Overhand stab

[Hibernicus]

In a roman battle line, i do not think the technique will be of great use if you still have your scutum (defense enough). But as a finishing technique or when you have lost your scutum i would certainly use it

-- Mike van der Linden

I wish I had a photo of us using the technique in Roman kit when we used to fight as Romans in the SCA. Let me assure you that it was very effective when the press of bodies was so tight that movement was difficult to impossible. Arm thrusting or slashing was ineffective.

Being able to stab down at an opponent who might be cowering behind his shield and make contact was effective especially when trying to deliver a blow between shields, spear shafts, arms, other weapons....

To be able to make a short 6-9" stab at an opponents face was also effective.

The look in an opponent's eyes when he could do nothing to prevent the blow except maybe try to turn his face..

There were times when my helmet was pressed up against an opponent's.."Excuse me, but are you dead?" "Nope!" STAB! "Well, I am now!" (SCA combat can be so polite.)