Medieval weapons, armor, and their use. A mythbusting panel; combat realities. 

I've collected antique arms and armor since 1989. I have made armor for years. My library is literally not replaceable. Parts of my collection have been published many times. This is the first time that we can talk about everything, from modern swords to ancient ones, to collecting, to using for fighting, to cut-testing. If you like swords, come talk!

Discussing experimental archaeology, historical reenactment, recreating the past for recreation, and what we learn from them all.

A workshop on making steampunk guns.

 Armor and Weapons mythbusting. A look into physics, engineering, and biomechanics of medieval and fantasy weaponry.

A workshop to learn the basics of making chain mail for use as armor or jewelry.  Tools and supplies will be supplied.

I'll bring armor and weapons, let's discuss the past, present, and future.  You can handle antique weapons and armor, modern recreations, and discuss what the future may hold.

A hands-on discussion from the bronze age to Bulletproof Vests, with a focus towards the 1800s.

Let's all learn a skill to turn metal links into something you'll be proud to show off!

This panel will teach you the very basics of how to swing a broadsword effectively. Footwork, Range, Breathing, and finally, good form and power. Participants are encouraged to bring their own training swords. Some training weapons will be available.

A fan of the Star Wars movies and games is meeting with a historical sword fighter to discuss light saber forms and fighting, and to compare various aspects of it to historical longsword and rapier fighting.  We'll be playing with lightsabers, and if you bring yours we'll walk you through various training forms!

We know that swords can't cut machine gun barrels, but can a steel breastplate stop a bullet?  Does a hero really need a helmet?  Back-scabbards look great, but would you ever want one in real life?  Does it really take a crane to get a knight onto horseback for a joust?  Lots of myths come from movies, books, and legends.  I'll bring historic weapons and armor and lets handle them and learn about the way they really behave.

Panelists will discuss our favorite and least favorite sword fights in movies, analyze fights, and discuss what makes them great or just "meh."

Making chainmail, either as armor or as jewelry.  If time allows, both!

So you want to buy a sword, but what is it you are looking for?  Something for sparring?  Something for hanging on the wall?  Something from a series you like?  Something that resonates inside when you hold it?  As a longtime collector and practitioner of sword-based martial arts, lets talk about things like where to get a sword that you can trust your life to in a simulated fight, quality vs cost for reproductions, and what to do if you want to take the plunge into o...

A hands-on discussion with antique swords and armor, from the perspective of a historian, reenactor, collector, and writer.