Having done non-scientific anecdotal experiments stabbing through old gambeson parts, I'd ask for future content about such tests to include information on edge geometry used and how well-honed the blade was. From my limited experience the edges make a big difference in how easily a blade will thrust through cloth. If it's not terribly sharp, but pointy, it'll push the fibers of the cloth apart, which provides quite some resistance. If the edge is properly sharpened with decent edge geometry (cf. Mike Edelson and Karl Bolle's method) and honed to shaving sharp, I've found that the blade will not push the fibers to the side, but rather cut straight through them with little resistance. A dull edge on my rondel dagger vs a sharp edge on the very same dagger was the difference between 5cm of penetration and basically going all the way to the hilt, almost 30cm, with what felt like similar force applied. End result was, however, similar to your findings: Cloth is not a good protection against thrusts with sharp blades.

Nice video! Thanks for sharing your research.

Nice! I'm looking forward to future videos staring "Sword Bot".

Thanks! What kind of silk did you use there very big differences in yarn thickness and waving. More then with linen… I searched around and found that trust protecting materials, like the steel ring stuff used be butchers is tested (in Germany) like: A box filled with clay up to the rim, a thin T-shirt cloth over it to make less mess, the Test material laid over it, which get clamped firmly to the rim of the box on all 4 sides. The Test blade is clamped onto a vertical running piece, that runs in rails like a drop hammer. The Sled/hammer head ways 100kg. It is dropped from 1m height. The Point is not allowed to pass through the protecting stuff more then 7mm. the Test blade has one side vertical, the other to form the point 45°. The Edge was sharpened to (if I remember correct) 30°) and only ground on the 45° angeled side. I bought 6 different pieces of mail to do some tests but never come close to do them. Maybe you could do that. Building the Machine is the most work and better than I would have done.

That's interesting, though I wasn't aware anyone seriously expected even heavy period clothing to protect against thrusts. Cuts might be another matter, & I've certainly heard period clothing being put forward as a reason for the increased focus on the thrust. With that said, very impressive 😊

Any future plans to simulate multiple layers of protection / acceleration of the target toward the blade when intercepting a step or charge / thrusts without prior acceleration, with the tip already in contact with the target prior to pushing forward? Not an uncommon circumstance in close combat, particularly in the case of a double between two aggressive opponents. All sorts of historical accounts of both fighters stabbing each other in a clinch.

Me sparring against a newer fencer: Run Program - stab