Mensur scars. In the late 19th and early 20th century, young upper class German and Austrian men engaged in ritualized scarring of the cheek during academic fencing bouts as a sign of their bravery. Swords, not foils were used and the scars were considered a badge of honour and a status symbol. Some men would pack the wound with horsehair so it would leave a more gruesome scar.Mensur scars. In the late 19th and early 20th century, young upper class German and Austrian men engaged in ritualized scarring of the cheek during academic fencing bouts as a sign of their bravery. Swords, not foils were used and the scars were considered a badge of honour and a status symbol. Some men would pack the wound with horsehair so it would leave a more gruesome scar.
Mensur scars. In the late 19th and early 20th century, young upper class German and Austrian men engaged in ritualized scarring of the cheek during academic fencing bouts as a sign of their bravery. Swords, not foils were used and the scars were considered a badge of honour and a status symbol. Some men would pack the wound with horsehair so it would leave a more gruesome scar.