The Superior Fencing 800N HEMA trousers[1] are a comfortable set of protections for your legs, groin and abdomen. They look good while being very functional. …
Review of the Superior Fencing HEMA bag
The Superior Fencing HEMA bag is a well-designed piece of equipment. I have seen and handled several attempts at sword bags over the years, and I think this is the best thought-through design I have seen so far. …
Should I buy a Viktor Berbekucz feder?
Question: Is a Viktor Berbekucz feder worth buying? My verdict: Yes - it’s not bad, you can’t go too far wrong with it. …
Should I buy an Albion Meyer?
Question: Is an Albion Meyer worth buying? My verdict: Yes, if you live in North America; otherwise, unfortunately, probably not. …
Should I buy an Albion Liechtenauer?
Question: Is an Albion Liechtenauer worth buying? My verdict: Yes, definitely, if you live in North America; otherwise, unfortunately, probably not. …
Should I buy an Armour Class longsword?
Question: Is an Armour Class longsword worth buying? My verdict: Yes, if you buy a custom-made piece. …
Should I buy a Regenyei Armory feder?
Question: Is a Regenyei Armory feder worth buying? My verdict: Yes, do it. …
Book Review: Sport and Physical Education in the Middle Ages
This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 4th March 2016. It has been modified for reposting here. A while ago, I bought what promised to be a fascinating book with great relevance to the study of historical fencing: Sport and …
Book Review: Sport and Physical Education in the Middle AgesRead More
Should I buy a Tinker Pearce longsword?
Question: Is a Tinker Pearce longsword worth buying? My verdict: Yes, if you are interested in using them for solo practice; unfortunately, for practice with other people, probably not. …
Should I buy a Hanwei federschwert?
Question: Is a Hanwei federschwert worth buying? My verdict: No, definitely not. Just don’t. …
Should I buy a Kingston Arms federschwert?
Question: Is a Kingston Arms federschwert worth buying? My verdict: No, probably not. …
Review: Stryker singlestick from Purpleheart Armoury
The Stryker singlestick is a rattan stick with a plastic basket for fencers who want to train with singlesticks. Leather baskets, although traditional, can be prohibitively expensive, and don't always provide enough protection against impacts to the …
Review: Stryker singlestick from Purpleheart ArmouryRead More
6 books to help learn the context of medieval HEMA
This article was originally posted on Encased in Steel on 18th December 2015. It has been edited and improved for posting here. There are now many publications dealing with the nuts and bolts of different medieval HEMA systems, which is a wonderful …
Review of “The Talhoffer Society”
The Talhoffer Society by Michael Edelson is one of the best works of fiction that I have read in the last few years. Well-paced, well-written, and thought provoking. It is an excellent ambassador for HEMA in the world of fiction. …
Review of “Cutting with the Medieval Sword”
I have been looking forward to the publication of Cutting with the Medieval Sword by Michael Edelson, and now that it is finally in print, I bought a copy immediately. It arrived a few days later and I immersed myself in it over the course of an …
Review of the Destroyer Modz “Roughneck” gorget
I have used a Destroyer Modz "Roughneck" gorget for protection in sparring for a few months now, and I find it offers me a combination of protection with mobility that I haven’t experienced with any other gorget. …
Review of the PBT gorget
I have used a PBT gorget for protection in sparring for a couple of years, and I am quite satisfied with it. It is reasonably comfortable, it offers sufficient protection, and it has saved me from some quite nasty thrusts. …
A sensible progression for buying longsword equipment
When people begin training at a club, it is only reasonable for them to be able to borrow some equipment from the club. After all, no one can reasonably expect that a complete beginner will run out and buy themselves all the protective gear to …
A sensible progression for buying longsword equipmentRead More
Review of the Armour Class sharp longsword (MS6T)
Armour Class has been around in the re-enactment and HEMA communities for at least a couple of decades. Their swords have an excellent name and reputation in re-enactment circles, although they haven’t always been so popular in HEMA clubs: the blunt …
Review of the Carnage Claymores “technical” sabre
Carnage Claymores is a relatively new smithy that has opened in Scotland recently, with a focus on making Scottish swords for the HEMA community. Thomas McConnell is the smith behind the company; he is also the instructor at the Highland Broadsword …