Here are a few shots from the shop of what it looks like before we head to a show. As you can see our carts are heaped with Axes, Maces and Swords as well as a spear or two. While we have been slowly building up for this show, it's been more relaxed than past years when we had to scramble for parts and steel. This year was more about prep when the plan calls for it and keep our noses to the order queue.
Cart of Axes
Daggers and Weapons
Swords, Spears and Polarms
Now pack the pickup!
July 8th-9th is the first weekend of the Bristol Renaissance Faire 2023 near Kenosha, WI. It will run weekends thru September 4th. We have a great booth and a friendly staff of costumed experts to help you with your A&A needs. We are hoping for good weather and it would be great to see you. If you enjoy a bustling, happy, and whimsical village full of renaissance fun, we hope you will attend.
We have as many of our swords, daggers, spears, maces, flails, and axes as we have been able to make, for you to see and handle. We may even have a few unique pieces available nowhere else but at this show. The sword below will be there this weekend.
A custom sword based on one in Vienna
Our booth at this show is run by our great friend James Reilly. He and his exceptional cohort can lead you through finding the weapon that speaks to you and is a must buy. They not only can tell you about the items but also how these implements of the knightly arts were used with best affect. If you are new to Renaissance festivals check out our practical guide for visiting.
Our staff can also assist in helping you describe why you need an axe to anyone who may not see the need!
Many patrons visit the show every year to see our variety of weapons and the new things we have to offer. Many have become friends and we hope you will visit and check out the items we have to share this year. But most of all come to have a great day!
Nathan Clough, Ph.D. is Vice President of Arms and Armor and a member of the governing board of The Oakeshott Institute. He is a historical martial artist and a former university professor of cultural geography. He has given presentations on historical arms at events including Longpoint and Combatcon, and presented scholarly papers at, among others, The International Congress on Medieval Studies.
Craig Johnson is the Production Manager of Arms and Armor and Secretary of The Oakeshott Institute. He has taught and published on the history of arms, armor and western martial arts for over 30 years. He has lectured at several schools and Universities, WMAW, HEMAC, 4W, and ICMS at Kalamazoo. His experiences include iron smelting, jousting, theatrical combat instruction and choreography, historical research, European martial arts and crafting weapons and armor since 1985