The most important items for a beginner are a practice longsword (known as a waster) and a fencing mask. In the interest of making class participation accessible and affordable, we have several sets of "loaner" wasters and masks, among other training equipment. Most students soon want their own gear and we are happy to assist the student in locating appropriate equipment.

Participants are required to provide their own gloves. Leather gardening gloves or snug leather work gloves work well.

We encourage all practitioners to obtain their own:
Practice Longsword (Waster)
Fencing mask or appropriate helmet
Blunt steel longsword
Sharp steel longsword
Gorget (appropriate throat protection)
Gauntlets (appropriate hand protection)
Gambeson (padded coat)

Practice Longsword (Waster)
Traditionally made of wood, a waster is the most basic training tool for learning this art. We've found that Knightshop synthetic wasters (pictured here) work well for practice, drills and for contact bouting (with appropriate safety equipment). Whether your waster is synthetic or wood, it is critical that it be of correct length and proportion. An overall length of 44"-48" with a 36" blade and a grip long enough for two-handed use is optimal. While they do not behave exactly like a real steel longsword, they are affordable and effective enough for entry level training. We have several wooden wasters available for in-class use, as well as a few synthetics. We recommend TherionArms for an all-purpose Knightshop synthetic waster.
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Fencing Mask
A 3-weapon rated fencing mask is an effective training tool and vital for safety during all actions in this art. Masks from Blue Gauntlet are functional and affordable. We have several available for in-class use. It is recommended that advanced practitioners move up to a fully enclosed steel helmet with perforated steel face plate, suitable for contact bouting with weapon simulators.
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Blunt Steel Longsword
Since the only thing that accurately replicates blade-on-blade action is steel, the historical solution to training for combat with sharp steel weapons was to use a modified steel weapon. The steel-on-steel action is a great improvement over using a waster. This type of training tool has a slender blade with rounded blunt edges, a rounded thick point and a thickened, slightly more flexible blade than a real sword. As with a waster, it is vital that the blunt sword have the correct length and proportions for longsword training. An overall length of 44"-48" with a 36" blade and a grip long enough for two-handed use is optimal. Therion Arms is a very reputable source for obtaining this type of longsword trainer.
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Sharp Steel Longsword
While we do not do any partnered work with sharp steel swords, a functional sharp sword is essential for learning how to deliver the strokes of the weapon with an effective cut. As with the other longsword training tools, it is vital that the sharp sword have the correct length and proportions for longsword training. An overall length of 44"-48" with a 36" blade and a grip long enough for two-handed use is optimal. It is also very important that the sword have a suitable weight and balance so that it behaves as a historical sword should when cutting. A sword between 2.5 and 4 lbs. is desirable, and the lighter the better. Decorative stainless steel swords are not suitable for what we do. Therion Arms is a very reputable source for obtaining an appropriate, functional longsword. It is always a good idea to consult with the Instructor before making your purchase to ensure that it will be suitable for training.
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Gauntlets or Gloves
Protection for the hands during contact bouting is vital. Sturdy motocross gloves are one option, but anything larger or more bulky (such as hockey gloves) will start creating a different set of problems. Ideally, steel medieval style gauntlets with full fingers should be used, provided they are sufficiently flexible to not impair movement of the hand and are low-profile. Good gauntlets are usually very costly, and may be obtained from the Instructor on a purchase basis or on loan for in-class use. It is always a good idea to consult with the Instructor before making any gauntlet purchase to ensure that it will be suitable for training.
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Gambeson
A gambeson is an excellent way to protect the arms and body during contact bouting. It is also an elegant medieval solution for a padded armour that moves with the combatant and doesn't bind or get in the way. Revival Clothing's cotton gambeson is a good product and one of the better values for the money. It is always a good idea to consult with the Instructor before making your gambeson purchase to ensure that it will be suitable for training. We have a few gambesons available for in-class use.
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