Historical swordsmanship equipment
What do we need and how much it costs?
In order to practice historical swordsmanship in full, it is necessary for trainees to acquire their own protective equipment and training weapons at some moment. Most clubs and schools can provide some basic equipment and training weapons for the beginners, but the requirement for acquiring ones own remains foe anyone who wants to train long-term. The period for getting the full equipment depends a lot on the individual capabilities and the trainees’ progress. An average optimal period to get a complete set would be between 3 and 4 years.
Maintaining one's own equipment and weapons is also an important element of the training and practice of trainees so that they can be used long-term and safely.
In order to facilitate the practitioners, the table below shows the necessary and additional (not necessary) equipment and weapons for the training of three of the most commonly practiced disciplines in Bulgaria. Specific tested and approved examples for each type of equipment and weapons are also given, and it is recommended to get them, but others can be used.
At Angel Chernaev training sessions, the initial training weapon is provided on spot until the purchase of your own.
Equipment, in approximate order of need for purchase.
(note - 25.08.2022 - links to SPES gear are temporarily not working)
| Section | Type of equipment / weapon | Tested and approved sample equipment / weapons with a link to them | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Additional equipment | Everyday gloves | MECHANIX WEAR or similar | 10-30 euro |
| Necessary equipment | Light gloves | PBT light gloves | 80 euro |
| Additional training weapon | Synthetic one handed sword | Blackfencer arming sword v4 - edge shaped | 65 euro |
| Training weapon | Steel one handed sword | Sigi arming sword | 240 euro |
| Necessary equipment | Fencing mask | PBT 1600N mask | 120 euro |
| Necessary equipment | Throat protector | PBT throat protector | 45 euro |
| Necessary equipment | Back of the head protector | PBT back of the head protector | 75 euro |
| Necessary equipment | Chest protector | PBT womens' chest protector | 25 euro |
| Additional equipment | Chest protector | PBT men's chest protector | 25 euro |
| Necessary equipment | Male groin protector | SPES men's groin protector | 10-20 euro |
| Necessary equipment | Women’s groin protector | Women's groin protector | 10-20 euro |
| Necessary equipment | Fencing jacket | SPES men's jacket SPES women's fencing jacket |
200 euro |
| Necessary equipment | Fencing pants | SPES men's fencing pants SPES women's fencing pants |
110 euro |
| Additional equipment | Medium gloves | Red Dragon Gloves | 80 euro |
| Necessary equipment | Forearm and elbow protectors | SPES vectir forearm and elbow | 55 euro |
| Necessary equipment | Knee protectors | SPES knee | 20 euro |
| Necessary equipment | Shin guards | Shin guards | 20-40 euro |
| Training weapon | Steel buckler | Plain buckler | 35 euro |
| Training weapon | Steel Longsword | Sigi King Shorty longsword | 420 euro |
| Necessary equipment | Heavy gloves | Sparring glove mitten | 160 euro |
The listed items of equipment are examples, the most preferred and used options. They can be replaced with similar models or with those from other manufacturers. You will be able to learn more about the alternatives in other documents. Questions about whether a particular piece of equipment is appropriate can be directed to the training instructor.
Weapons shown are an approved safe and appropriate standard. They are the first weapons of any kind needed for practicing with Angel Chernaev, but then others can be added.
It is strongly recommended that you consult with your instructor before a purchase.
The list was prepared according to the available equipment and weapons and their prices in Euro in March 2022, rounded for easier perception. The links provided are valid as of 31.03.2022. These amounts do not include delivery, transfer fees and discounts, which may vary at certain times, as well as being higher or lower when placing group orders.
The list was prepared by Angel Chernaev - historical fencing instructor and consulted with instructors Borislav Krustev and Nikola Hristov.
It will be updated on a regular basis and with the testing of new equipment and weapons.