NOTE: All equipment may be purchased directly through the Academy of European Swordsmanship! We carry our line of protective gear and sell the Kvetun line of practice weapons. See Sword Gear for details.

The below websites are to buy equipment for HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts). The equipment is rated for full contact sparring with nylon (synthetic) or metal weapons.

All full contact sparring helmets/masks must use protection that does not allow for weapons to enter them (with most replica helmets the eye slits can be entered); the best way is to use metal mesh, see below in helmets for examples. For practice it is recommended to use full contact helmets or HEMA-rated fencing masks.

It is recommended to only buy products from recommended vendors because many products are not meant for full contact sparring. In many cases metal gauntlets for under $200 break apart within a few strikes.

For full contact sparring it is required that you have the following:

-A helmet with full all around protection that is rated for strong impacts and a metal mesh front. Level 1 sabre or 3-weapon fencing mask with HEMA overlay is standard. There are heavier, more protective helms available.

-Hand protection, it is required for any sparring! The strength and protection level for this varies by weapon, so please talk to our instructor before buying anything.

-Padded arm and chest protection, this may include Gambeson’s, sports equipment, or HEMA jackets (preferred).

-Knee, shin, and elbow protection.

-Groin protection: cups from most martial arts and sports will work.

For hand to hand sparring it is recommended to use kick boxing equipment, as their gloves and helmets provide adequate protection. It is also recommended to get a mouth guard.

As a note many of the below armouries can make their battle ready weapons into practice weapons for an additional fee. To be a practice weapon, a weapon must have at least a 3mm width edge and a rounded tip, as well as acceptable flex. If it does not have a rounded tip you may use rubber or tape to make it safe.

Sharp Weapons

Entry Level Weapons

http://www.valiant-armoury.com/swords.php

http://www.museumreplicas.com/

Mid Level Weapons

http://darksword-armory.com/medieval-swords/

http://www.armourclass.co.uk/

http://www.coldsteel.com/

http://sbg-sword-store.sword-buyers-guide.com/valiant-armoury.html

http://www.armor.com/swords.html

www.swords.cz/

http://www.sgtblades.com/ – Contact Garth for custom work, but it is amazing! (Jazz hands)
Note that SGT Blades is located in Airdrie, Alberta. This is a convenient location for most practitioners in Canada!

High Level Weapons

http://www.christianfletcher.com/

http://cedarloreforge.com/

http://powning.com/jake/swords/

http://www.albion-swords.com/

http://www.sgtblades.com/ – You Currently need to contact Garth for custom work, but it is amazing! (Jazz hands)

Practice Weapons (Metal)

Sword Gear (This is owned by the AES. We carry a full line of gear and practice weapons.)

http://www.armourclass.co.uk/

http://darksword-armory.com/

http://www.albion-swords.com/

http://fabri-armorum.com/english/?id=sport-sword.php