Gaining the blade pt 2

In response to my invitation to suggest topics for discussion, @TimLiu_HEMA asked “Can you share some of your ideas of gaining the sword?” This is part 2 in this two-part series. Part 1 can be found here: Part 1 covered WHAT is the gain, and HOW I go about it. Here in part 2 we’ll discuss some reasons WHY to do it - what advantages it gives. I’ll also give an overview summary of the important things to think about when gaining, and I’ll leave you with something of a semantic puzzle regarding the stringere. You can also find a 4-part series on the Northern Italian lunge here: