The Best Off-Hand Weapon (Duellist / Adventurer Equipment)

For those who like some level of realism in fantasy and/or are interested in ideas for historical fiction here is a look at some easy to carry options that would suit a traveler. The previous video (about arm blades & spiked shields) is related to this, sort of a part 1. For a character who needs to travel light or just wants to minimize weight and clutter, cumbersome weapons like polearms and large shields are out. The simplest choice that offers good versatility would be a longsword that is light and well balanced enough to be effective with either one or both hands. It's not the most protective though. What if you want to maximize defensive capabilities at the same time? Here are some combinations that strike a good balance between effectiveness and easy of carry in my opinion. You'll also find some information about the dynamics of armed martial arts (defensive actions, openings, feints, etc). Historical reproductions and other