Historical European Martial Arts Enthusiast
HEMA Equipment, Experiences, and Opinions
Reviews or impressions of HEMA equipment
The Blackfencer synthetic kriegsmesser is a bit of an oddity when it comes to kriegsmesser training tools. Compared to the other available training options of this weapon type, the Blackfencer is balanced much more closely to what I believe to be typical original weapon specs. When you pick it up, you immediately feel how forward… Continue reading Blackfencer Synthetic Kriegsmesser Review
A few months ago, my club put in an order with Superior Fencing to build up our loaner gear. I decided to order the training hoodie for myself as a light jacket for synthetic sparring. The product far exceeded my expectations and contains features that they do not advertise on the website for reasons that… Continue reading SF Training Hoodie, a hidden gem for low cost HEMA jackets?
For those looking for low cost HEMA steel swords, the VB products made by Viktor Berbekucz present a tempting option. The prices are generally low and availability is good, two qualities that are hard to find in HEMA equipment. I have a number of their products and some trends have presented themselves that I wanted… Continue reading Pros and Cons of VB Swords, Viktor Berbekucz
Over the past year, I have been working my way through Joachim Meyer’s system. While I started with the longsword, I have been finding new insights in his other weapon systems. I always like to try and use training tools that approximate the source material, so I ordered a Meyer Rapier from Kvetun Armoury. https://kvetun-armoury.com/side-sword/meyers-rapier.html. … Continue reading Kvetun Armoury Meyer Rapier Review
My club has been using the 37 inch Hanwei practical rapier for years. I have read reviews on other sites that state the sword is too floppy or dangerous due to either breakage or the nail head. I personally own one of these swords and have been on the giving and receiving end of full… Continue reading Hanwei Practical Rapier 37 Inch Review
Smallswords are intriguing as a system, but I have not been a fan of most of the lower-cost training swords on the market because they tend to use epee blades. I understand that epee blades are a light, safe, and economical way to produce a smallsword, but I don’t like the look of them. They… Continue reading Impressions of the Castille Complete Economy Small Sword
Getting started in Messer is my most read article to date and where much of my current passion lies within HEMA. While you can practice Messer with a good wooden stick, I find that my enjoyment and appreciation for a system greatly improves with a good steel trainer. Long story short, I love the VB… Continue reading Messer Sword by Viktor Berbekucz
Given the pandemic, many people are unable to attend their normal HEMA classes. Space and ceiling height constraints make practicing longsword at home challenging. My ceiling has its fair share of battle wounds from previous home sessions when times were better. My ceilings (and wife) have very much appreciated my investment in the Indoor Longsword… Continue reading Indoor Longsword Trainer VB Style, V1 from Purpleheart Armoury
The Castille complete economy basket hilt sword is a relatively new option in the traditionally expensive space of HEMA-safe steel broadswords. At $260, the sword is shockingly affordable in comparison to most of the competing products (you can see the bottom of my review of the Purpleheart hybrid broadsword here for some links to other… Continue reading Castille Complete Economy Basket Hilt Broadsword Review
Koning Gloves are my favorite piece of kit and have kept my hands safe for two years. In the time I have owned them, I have taken many hits to the hands from synthetic and steel weapons alike. Once broken-in (more on this later), I have found the mobility and flexibility to be better than… Continue reading Koning Gloves, 2 Year Review
