Today we take a look at some historical depictions of leather and iron risers on the shafts of late medieval and Renaissance European spears. These are depicted in art for over 200 years, from at least the middle of the 14th century and at least through the 16th. However, it is far from clear what advantages might accrue from putting some leather bands on your spear shaft.
Soldiers' spears feature spiral riser
Dr. Nathan Clough examines the function of spiral wraps, and of indexing risers near the butt end of the haft. This type of leatherwork can be added to your order for a custom fee, drop us an email at aa@arms-n-armor.com for a quote on an upgraded haft. The spear in the video is our Norseman Spear, featuring a differentially hardened spearhead of 4140 carbon steel and a hand-hammered socket on an ash pole. https://www.arms-n-armor.com/collecti...
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As always, our swords and other weapons are entirely made by us, by hand, at our shop in Minneapolis, MN. Sword blades are hand ground of 6150 carbon steel, hardened and tempered to 50-52 Rockwell. All of our products are made to look, feel, and function just like the historical originals on which they are based. Arms & Armor is dedicated to quality and authenticity. For over four decades we have worked with museums, collectors, and scholars around the world to develop a deep understanding of European weapons; knowledge we use to make products that exemplify the finest qualities of the very best historic pieces. When we select historic items to reproduce, being pretty isn't enough, they have to move with grace and beauty, and beg to be used when in the hand. These are pieces that feel as good as they look, and that work as well as they feel. Our mission is to craft items that recreate the look, feel, and function of the best historic originals To commission a custom piece please email us at aa@arms-n-armor.com You can also check out all of our amazing handmade products on our website.
Nathan Clough, Ph.D. is President of Arms and Armor and a member of the governing board of The Oakeshott Institute. He is a historical martial artist and a former university professor of cultural geography. He has given presentations on historical arms at many HEMA events including Longpoint and Combatcon, and presented scholarly papers at, among others, The International Congress on Medieval Studies.
Craig Johnson is the Production Manager of Arms and Armor and Secretary of The Oakeshott Institute. He has taught and published on the history of arms, armor and western martial arts for over 30 years. He has lectured at several schools and Universities, WMAW, HEMAC, 4W, and ICMS at Kalamazoo. His experiences include iron smelting, jousting, theatrical combat instruction and choreography, historical research, European martial arts and crafting weapons and armor since 1985