Important

Training weapons can be VERY expensive. Members, please do not purchase any weapon until you’ve cleared the purchase with your Provost. Not all branches within the club use the same kit and offerings are evolving all the time. The last thing we want is for you to buy kit you can’t use.

Padded Weapons

Padded weapons are the starting point for free-play at many of our branches. The ones we currently favour are made by Go-Now out of Poland and are available at many HEMA suppliers. Compare pricing and shipping when ordering. The longsword, short sabre (dusack), and long sabre (sabre) versions are all very good training tools that require only a mask, gloves and a box for those with testicles/chest protection for those with breasts.

Shinai

Shinai are similar to traditional singlesticks and wasters and are far more easily obtained. They can be modified in a variety of ways to act as single handed and two handed swords of various types. and can be purchased from most martial arts shops.

Articles on how to modify a shinai for use as a spadone or broadsword can be found in our Blog.

Talk to your Provost before buying a Shinai as some branches don’t use them.

Synthetic Wasters

Synthetic wasters are useful drilling work and exercises however they also require the same protective equipment as recommended for steel. Their only real advantages are in cost and in not having to be maintained like steel.

Talk to your Provost before buying a synthetic weapon, as not all branches use them.

Blunts / Foils / Feders

This is a major purchase. You should first gain some experience with various examples owned by other members before deciding on the sort you prefer. If you don’t yet own a fencing mask or the correct gloves for your weapon, purchase these before you even look at getting your own training weapons. Weapons can easily be loaned to you. Protective gear lending is tricky with disinfection and sizing.

The type of sword you choose will depend largely on which system you favour. Talk to your provost before buying any kit to avoid disappointment.

Different branches will have different weapon requirements and it’s up to you to choose a training weapon that fits the characteristics laid out by your branch on brand, flex, length, weight etc. Talk to your Provost before buying a weapon.

Specific Supplier Recommendations

As different branches have different needs for weapons and protective kit and also that new brands and models of weapon come on to the market all the time, maintaining a list of suppliers here is not a good idea. Go to class, ask to handle other people’s stuff, and then make an informed decision that way. Going ahead and buying equipment without consultation can easily lead to disappointment and in purchasing equipment that is dangerous or unsuitable so please ask before you buy anything.