicated using gesture and verbal indications (e.g. waving the pommel in front of the opponents face and saying rap! rap! rap!).
Ealdormere
- Use Society Rules
East
- I.A: Thrusts, draw cuts and tip cuts, as defined in the EK Rules section II.C.(1)(a), are valid when using cut & thrust rapier.
- I.B: Cut and thrust rapier also includes the use of percussive cuts as a valid blow. Percussive cuts must always be delivered with sufficient control so as not to injure the opponent while still delivering the necessary impact for a valid cut. This provision is an exception to the EK Rules section II.C.(1)(b).
- I.C: When using cut and thrust rapier, cuts with the flat of the blade shall not be counted as valid blows; only cuts with the edge of the blade shall be counted.
- II.B: A percussive cut, draw cut and tip cut shall be acknowledged as valid if such blow would result in a debilitating injury if delivered with a sharp sword against a target wearing civilian clothes (shirt, wool doublet, etc), but which does not actually injure the person being struck. Control is essential.
This calibration standard for cuts is by definition heavier than that used in light and heavy rapier. Therefore, fencers who choose to participate in Cut & Thrust combat must acknowledge that they will routinely be struck with harder blows than they would normally receive in light and heavy rapier. However, fighters are still responsible for the effect of their blows, and must act with the safety of their opponents and themselves in mind.
For reference:
- II.C.(1)(a): Valid blows are struck by: thrusting with the point of the blade (thrust); sliding the edge of the blade by pulling (draw cut) or pushing (push cut) across the target; or by placing the tip of the blade upon, and then drawing it across the target (tip cut); or by discharging a projectile weapon so that the rubber projectile hits the target (shot).
Gleann Abhann
- VALID BLOWS
- INVALID BLOWS
- Push cuts, tip cuts, and draw cuts are not valid blows for cut-and-thrust, unless they are reasonable recreations of a documented blow (such as an "abschnit"). Cut and thrust partners should discuss between themselves the presumed efficacy of cuts with questionable percussion.
- Chopping or hacking blows are not permitted. Percussive cuts must be delivered with control.
- Cuts which land "flat" (the edge of the blade does not come in contact with the target) are not valid.
- JUDGING BLOWS
Valid blows for cut-and-thrust are struck by either thrusting with the point of the blade ("A thrust") or a controlled percussive cut ("a cut"). Percussive cuts must always be delivered with sufficient control so as not to injure the recipient, while still delivering the necessary impact for a valid cut. An injury i s defi ned as something that causes the person to be unable to continue fighting, even briefly'.
The VALIDITY of any given blow shall be judged by the recipient of that blow. However, cut-and-thrust participants are always encouraged to discuss questionable blows with each other.
Midrealm
- 1.2.13.A VALID BLOWS
- 1.2.13.B INVALID BLOWS
- Push cuts, tip cuts and draw cuts are not valid blows for cut-and-thrust, unless they are reasonable recreations of a documented blow (such as an "abschnit"). Cut and thrust partners should discuss between themselves the presumed efficacy of cuts with questionable percussion.
- Chopping or hacking blows are not permitted. Percussive cuts must be delivered with control. 3) Cuts which land "flat" (the edge of the blade does not come in contact with the target) are not valid.
Valid blows for cut-and-thrust are struck by either thrusting with the point of the blade ("A thrust") or a controlled percussive cut ("a cut"). Percussive cuts must always be delivered with sufficient control so as not to injure the recipient, while still delivering the necessary impact for a valid cut.
Northshield
- 1.2.B.1: In Cut-and-thrust swordplay, valid blows are struck by thrusting with the point of the blade (thrust) or cutting with a percussive impact (percussive cut). Percussive cuts must always be delivered with sufficient control so as not to injure the opponent while still delivering the necessary impact for a valid cut. An injury is defined as something that causes the person to be unable to continue fighting, even briefly'.
Trimaris
- Use Society Rules
Outlands
- IV. Use of Weapons Percussive cuts are permitted as a component of Cut and Thrust Rapier ONLY. Their use in regular rapier will be considered grounds for revocation of authorization in the case of repeat offenders. (It is acknowledged that such blows MAY occur by accident and marshals enforcing this rule MUST take this into consideration). Percussive cuts shall be delivered with sufficient control so as not to injure the opponent whilst still delivering sufficient impact for a valid cut. Draw and push cuts will require the initial percussive element to be considered effective.
- IV. Acknowledgment of blows A good blow to the leg or foot shall be considered incapacitating, rendering the fighter incapable of further combat.
West Kingdom
- 1.3.2 Cut and thrust rapier also includes the use of percussive cuts as a valid blow. Percussive cuts must always be delivered with sufficient control so as not to injure the opponent while still delivering the necessary impact for a valid cut.
- a. Percussive cuts shall be delivered with the edge of the blade striking the armor.
- b. Necessary impact is defined as noticeable pressure, with momentum in the direction of the cut.