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| SCHLAGER-BLADED RAPIER A ritualized form of combat practiced by German university students during the 19th century, called Mensur, were typically fought with razor-edged swords called Schlagers and were governed by a very detailed and strict set of rules (see below). The blades used in these duels are very similar to ones now used on stage in rapier duels by the most noble (and notorious) of Elizabethan characters (minus the razor edge of course). The blades are fairly narrow and flat although they may have a diamond or lozenge cross section. (We prefer the former cross section as it allows for more facets to catch and reflect light.) The points are safely blunted, with enough of a taper to appear sharp and dangerous from the audience's perspective. Schlager blades are seeing increasing use on stage as directors and fight directors strive for a more historically realistic look and feel in their productions. As a visual bonus, schlagers also tend to not "dissappear" in the lights and scenery as much as the thinner epee style blades. MENSUR In these duels, the combatants stand virtually toe to toe and fight a series of rounds (30 to 80 in number), which consist of a half dozen or so cuts apiece aimed at the unprotected areas of your opponent's cheek and forehead (eyes, throat, the crown of the head and the body are fairly well protected to prevent fatal wounds)! Individual rounds are mere seconds in length but each one is a blur of razor sharp steel and the duel ends only when a cut of certain width and depth has been scored or when an especially bloody wound has made continuance impossible. Combatants are always free to quit the combat and walk away but, as this would essentially equate to social suicide, this is virtually unheard of.
"We will rent no weapon that we would not personally use ourselves."
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