Equipment
In order to train in historical fencing some protective equipment is required, as of course is a sword. The Dawn Duellists Society does not hold a store of equipment for members, however new members are usually able to borrow equipment from other members until they can get their own.
For your first few sessions, all you need is loose clothing suitable for physical exercise, such as trainers and tracksuit bottoms. From there you can begin to put together the equipment listed below.
Safety
For obvious safety reasons all swords MUST be completely blunt, free from rust and burrs and made from materials suitable for the purpose. Although the training equipment listed below is neccessary for safe practice within our classes, the DDS cannot stress enough that the first and most effective safety measure lies in personal control of all actions. This is naturally taught by all instructors with regard to the relevant classes and techniques.
Purchasing equipment
If you are unsure about what to buy, especially with regard to swords, ask an instructor or senior member, as many swords sold on the high street are completely unsuitable for historical fencing. It is better to wait a few weeks for the correct equipment than buy something unsuitable straight away. The links page holds the websites for some suppliers that members have found suitable.
The DDS also make occasional bulk orders of masks and similar protective equipment, allowing members to make a significant saving. Speak to an instructor if you are interested in this.
Standard equipment
| Gloves: | We suggest that a good pair of leather gloves is the first purchase anybody makes. Fencing gloves that cover the wrist are best but many use simple gardening gloves as a starter purchase. |
| Mask: | A 1600N Olympic standard fencing mask is the standard for the club. Masks of a lower standard such as 350N are not suitable. |
| Jacket: | A standard fencing jacket is suitable protection for most of the later arts such as rapier, smallsword and sabre. These are often worn in conjunction with additional chest protection. |
| Box: | A must for gentlemen fencers! |
| Chest protection: | Highly recommended for lady fencers. |
| Jack: | For the heavier weapons a medieval style jack or aketon is suggested. These provide the additional body and arm protection needed for such weapons. |
Class specific equipment | |
| Sabre: | Original or reproduction sabres are highly recommended for this class. Sports sabres, singlesticks or spadroons will do at a pinch but are not fully suited to the class. |
| Longsword: | The DDS teach using reproduction steel longswords. We do not recommend wooden wasters or shinai. A longsword should allow use by two hands or one. |
| Rapier: | Rapiers with blades of around 40 inches are recommended for this class, either diamond or triangular in section and designed for full contact use. Hilts should be swept, pappenheimer or cup in style. |
| Dagger: | A simple length of wooden dowel is all that is required for these classes. |
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