I have been in the privileged position of having been able to test and use the Thokk WeaponMaster BladeProof gauntlets since August 2021, a couple of months before the gloves started being shipped out to customers in October, with delivery increasing …
Review of the Cold Steel synthetic rondel dagger
The Cold Steel synthetic rondel dagger is a good training tool if you want to practise 15th century dagger fencing according to the source material from that period. It is a cheap and cheerful tool and it looks the part while being acceptably safe …
Review of the Red Dragon synthetic longsword
I have been using the Red Dragon synthetic longsword for HEMA since they were first introduced to the scene. Although many people dislike them for being plastic and floppy, I find that they have many advantages and I use them regularly as loaner …
Review of the Albion Liechtenauer longsword
I have been using the Albion Liechtenauer at different events over the course of several years, and recently acquired one of my own. It is one of my favourite swords and is unfortunately expensive to buy new in the UK. …
Review of the Regenyei museum replica feder
I have been using the Regenyei museum replica feder for a few years now. The design is according to measurements of the KZ 1030 “paratschwert” in the Swiss National Museum in Zurich. It handles quite differently to other “feders” that are not …
Review of the Albion Meyer longsword
I have been using the Albion Meyer for several years. I went through some periods of leaving it to the side as I spent time using other swords, but I always return to it because it is such a great training tool. …
Review of the Aureus Alexander II longsword
The Aureus Alexander II is a phenomenally good training tool that allows for technical fencing as well as making high-intensity competition a much safer situation. I have been using it for a few months and enjoy the ability to project attacks at my …
The longswords I realised I like borrowing at events
I recently realised that there are certain longswords that I like borrowing at events. When I travel for teaching, I often ask the organisers if I can borrow a sword, since this makes my travelling easier and usually makes the cost of travelling …
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Review of “The Art of Fencing: The Forgotten Discourse of Camillo Palladini”
I was recently given a copy of the new publication The Art of Fencing: The Forgotten Discourse of Camillo Palladini to read and review. Although rapier is not my main area of expertise, I have read (and edited and published!) several rapier …
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Review of the Bellatore 15th century style longsword
Bellatore is a Spanish swordsmith, and they make some rather lovely swords. They wanted to begin production of a relatively typical 15th century style longsword that would be good for HEMA practitioners who study either Fiore or early …
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My recommendations for HEMA gear (September 2019)
I travel to HEMA events all over the world and have the opportunity to examine and fence with many different types of HEMA gear, both in terms of training swords and the protective equipment. There are certain items that I think are better than …
Film Review: I Can, I Will, I Did
I was flying to teach at Longpoint recently, and while on the plane, I watched a film called I Can, I Will, I Did. It spoke to me on a rather deep level, sufficiently for me to want to write a quick review of it, to bring it to the attention of my …
Updating my reviews
This weekend, I went through all the reviews I have written on this website, and updated them. This took quite a lot of time, but I thought it was important for me to do so. …
Review of Bygone Blades
I have bought a couple of antique swords from Richard Wales at Bygone Blades, an antique dealer in Scotland, and have only the best things to say about his knowledge, helpfulness, and the ease of doing business with him. …
Review of the Superior Fencing padded shin guards
I recently had the opportunity to test and review the Superior Fencing padded shin guards. They are very protective, although the standard size were a bit too large for me. …
Review of the Superior Fencing forearm & padded elbow guards
I recently had the opportunity to test and review the Superior Fencing forearm and padded elbow guards. They are very protective, and are not as bulky as some other forearm guards, although the standard size is perhaps a little too large for smaller …
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Review of the Superior Fencing leather mask overlay pro
I have been using the Superior Fencing leather mask overlay pro for a while for both drilling and sparring. I like it a lot, and it has already protected my head from a few quite heavy hits. …
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Review of the Superior Fencing gorget
I have had the opportunity to look at and test the gorget by Superior Fencing. In short, I think it is a pretty good piece of equipment, and worth the investment. …
Review of the Superior Fencing leather padded fencing gloves
I have been using the Superior Fencing leather padded fencing gloves in drilling for a while now, and I find them to be very comfortable and good for the purpose. …
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Review of the Superior Fencing padded knee protectors
I recently had the opportunity to test and review the Superior Fencing padded knee protectors. They are protective, comfortable, and sit well on the Superior Fencing padded trousers. …
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