Customer Reviews

The Book of Swords

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This fantastic book reads like a conversation with the author. Reinhardt was known for his hospitality and eagerness to teach. His book reads very much like he is across the room with you in a comfortable chair telling you about his life's research.

The book's conclusions are backed up with the author's real world experiments with what works in sparring, armor tests, and cutting. He is humorous at times but always factual, and he tells you when he is stating a theory. He is critical of misinformation and dispells myths when they pollute the modern knowledge of swords and swordmanship. The book covers the chronology, geography, metallurgy, and use of swords going all the way back to the dawn of the bronze age.

Hank Reinhardt spent decades testing weapons and reverse engineering fighting styles based on historical evidence. He destroyed equipment most people are not willing to part with. He travelled the world and handled many historical examples. This book will save you years of theorizing and move your study of the sword forward significantly. As one of his former students, this is a chance to meet Hank Reinhardt and get a no-nonsense history of swords.

In a society fraught with habitual hype and melodrama, especially in the arena of martial arts, which includes Western martial practices of the sword, Hank Reinhardt has always been a beacon of empirical pragmatism, never taking himself too seriously, yet always applying his research methods utilizing good science.

This book reflects this realism, not merely as an ideal with which to aspire, but through solid documentation. Unfortunately, Hank died an untimely death before this book could actually be completed, but fortunately, Hank also had completed a rough draft, from which the editors of his estate were able to compile this work.

Divided in fourteen chapters, the book is organized into something of a historical chronology of the sword's evolution through mankind's progression, ending with chapters addressing the basic techniques and mindset attributed to the sword's potential applications in battle, single duels and in friendly competitions.

In the early chapters of this manuscript, Hank delves into the science of the sword's fundamental make up from bronze to iron to steel, giving the reader the facts of a sword's basic structure, which, in effect limits the sword's elemental function. In his usual matter-of-fact, yet humble way, the myths established about the sword are squished in a hurry.

Various sword types are elaborated on in subsequent chapters, discussing the Eastern sword types, including the Japanese swords, as well as Near/Mid-Eastern swords, as well the those swords commonly found originating from Western Europe, from the time of pre-Bronze age through to the late Iron Age.

Not only does Hank discuss the sword through good research from reliable and credible sources and his own empirical experiments, he addresses the issue of armor, which was often in race with the offensive arms creators to negate the effectiveness of the sword's capacity to kill.

Hank constantly stresses to the reader the importance of understanding the context in which the sword was used and how it evolved--this means understanding the social context, the political context, the economical context and cultural aspects under which people lived and died. He warned directly and indirectly about evaluating the sword, and all weapons of this time frame, under the context of our current contemporary cultural and societal influences. To do would be great folly in seeing the sword clearly.

The one weakness of the book, and this is no reflection on Hank Reinhardt, but is merely inherent in the nature of the book and how it had to be completed and that is a feeling of incompleteness with some of the chapters. Hank did die before he could complete this book. Hanks style of writing is as though each reader is talking privately with Hank and he is conveying his personal story to each individual reader. The excellent aspect of this is the reader makes a connection and assimilates the wisdom in a seamless fashion. However, the downside is that, even though the information is seamless, it ends and sometimes with an abruption of, "there's more to be said...and it stops..."

All good writers write multiple drafts until the final one materializes. I know there is more Hank wanted to elaborate on about the focus of his in-depth descriptions. Some, however, feel as though they just stop, and no one can ask Hank, "Okay, what comes next, Sir?" Know, however, this doesn't subtract from the validity and reliability of the information already included. It only leaves the reader wanting more, which may be just the kind of inspiration the reader needs to go out and find answers for the self--which Hank always encouraged, any way.

Hank Reinhardt was one of the true contemporary grand master's of the sword. Never, ever while he was alive, would Hank accept such a title, regardless who might attempt to bestow it upon him. Nor would Hank even dream of self-professing such a grandiose title.

Today, the contemporary commercial martial arts arena is bloated with self-professed masters and grand masters of the area of Western martial arts just as pervasive as, and on par with, what exists, presently, in the Eastern martial arts arena. From this abundance of insecure yet commercially successful martial artists, great disinformation and personal opinion conveyed as fact, about the potential use and application of the sword has begun to proliferate. Something Hank Reinhardt worked so diligently to off-set.

Hank Reinhardt was never about this hype and worked very, very hard to discredit and dispel this type of nonsense with legitimate fact tempered with his brand of humor and always humility. He was always that rare reliable, credible and valid source of information about the sword and everything in history that attaches itself to the sword through history. For this reason alone, this book is its own masterpiece of truth in world overrun with exaggerated claims.

I never did have the opportunity or pleasure of meeting with Hank in person--face to face--but we did manage to correspond, periodically, for a period of several years between 1996 and 1998 via telephone and snail mail.

Honest, straightforward and humble, our communiqués were enlightening--at least for me, and Hank's knowledge of the sword from both a scholarly and pragmatic point of view had no equal as far as I am concerned. Many seem to have tried--most fell way short.

This book is of great historical and scholarly significance, and if anyone has a passion for the sword or even a passing fancy, this text will assist the reader in creating the correct perspective and context through which to properly evaluate the sword in its construction and use.

Rev. A. Bodhi Chenevey, RM, DD
Hikaze Learning Corner
Two Pines Training Facility
Wooster, Ohio

The only book of swordsmanship that discusses the mechanics of cutting in detail with relevant explanations. This may be the book I have waited years to read. The insight and practical knowledge expressed by not only his scholarship but years of experimentation is invaluable. This is a must have for any scholar of the sword and its use.

Hank Reinhardt dedicated his life to learning the truth about swords, from how they were made to how they were used. This book contains information that anyone interested in learning more about swords should have. "The Book of Swords" offers a wealth of knowledge on a variety of topics specific to swords of all types. Some of the topics covered include: the history of the sword from bronze age to modern times, the metallurgy, the different fighting styles, and development of different sowrds. In this book, you will see that Hank Reinhardt spent time not only learning to use swords but how to use a sword correctly through research, experimentation and sparring. Whether a person has a casual interest, or is a serious student of swordplay the book has something for everyone.

One of the most striking things of "The Book of Swords" is the ease of reading. Hank Reinhardt not only had a passion for swords and swordsmanship, but also to share this information. And it shows in this insightful and knowledgeable work. It is a book that you will find yourself reading and referencing again and again.

There are many books written about swords, but like most history they all have the same fault, a vast distance between author and subject. This book represents a valiant effort to close that distance with more than 60 years of research backed up by experiment. Want to know how effective armour was? Well Hank Reinhardt cut it with both replica and original weapons. Have you ever wondered how encumbering maele was? Hear it from a man who ran two miles a day in it. Where fighting is concerned the author begins with an experiment at the age of thirteen and ends with sparring in his seventies. Along the way he examines first hand accounts of historical combat and compares them with modern street fights witnessed by the author.
Is it the most complete book about arms and armour? Reinhardt himself awards that honour to Oakshot and Burton. However, it is likely the most practical and unique of our time, and it certainly closes much of the gap left by the likes of Oakshot.

I have a house full of swords. I have Hank Reinhardt to thank for that. Never met the man. Just know that he was a driving force in stimulating the reproduction of historical weapons as an appreciation of the aesthetic of martial arts. Because guys like this drove their passion I get to come back from a 25 year absenteism from swordplay and find a brave new world of real steel study and fencing, marketable replicas, and US fencers medaling in the Olympics. It's unreal. It's wonderful.

There is a saying that, "those who can do, and those who can't teach". Not that Hank Reinhardt wasn't a tremendous mentor who loved sharing his knowledge with anyone who was willing to be blessed. I just mean that this book, maybe, will disappoint because it is just a taste, an essence, of a man too busy to stop and synthesize all that he had learned and was continuing to do.

But by all means read. There is a very practical worldview imparted on the science and history of swordcraft and use of the weapon. The book finishes with some trenchant observations on the business of swordfighting. None of this stuff is really hard to understand: all of it is frustratingly hard to master.

This book won't teach you to fight. It will give you a chance to "smell the steel" and sense the dance. You'll want to come see and touch.

The Book of Swords provides some interesting information into the types of swords used throughout man's history and the mechanics behind the use of these fascinating weapons. I think the author's theories into the origins for some of the blade styles was well researched. I would have liked, however, to see more on the straight blades used by the early Arab tribes that he briefly touched upon in one of his chapters.

However, I did manage to pick out more than a few areas in which I would beg to differ with Mr Reinhardt.

It is interesting to note that the author considers himself an " empirical pragmatist ", but is given to bouts of romanticism on occasion. He seems to find it difficult to believe that modern sword smiths can craft utility pieces doing the whole process of sword manufacture from start to finish, and yet contradictorily claims that a blacksmith friend of his makes better blades than other makers using the same methods and that this is something that the author does not understand. As a practising blacksmith I can honestly say that if Mr Reinhardt spent some time at the forge he would learn that there are many variables such as time, temperature, fuel used, quenching mediums and the list goes on. Nothing esoteric about it.

The chapter on Fighting with the Sword was very disappointing. The author gives a lot of credence to the writers of the Icelandic Sagas (rightly so) who document warriors fighting or ambushing one another, but is derisive of the late medieval Fechtbuchs. He goes on to state that the manuals are missing training in the improvisation of attacks. Nothing could be further from the truth as anyone who has studied the Liechtenauer styles would know of the various winds, binds, wrestling techniques and counterattacks for numerous situations.

Mr Reinhardt seems obsessed with the " mentality of combat " to the exclusion of technique. The chapter deals mainly with subjects like " Rhythm ", " Intimidation ", " Confidence & Toughness of Spirit " and " Getting into The Zone ". It seems that in Mr Reinhardt's last years he was moving towards a certain philosophical approach to things..." as I have grown older sometimes the Eastern terms are the only ones that fit. Consider Empty Mind... " and " The Empty Mind or The Stillness of the Placid Pond. These are lovely phrases, and once you understood what is meant why, they all make sense ". Nuff said.

The historical martial artist in the Liechtenauer or European tradition will find little of value and should take into account the limitations contained in the book before deciding to order a copy.

Hank Reinhardt's biggest contribution to the study of the sword is that he has influenced many to think about how swords were actually used as opposed to what is seen normally in popular culture. That is an achievement in itself.

Fiancée hasn't read it all, but now and then picks it up to look up some info on our swords

This book would not deserve a bad review but I get the feeling that even if it received one, Hank would not have cared. He wrote the book for those people, like him, who are interetsed in swords. I think that the book is a lovely tribute to him from his family and friends that they finished this work to ensure that it was published even though Hank had passed away before completing it.

Hank wrote that the book was not about the beauty of the form of the sword but about the beauty of the function. Hank does not try to describe every sword that existed nor to give you a complete history of swords, he wants to tell you what he found out from a life time of testing swords. He covered western swords as well as the swords of other cultures, and not just Japan but also the lesser covered swords such as from Africa.

It is not so much a book but a written conversation with a knowledgeable uncle about swords; "Uncle Hank, what do you think about Japanese Katanas please?" I saw him on the Reclaiming the Blade DVD and so I often found myself picturing Hank reading the words to me as I read the book; his style just seemed to have that effect. He had some asides in the book but they did not detract from the flow of the book, no story teller talks a straight path, the diverts make the ride more fun.

He did not play favourites with the swords although he did not like the rapiers as they are primarily thrusting weapons but he still discussed a rapier that he saw at Ewart Oakeshott house that he fell in love with. He also explained how the materials helped define the type of sword as did the intended use.

I can thoroughly recommend this book. It was a pleasure to read and very informative as well. It is a real pity that Hank has passed on and so cannot provide us with more books such as this.

I have followed Hank's' work for quite some time and there is one thing that sets his research apart from most other scholars. His research is practical, not theoretical. All I mean by this is that Hank gained much of his knowledge from hands-on experience both with antique and reproduction blades. Reading this book was like getting the insights about swords directly from William Marshal (knight), rather than Chretien de Troyes (writer).

The research presented in this book is accumulated over a lifetime of collecting, sparring, test cutting, destructive testing, handling museum pieces, and colaberating with other leading figures in the field, like the late Ewart Oakeshott. Although, most of the research that I believe Hank to be famous for dwells within the European scope of the Middle Ages, the book is not limited to this place or time. The book covers blades from Africa, India, Japan, China, and the Philipines.

The tone of the book is also unique in that it give a sense that you are simply having a conversation with Hank himself. There are no quotation or bibliographies (particulary because he died before he could compile them). But you get a relaxed and sometimes comical feel in "listening" to Hank tell us all about a subject he so dearly loved.

He is greatly missed!