shorter hilt than a longsword, allowing only one full hand to hold the grip. These wasters also commonly feature defined edges, pommels, and other typical sword elements. Arming swords are featured heavily in the combat of Manuscript I.33, the oldest manuscript on sword-and-buckler fighting, dating approximately to the turn of the 14th century. The ceremonial rudius, a wooden gladius given ceremonially to gladiators when they won enough battles to become free men, is produced by some current day vendors and is twenty-eight to thirty inches long. The producers warn that the rudii are for ceremonial purposes, however, and should not be used in mock combat. In this sense, the waster supersedes its place as a tool for combat and becomes primarily a work of art. Dussacks and falchion, two-handed sword, cut and thrust sword, gladius, Viking sword and rapier wasters are not widely available from commercial vendors, but may be special ordered or hand-crafted. Daggers Rondel dagger wasters, like the daggers themselves, are generally about eighteen inches in length, with a twelve-inch blade and six inch hilt. These weapons may forgo defined edges altogether and take on a more cylindrical shape as the rondel dagger acted historically as a thrusting and stabbing weapon. Hilted dagger wasters are also available, featuring functional crosses and defined edges, often found in lengths of about 18 inches. See also Bokken a form of waster used in Budō Dussack a specific form of German waster Eskrima uses a rattan stick to represent the sword Federschwert a steel practice sword Singlestick a basket-hilted wooden practise-weapon for broadsword fencing General references Clements, John. Get Thee a Waster! – Used within Use & History sections. Little Raven. Frequently Asked Questions – Used within Use, Construction & Types sections. New Stirling Arms. About Our Wasters – Used within Use, Construction & Types sections. Purpleheart Armoury. Frequently Asked Questions – Used within Use, Construction & Types sections. Notes Training weapons