Band of Iron Lions

There are many types of rapier, but usually a rapier is defined as being a straight, slender, one handed blade that is usually quite elegant, and was often used by gentlemen. It was extremely popular in Western Europe throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. It is designed to be quick and nimble, requiring a great deal of dexterity from its users.
Here we have Mercutio wielding a Spanish style rapier, and Thomas wielding a more Italian style.

The bec de cobin, otherwise known as the crow’s beak, or the French can opener, was a war hammer developed in late medieval France. It has three main parts, a spike at the top, a wedge-like hammer on one side, and a vicious curved beak. All three of these were expertly designed to destroy plate mail. They were made in two heights, that for an infantryman on foot, and one for cavalry. Here we have our French crusader, Sir Daniel, crushing a coconut with it.

Most of the spears our fighters use in the ring are boar spears. These spears have a long spike with wings on either side, used primarily to hunt boars. The wings were effective at stopping the boars from running up the length of the spear, but they’re also useful for parrying and pulling down an opponent’s shield. Unlike most of our equipment, the blades on these do not bend, making them particularly dangerous.

Well guys, this past weekend was a hot one and the heat did get to us and we got a little silly at the Iowa Renaissance Festival!