North Western Ohio

[Sara Leonard]

Thank you, that helps with both.

I'm wanting the cut-and-thrust wooden waster sold by New Stirling Arms in the link David previously provided above. I'm assuming that would serve me well enough?

This is more or less how I learned to write essays (and novels) and expand my vocabulary. One definition at a time. I'm prepared for it to take awhile.

I very much appreciate the help.

[Sara Leonard]

So, I'm going to order Capoferro and Giganti both, so my friend and I can each read one and then trade. From the previews it seems much easier to understand and the rapier definitely appeals to us.

We plan to practice the postures with sticks if we have to, then get the wasters to spar.

Thank you, both of you, for the excellent help and recommendations!

[David Kite]

The cut and thrust wasters should suit you just fine. Just bear in mind that the weapons used by Giganti and Capo Ferro are better suited to thrusting and less suited to cutting than the weapon those wasters represent. While both of those guys teach some cutting, they are thrust oriented. Conversely, your wasters will be better at cutting but not quite as nimble at thrusting.

That is just a caveat. Again, you should do just fine pairing those wasters with those books.

Good luck!

David Kite
ARMA in IN

[David Kite]

Also, apart from the lack of hilts, you should also do just fine with the sticks (broom handles, shovel handles, whatever).
When sparring, be very cautious of your faces. Fencing masks, even inexpensive ones, are very highly recommended.

David Kite
ARMA in IN

[Sara Leonard]

I did notice there was an Italian design waster - more expensive, but maybe more an actual rapier? Probably should have the manual match the weapon, if we can. Then again, the cut-and-thrust looks sort of in between a longsword and a rapier, at least to me. So maybe good for both kinds of practice?

[David Kite]

I think you will do just fine with either choice.

David Kite
ARMA in IN

[Sara Leonard]

Ah, ok, great!

Or, I can order one of each and we can explore the relative merits of both!