01/10/2026
From the 18th to mid-20th century, students in Germany and Austria practiced academic fencing called Mensur. Standing motionless at a fixed distance, they wielded sharp swords and took cuts to the face without dodging. The goal wasn’t to win. It was to prove courage, composure, and honor.
The resulting scars, called Schmiss, became badges of prestige. They signaled you were educated, upper-class, and brave enough to face pain without flinching. So fashionable were these marks that they earned the nickname Renommierschmiss bragging scars.
Because most fencers were right-handed, cuts landed on the left side of the face, creating a distinctive look that became instantly recognizable. Otto von Bismarck had one. So did many German officers of the early 20th century.
Over time, the tradition faded. Modern medicine reduced scarring. Social values changed. Today, only a few hundred fraternities still practice Mensur, and scars are rare, often seen as mistakes rather than honors.
