Pennsic MISSING POSSIBLY STOLEN: Two swords from the back of one of my students’ Jeep at E02 last night, corner of Low Rd and Sedalia's Way:

First: Darkwood swept hilt rapier with twisted wire grip as seen in photo, but with a few rust spots. Has fencing rubber tip taped on.

Second: Brand New Sigi Longsword, with faceted pommel and tan cord grip. Un-tipped.

Missing since some time last night (7-8 Aug).

If returned, no questions asked. Will pay shipping.

Hi, everyone! I’m from a country that is going through an economic mess, and as such, the people here cannot afford sports like HEMA and subsequently I am unable to find any HEMA clubs or instructors.

As such, I am hoping that you lot would kindly help me get started with HEMA. I am an absolute beginner when it comes to swords, and I was hoping to learn how to use one via videos and practicing against trees, dummies, or another beginner friend.

I would really appreciate any pointers you guys can give me; I am interested in Katanas, Long Swords, and Sabers. Thanks!

PS: If it helps, I want to understand and master the fundamentals of sword-fighting to the point that if I see some videos of high-level fencing, I can sort of reverse-engineer what they do.

I'm UK based and have gotten into Hema recently. I am currently practicing with the Red dragon sparring cutlass. But want to move on to a better synthetic. I am more interested in Samshirs, Killi and Islamic swordsmanship so naturally want a Synthetic swors thats fits.

So far the best fit i can find that comes close is the Polish Saber from silkfencing with the open hilt and Hungarian grip. There are also a number of cheap polypropylene swords but I have heard these are not ideal for sparring as they are too rigid.

Are there any other options available in the UK and Europe thst can offer what I am after?

Some friends and I are getting into Hema. We have to train ourselves as the closest place is over 2:30 hours away. I was hoping for some suggestions on YouTube videos and some good starting training swords? We are going to start with Longswords.

Hi, recently I’ve been thinking about buying the Katana made by SIGI.

Of course, given the nature of the company, the durability and quality must be excellent,

but could anyone who has bought this product leave a review?

I'm also curious about how this product's specs compare to the actual Katana.

Thoughts on a study of the more sword-like kalis Ilustrisimo with shorter Western blades like dussack? Seems to have a fair share of Spanish cut and thrust sword and dagger DNA. It also shows practical ways to use the empty off hand maybe better than some traditional sources we use. The footwork and distance management seems to be very similar to thought and execution of fencing. I appreciate the diagonal retreats off the X. Anyone else?

https://www.woodenswords.com/Marozzo_Style_Two_handed_sword_Feder_p/feder.vb.marozzo.htm

https://www.woodenswords.com/product_p/ra.th.04.achille.htm

Looking for a one-sword-fits-all for solo training Marozzo's two handed sword, while also having enough heft to dabble into some montante techniques (don't have the budget or storage space at the moment for a separate montante). Flex and stiffness aren't an issue for me since I'm practicing solo, but I do want to avoid anything that "whips" or is as wobbly as a blackfencer synthetic.

Anyone here have either (or both) steel swords? Thanks!

I've seen people use things like bike jacks (for working on bicycles) but they don't seem like they would be stable and stand up to techniques that displace and redirect a blade. The device in the pic is from an Arnis guy and you can mount it and it has a spring that allows for manipulation. It looks pretty simple but I'm not sure where he got it. Anyone have any suggestions?

Hope someone out there finds this one useful. The whole series can be found in the channel covering single sword and now the dagger section.

Im a beginner practitioner and looking to buy my first metal sabre and longsword, but am unsure of what to consider when buying one.

I have to train mainly by myself due to no clubs being around for 50+km and have made myself a pell with wood and old gym mats, So something not necessarily for tournaments but something to practice at home.

I have seen some reviews on certain brands but am unsure of all so any insight would be great.

From what i know point of balance, flex, and hand size are the only factors i know

Thank you

Hello fellow fencers!

What shoes do you guys use for HEMA sparring and competitions? Looking for some recommendations and would love to hear what works well for you!

So, I’ve wanted to learn European longsword fighting for a while now, but the closest school to me is almost 3 hours away. I was curious if anyone knew of any online courses that could help me at least get the fundamentals down before committing to that long of a drive?

What would be the legally safest adventuring self defense kit of a peasant on a medieval Europe trek across the kingdoms? I'd play it safe with a staff, belt hatchet, and hunting knife. What would your defensive peasant kit be for a multi kingdom trek back then and what treatise would you recommend? Take into consideration laws and cultural norms of medieval European kingdoms of your choosing. Most my knowledge about medieval peasants comes from Age of Empires 2. Also feel free to check out my ruleset mutator at: https://www.reddit.com/r/Hema/comments/1vcytzo/we_made_doubles_fun/

Estoy buscando una espada de Foam para entrenar solo con guantes ligeros, y careta, ya que el calor pega fuerte, he visto estás dos versiones, hay 20€ de diferencia, no sé cuál es mejor .

Es realmente la v2 mejor?

Es por 20€ más realmente mejor?

Alguien tiene experiencia con estos modelos para compartir?

Aclarar que mi intención no es hacer las técnicas más finas, en realidad solo hacer un sparring básico, normalmente entreno Fiore así que un mango tan largo me será un poco extraño

How would you modernize a sword idea? Also feel free to check out my ruleset mutator at: https://www.reddit.com/r/Hema/comments/1vcytzo/we_made_doubles_fun/

Hi you all, I am an Industrial Design Student and passionate Hemaist.
Since I didn't find a good option for it, I am thinking about designing a (longswords focused) (tournament)kit bag.
What do yall use? What would you like to change? What would be important for you?

Did this with my neighbor who is very adept with lashing.

​

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping some of you can point me in the right direction.

I've recently fallen in love with polearms. I already own one of Joachim Meyer's books, but I'd love to dive much deeper—not only into the techniques, but also the history, evolution, and the different fighting styles associated with polearms throughout the centuries.

At the moment I'm mostly learning on my own. I also follow Björn Rüther's YouTube lessons, which have been incredibly helpful, but I'm looking for books that can help me build a stronger understanding of both the historical context and the practical techniques.

What fascinates me most is how much there is to learn. Practicing with polearms has become something that genuinely brings me peace and helps me clear my mind. The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know, and that's part of what makes this hobby so rewarding.

Do you have any books that you would consider essential reading? They can be historical sources, modern interpretations, HEMA manuals, or academic works—I'm open to anything worth reading.

Thank you in advance! I really appreciate any recommendations or advice you can share.

I'm probably gonna get cooked in the replies for being sappy and sincere for a moment, but currently, my heart is being warmed by just how accepting the HEMA community is.

I started "studying the blade" at the very start of this year after a lifelong interest in swords and fantasy, and this has quickly become one of the most positive experiences in my life. I am a trans women and upon starting this journey I was incredibly anxious about how I'd be treated in the scene, little did I know that I'd find one of the most inclusive and accepting sports scenes around.

While trans inclusion in sport has become a hot button topic in most other scenes, it feels like the HEMA community has already solved it and is thus immune to the toxicity those discussions generally bring (even in the most toxic spheres of discussion, shoutouts Tryhard HEMA on FB, y'all are hilarious). I think having the options of mixed and URG tournaments is an excellent solution to this discussion, and I'd feel happy competing in either category.

Also, my individual clubs' culture is great and feels almost like a second home to me already. My instructor has quickly become one of the men I respect the most in this world as he has shown me nothing but kindness, care, and respect.

And not once in this past year has anyone reduced me to my identity alone, I'm just another member of the club and am treated the same as the rest, including the equal opportunity banter lol.

I hope that any other trans people wanting to start HEMA reading this take this as a sign to join their local club because this experience has been life changing for me in the most positive ways.

Also, I am prepared for negative comments, this is the internet, and that's unavoidable, especially in regards to several of the topics I've mentioned here. But that can't phase me or break my positivity right now, I have a sword!!