Real Men Don't Wear Shields: The Two Sword Fighting Style of Duke Olaf Askoldssonn

You get what you pay for. No pics or diagrams would make it better.

Great book to have on hand for training.

I've been an SCA armored fighter for 38 years. Having come in second to Duke Olaf in Atlantia's Tourney of the Golden Moon (many years ago), the two of us wielding two rattan swords each, I can vouch that he knows what he's talking about. (Disclosure: like Duke Olaf, I favor single swords without thrusting tips.)He's also a friendly, intelligent, and kind dude (who presented the tournament prize to me, a dorky stranger from another kingdom, as a gesture of hospitality). The book's style is clear and fun to read.If you're an SCA fighter considering a two-sword style, you owe it to yourself to read this. For the price of a roll of duct tape, you can soak up the knowledge of one of the best.Even if you're not an SCA fighter, you'll find insights into the physical realities of offense and defense, stance, timing, etc.Well done!

I'm a writer not a fighter. I bought this book looking for historical insights into swordplay. At first I was disappointed that this was not a historical book, but I quickly realized that the author gives a lot of insights into the mind of a fighter. This has helped me as a writer to understand at least a little bit of what goes into sword combat, which I greatly appreciate. My thanks to the author.

If you want two learn from one of the best this book is the next best thing to being able to attend practice at Olies.

This book was written after Olaf had trained and raised numerous knights and a few Dukes. If your in the SCA you need to read this.

I bought this back when rocks were soft--I don't know what updates are in the 2018 version. It was full of great nuggets of knowledge on SCA fighting.It was also very entertaining.I recommend reading this if you would like one fighter's views on SCA fighting.

SCA two-sword fighting has always been fascinating to watch and the author is legendary in this fighting style. I read this book to gain insight into the mind of a strategic fighter and was not disappointed.