It has been my intention so to arrange them as to make the antique methods accessible to the student without the labor of searching the pages of books in various languages, many of which are very difficult to procure, and much more so to understand.

There are those who affect to ridicule the study of obsolete weapons, alleging that it is of no practical use ; everything, however, is useful to the Art of Fence, which tends to create an interest in it, and certain it is that such contests as Rapier and Dagger, Two hand Sword, or Broadsword and Handbuckler, are a very great embellishment to the somewhat monotonous proceedings of the ordinary assault of arms.

The combination's presented will be found extremely useful as forms of set play for combats on the dramatic stage.

I presuppose that, before turning his attention to the swordsmanship of bygone centuries, our student will have made himself reasonably proficient in the use of the modern arms–the foil and the sabre–under the tuition of some competent master.

Satisfy your curiosity about historical weapons with this informative guide.

CHAPTER I – INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER II – THE TWO–HAND SWORD

• To Salute
• Guards
• The Cuts
• The Moulinets
• The Parries
• Combinations

CHAPTER III– RAPIER AND DAGGER

• The Guards
• The Thrusts
• Feints
• The Parries
• Combinations
• Master

CHAPTER IV – BROADSWORD AND BUCKLER

• The Guard
• The Progressions of Marozzo
• The Attack
• Parries
• Combinations

CHAPTER V – RAPIER AND CLOAK

• Throwing the Cloak

CHAPTER VI – DAGGER AND CLOAK

CHAPTER VII – THE CASE OF RAPIERS

• The Parries

CHAPTER VIII – THE TRANSITION PERIOD

• Seizure Of Both Sword And Person

CHAPTER IX – THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY

• The Disarms By Seizing The Sword

Equipment, materials and methods for the measurement of the bio-mechanical parameters governing knife stab attacks have been developed and data has been presented that are relevant to the improvement of standards for the testing of stab–resistant materials.

A six–camera Vicon motion analysis system was used to measure velocity, and derive energy and momentum during the approach phase of the attack and a specially developed force–measuring knife was used to measure three–dimensional forces and torque during the impact phase. The body segments associated with the knife were modeled as a series of rigid segments: trunk, upper arm, forearm and hand.

The velocities of these segments, together with knowledge of the mass distribution from bio-mechanical tables, allowed the calculation of the individual segment energy and momentum values. The instrumented knife measured four components of load: axial force (along the length of the blade), cutting force (parallel to the breadth of the blade), lateral force (across the blade) and torque (twisting action) using foil strain gauges.

Three styles of stab were used: a short thrust forward, a horizontal style sweep around the body and an overhand stab. These styles were chosen based on reported incidents, providing more realistic data than had previously existed.

Twenty volunteers were asked to stab a target with near maximal effort in this experiment.

Fighting men have long realized the need for a full, practical, easy–to–understand study on close combat.

The step–by–step photographs and accompanying text of "Cold Steel", are intended to fill this need. But the book has another purpose–to instill confidence in the man by proving that the principles of hand– to–hand combat can be mastered easily and surely.

Years of practical experience and observation have proved that the age–old practice of using the bayonet primarily as a pike leaves much to be desired. The principles of bayonet fighting advocated by John Styers are designed for simplicity and naturalness of action, resulting in maximum confidence in the student in a minimum amount of time.

The technique of knife fighting is a product of our own American heritage. Styers does not borrow the methods used traditionally by other nations. He has followed the developments of the late Colonels James Bowie and A.J. Drexel Biddle in evolving what is probably the deadliest knife fighting technique in the world.

Personal contact with an enemy when unarmed results in a fast, deadly action. Here again simplicity of application and effectiveness of results are emphasized. Man's natural weapons, provided by nature, are described. Vulnerable targets on the opponent's anatomy are designated. Simple and effective methods of applying these natural weapons on the targets are prescribed.

The stick or club is a useful weapon in an emergency for the soldier and a traditional companion for most law enforcement officers. The versatility of this easily acquired weapon is fully covered.

Knife throwing is a fascinating pastime. For those who would like to master this art, Mr. Styers has included clearly defined directions which will provide consistent results after a brief period of practice.

Whether it's knife throwing, the bayonet, knife fighting, unarmed combat of the stick, practice and application of the prescribed principles will bring proficiency and confidence.

In the course of these studies he received expert instruction in the art of Chinese "Boxing" from one of the retainers of the late Dowager Empress.

He received special instruction in Foil and Dagger fighting from several of the finest instructors in the Far East. Although a non–resident of Japan, he was admitted to Kodokan Jui–Jitsu University, where he was eventually awarded the Black Belt (NIDAN) = Second Degree.

During his career he has held appointments as Chief Instructor in Close Combat Fighting to the Shanghai Municipal Police, British Commandos and the Office of Strategic Services, U.S.A. Combing all this knowledge, plus practical experience gained during over 2,000 Riot Calls in Shanghai, he is now publishing his latest book on Knife Fighting.

This manual describes methods developed and practiced over a number of years and in spite of their un–orthodoxy, they have stood up to the practical test during World War II in the Far East and elsewhere.

A "must read" book for all men serving in the Armed Forces.

It covers such topics as: selecting a tomahawk, stances, advantages, disadvantages, different strikes, defense and more.

An excellent fully illustrated primer to tomahawk fighting.

Even more invaluable for anyone planning on making their own blades.

This handbook is written in easy to understand laymen terms and illustrated throughout.

Covered in this comprehensive guide:

Pure Iron

• Summary

Solutions and Phase Diagrams

• Solutions
• Phase Diagrams
• Summary

Steel and the Fe–C Phase Diagram

• Low Carbon Steels (Hyoeutectoid Steels)
• High Carbon Steels (Hypereutectoid Steels)
• Eutectoid Steels
• The A1, Ae1,Ac1, Ar1 Nomenclature
• References
• Summary

The Various Microstructures of Room Temperature Steel

• Optical Microscope Images of Steel Grains
• Room Temperature Microstructures of Hypo– and Hypereutectoid Steels
• Microstructure of Quenched Steel
• Martensite
• Two Types of Martensite
• The Ms and Mf Temperatures
• Martensite and Retained Austenite
• Bainite
• Spheroidized Microstructures
• Summary

Mechanical Properties

• The Tensile Test
• The Hardness Test
• The Notched Impact Test
• Fatigue Failure and Residual Stresses
• References
• Summary

The Low Alloy AISI Steels

• Manganese in Steel
• Effect of Alloying Elements on Fe–C Phase Diagram
• References
• Summary

Diffusion

• Carburizing and Decarburizing
• References
• Summary

Control of Grain Size by Heat Treatment and Forging

• Grain Size
• Grain Growth
• New Grains formed by Phase Transformation
• New Grains formed by Recrystallization
• Effects of Alloying Elements
• Particle Drag
• Solute Drag
• References
• Summary

Hardenability of Steel

• IT Diagrams
• Hardenability Demonstration Experiment
• CT Diagrams
• The Jominy End Quench
• Hardenability Bands
• References
• Summary

Tempering

• Tempered Martensite Embrittlement (TME)
• Effect of %C on toughness
• Effect of Alloying Elements
• References
• Summary

Austenitization

• Single Phase Austenitization
• Homogenization
• Austenite Grain Growth
• Two–Phase Austenitization
• References
• Summary

Quenching

• Special Quenching techniques
• Martempering
• Austempering
• Variation on Conventional Austempering
• Characterization of Quench Bath Cooling Perfomance
• Oil Quenchants
• Polymer Quenchants
• Salt Bath Quenchants
• References
• Summary

Stainless Steels

• Ferritic Stainless Steels
• Martensitic Stainless Steels
• Optimizing Martensitic Stainless Steels for Cutlery Applications
• Example Heat Treatment using AEB–L
• Austenitic Stainless Steels
• Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steels (PHSS)
• References
• Summary

Tool Steels

• Tool Steel Classification
• The Carbides in Tool Steels
• Special heat treatment effects with tool steels
• References
• Summary

Solidification

• Factor 1 – Microsegregation
• Factor 2 – Grain Size and Shape
• Factor 3 – Porosity
• References
• Summary

Cast Irons

• Gray and White Cast Irons
• Ductile and Malleable Cast Iron
• References
• Summary

Index

• Appendix A – Temperature Measurement A1
• Thermocouples A1
• Radiation Pyrometers A3
• References A7
• Stainless Steels for Knife–makers B

In the UK these are usually required to have a stab resistance as specified by the Police Scientific Development Branch KR42 standard [G. Parker, PSDB Stab Resistant Body Armour Test Procedure, Police Scientific Development Branch, Publication No 10/ 93, 1993].

There are several other test standards, all of which specify that body armour must resist penetration by a specific blade type delivered at a specific energy level or range of levels. However, the actual range of energy levels specified varies over almost an order of magnitude and the basis for these levels is not clearly defined.

This paper describes tests to determine the energy range and characteristics of stabbing actions that might be directed against stab resistant body armour by an assailant. The energy and velocity that can be achieved in stabbing actions has been determined for a number of sample populations.

Volunteers were asked to stab a target using an instrumented knife that measured the axial force and acceleration during the stabbing.

The will to meet and destroy in hand–to–hand combat is the spirit of the bayonet.

It springs from die fighter's confidence, courage, and grim determination, and is the result of vigorous training. Through training, the fighting instinct of the individual soldier is developed to the highest point.

The will to use the bayonet first appears in the trainee when he begins handling the bayonet, and increases as his confidence grows. The full development of his physical prowess and complete confidence in his weapon culminates in a skillful solider.

For the enemy, demoralizing fear of the bayonet is added to the destructive power of every bomb, shell, bullet, and grenade,which supports and precedes the bayonet attack.

Learn  more about this lethal weapon in this detailed training manual.

Contents:

I. GENERAL:

• The spirit of the bayonet
• Uses of the bayonet
• Principles of bayonet fighting
• Developing bayonet fighter

II. POSITIONS AND MOVEMENTS:

• General
• Guard
• High port
• Whirl
• Long thrust
• Withdrawal from long thrust
• Short thrust and withdrawal
• Parries
• Butt strokes and slashes
• Section Par. Page

III. GROUP ASSAULT TACTICS:

• General
• Group assault tactics

IV. BAYONET AND KNIFE DISARMING:

• General
• Bayonet disarming
• Knife disarming

V. ADVICE TO INSTRUCTORS:

• The instructor
• Conduct of classes
• Sequence of training
• Conduct of training
• Training aids
• Training in group assault tactics
• Assault course
• Bayonet and knife disarming