Did men's beards evolve to absorb a punch to the jaw?

Robert59

Robert59

Well-known Member
Location
Now I live in Tennesee. Did live in Michigan.
Thick facial hair could cushion the wearer's face

Full, luxurious beards are a sight to behold, and they may also serve a practical purpose — softening the impact of a punch to the jaw.

Throughout history, flowing beards have been celebrated by cultures around the world as an emblem of social dominance and virility, much like the flowing mane of a dominant male lion.

https://www.livescience.com/beards-protect-face-punches.html
 

I respectfully disagree. A trimmed,well kept mustache and beard IMO emplify masculinity. In a culture where men IMO are becoming more effeminate, beards let me know there are still natural. rugged men out there. I love men in beards!
 
When it's really cold and I'm working outside, frost forms on my beard and if I'm out long enough it becomes like an ice shield that keeps the wind from striking the skin of my face. It does make me look a bit odd though.
 
Having the face behind the beard, as protection from a fist, I can tell you hair is way overated . In the 50s, most men had WWII military experience, so they were clean shaven, just like their D.I. ordered. I grew up with that ethic, Hate beards, any facial hair.
 
Repondering said:
When it's really cold and I'm working outside, frost forms on my beard and if I'm out long enough it becomes like an ice shield that keeps the wind from striking the skin of my face. It does make me look a bit odd though.
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That makes sense.

Now if only you could work on building up a robust level of ice on your beard, anyone wanting to take a poke at you would risk breaking their hand. :p
 
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fuzzybuddy said:
Having the face behind the beard, as protection from a fist, I can tell you hair is way overated . In the 50s, most men had WWII military experience, so they were clean shaven, just like their D.I. ordered. I grew up with that ethic, Hate beards, any facial hair.
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My husband is the same. Clean shaven all the way except for sideburns. So sexy and dreamy to me.
 
I once sported a full beard, (I wasn't able to trim it well, hence shaved it off after six months or so). It did keep my face warm during one winter, and on my one visit to the USA. Luckily it had gone by the time I went for a new job, and the owner of the company told me during the interview he didn't trust those men with beards! :oops: .
Not sure I believe it might cushion a punch, but I suppose its possible(?).
 
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fmdog44 said:
Beards offer zero protection form a punch. If they did then all of the martial arts fighters and boxers would grow them. You never punch to make contact rather, to strike through the target.
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And they do provide a good handle to get a firm grip on. A lot of fights do wind up with at least some grappling (wrestling or judo), and a beard is a lot easier to hang on to than an ear which is another known gripping point.

On the subject of punching, most people have no idea how hard a trained boxer or martial artist can hit. The kinetic energy developed by someone who knows what they are doing far exceeds what people expect. School boy fist fights are closer to slapping contests than to real punching. A beard is not going to do anything except serve as a potential handle for your opponent if you get to the grappling point.
 

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