FYI: duelling is illegal in every state. Now we have attorneys to "draw blood" from those who offend us.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_duello
Duels were pretty strictly governed, and gentlemanly conduct was required. No ruffians allowed! It was an "honor" thing, and mostly for show. The offended party got to choose weapons and the venue, and witnesses and physicians were required for legal reasons (otherwise it was murder if someone was killed). There are accounts of duels that amounted to legalized murder (such as the Hamilton/Burr affair), and professional duelists were often employed by "men of means" to avoid risk of personal injury (so much for the "honor" thing).
Having said all that, if challenged to a duel, I would choose edged weapons (knives). Very few people like the thought of being cut, especially if the person doing the cutting is highly trained. But I do my dest to avoid situations where I might be challenged to a duel. Bad form, don't you know.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_duello
Duels were pretty strictly governed, and gentlemanly conduct was required. No ruffians allowed! It was an "honor" thing, and mostly for show. The offended party got to choose weapons and the venue, and witnesses and physicians were required for legal reasons (otherwise it was murder if someone was killed). There are accounts of duels that amounted to legalized murder (such as the Hamilton/Burr affair), and professional duelists were often employed by "men of means" to avoid risk of personal injury (so much for the "honor" thing).
Having said all that, if challenged to a duel, I would choose edged weapons (knives). Very few people like the thought of being cut, especially if the person doing the cutting is highly trained. But I do my dest to avoid situations where I might be challenged to a duel. Bad form, don't you know.
