left or right

[Caradoc]

I have a question.

I have been wearing my kilt with the left side folded first then the right. Because I am playing a left handed sword fighter. As far as I know this is correct. Am I wrong?

"Playing?"

Are you talking about historical re-enactment, LARPing, or what?

I'm assuming that your kilt is a "pleat and belt" variety of great kilt, or breacan feile, as a "regular" kilt can only be worn the way that its straps can be buckled.

If you're wearing a "great kilt," wear it however you want. I've yet to find any documentation that indicates which apron pleat goes over the other, and I suspect that if one were left-handed, one would do it however one was comfortable with it.

[Shawnesse]

I am a ren faire performer. Yes I know being left handed is an automatic(sp?) death sentance, back in the 1500's. But that is another topic. Most of my kilts are "Wee" (4 yards) kilts.

[Nick]

Actually, the 14th century German sword master Leichtenauer specifically stated that if you were right handed, fight with the right, and if you're left handed fight with the left. You're stronger on the dominant side. His techniques were the basis of German swordplay for at least two centuries and his influence can still be seen in the four target quadrants in modern Olympic style foil fencing.

"Wee" kilt usually reffers to the modern "traditional" kilts, as far as I know. Even a 4 yard great kilt is still a great kilt. A friend of mine has one of that length, and it's just as good as my 6 yarder. The difference is mine has more and deeper pleats and he can get dressed faster!

[Andrew Breecher]

I don't know about Victorian buttons, but even in Japanese culture the men cross clothing left over right (kimono, gi, etc.), and women right over left, just as in Western culture. I don't know why, it's just the way it is.

Andrew.

[Nanook]

I don't know about Victorian buttons, but even in Japanese culture the men cross clothing left over right (kimono, gi, etc.), and women right over left, just as in Western culture. I don't know why, it's just the way it is.

I refer the interested reader to the 8th century Taihô-Yoro code. The code demanded that all robes, following the Chinese custom, should be crossed left over right. The custom of some robes being worn right over left, I think, is no earlier than the Meiji era and in direct influence of an internalization (a Japanese trait) of European style.

[Caradoc]

Yes I know being left handed is an automatic(sp?) death sentance, back in the 1500's.

Nope. Myth. Many of the period manuals included instructions for lefties.

[davedove]

Nope. Myth. Many of the period manuals included instructions for lefties.

In theory, a left handed fighter would have an advantage over a right handed one. Because many more people were right handed, RH folks would be most accustomed to fighting other RH and LH would have unexpected moves. The LH would have practiced mostly against RH.

Of course, the best swordsmen would be able to face any opponent.

[Caradoc]

Of course, the best swordsmen would be able to face any opponent.

(From one of the best-choreographed sword combat scenes ever filmed...)

Inigo: Begin. You are using Bonetti's defense against me, uh?

Dread Pirate Roberts: I thought it fitting, considering the rocky terrain.

Inigo: Naturally, you must expect me to attack with Capo Ferro.

Dread Pirate Roberts: Naturally, but I find that Thibault cancels Capo Ferro, don't you?

Inigo: Unless the enemy hasn't studied his Agrippa, which I have!

[pause]

Inigo: You are wonderful!

Dread Pirate Roberts: Thank you. I've worked hard to become so.

Inigo: I admit it, you are better than I am.

Dread Pirate Roberts: Then why are you smiling?

Inigo: Because I know something you don't know.

Dread Pirate Roberts: And what is that?

Inigo: I am not left-handed.

Dread Pirate Roberts: You're amazing!

Inigo: I ought to be after twenty years.

Dread Pirate Roberts: There is something I ought to tell you.

Inigo: Tell me.

Dread Pirate Roberts: I'm not left-handed either.

[cavscout]

And a very good movie as a whole hmmmmmmm, Andre the Giant in a kilt

[arrogcow]

(From one of the best-choreographed sword combat scenes ever filmed...)

It's the second best sword fight ever filmed (to that point). It says so in the script.

Adam