Non European forces proving themselves Vs European military might

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

... I was envisioning battles on foot only, rather than from horseback as well

I was actually referring to infantry.

Originally Posted by Atlantia

I have often wondered how the two styles would 'clash'

According to certain sources, they didn't actually clash; that was precisely the aledged advantage of European swording.
Well i wasn't properly thinking Brits swords versus talwars, but more in line with the generic subject of the thread.
I was thinking of the discoveries period Portuguese (and immediate European followers) using swords provided with the ricasso, handling them with a 160º angle (second half XV century) and later rapiers opening at 180º (second half XVI century), able to blow a direct stab against the open chest of the 'Moor', busy brandishing his 'terçado' (talwar, scimitar) up in the air, for the viable slash.
In any case, we all know that actual fighting wasn't at all a swording procedure like they do in schools ... with all the catalogue gestures. In the heat of battle, if you could avoid clashing with all imaginable evasive moves and stab your foe by the side door, you would sure do it ... the hell with the catalogue.

Enough of bs.

Fernando

.