PHEMAS

Equipment Overview

 

The most important piece of equipment for studying historical fencing is, of course, the sword. There are many dedicated and talented swordsmiths around the world who can supply or custom build a sword for almost any budget. There are also many companies who build swords purely for decoration. Swords built for decoration tend to be heavier (usually constructed of stainless steel) and for the sake of safety, are constructed in such a manner that they may break when swung. It is therefore best that a member consult with other members in the society and in particular with senior students before deciding on a purchase. All swords used in phemas training must be blunt and rebated. That is, they are not sharp swords that have been blunted but rather swords constructed to hold a sturdy, blunt edge. As the cross section of blunt and rebated swords is defferent from sharp swords, they are not suitable for sharpening later and give a relatively blunt edge for safer training. Check the Links section of the PHEMAS web page for recommended suppliers. A brief range of quality training products are shown below:

From Left to Right:

~ Wooden Longsword ‘Waster’ from Purpleheart Armouries

~ Angus Trim AT1548 Longsword

~ Pavel Moc ‘Embleton’ Longsword

~ Angus Trim ‘AT1431’ Arming Sword

~ Darkwood Armouries ‘2 Ring Economy Hilt’ Rapier

~ Pavel Moc ‘Durer’ Longsword

~ Basic Mk1 wooden stick

Training in Fiore at PHEMAS requires a Longsword. Beginner levels will be required to purchase a wooden waster in the beginning due its reduced cost and speed of delivery. Students may either purchase themselves from a reputable supplier online or combine with others in the society in order to save postage costs. The basic Mk1 wooden stick may be used until their waster arrives but as it’s not actually a sword, it is not encouraged for anyone to use this longer than absolutely necessary.

Eventually, a steel sword will be required and all members are asked to check the suitability of their purchase for training before they buy. Unsafe, sharp or decorative swords will not be approved for use in normal PHEMAS training.

When purchasing equipment for phemas training, the standard setup should be the minimum required for safe practice: That is, a 1600N fencing mask, a pair of padded gloves, comfortable shoes and an approved sword (wood or steel). Used with the standard uniform of plain, black pants and white t-shirt, this kit is known in PHEMAS as Alternate Kit.

The other form of phemas dress is known as Historical Kit. As the name implies, Historical Kit is the gear that a Medieval knight or man-at-arms would have worn into combat. Such kit is encouraged as we are a Historical society. However we do understand that HK is expensive and most times, heavier than modern alternate safety gear.

Tome and Anthony are pictured here wearing the Historical Kit or the PHEMAS demo team. Shown are Padded Gambesons, historical footwear and Leather Gloves. Anthony is also wearing a Maille Hauberk.

Jeffery and Aaron are wearing the standard Alternate Kit consisting of Thin Soled Shoes, Black Pants, White T-shirt and 1600N Fencing Masks.

All are using Purpleheart solid hickory Longswords.

Alternate Kit vs. Historical Kit
In many instances, Alternate kit is actually better suited for our temperate and humid enviroment. Plastic and foam hold up better than steel and leather and does not require as much maintainance. That said, IMHO, no modern gear will give you the true feel of historical swordsmanship as proper period kit will. No pair of cricket gloves or any other modern hand protection will allow you to handle a Medieval longsword as a good pair of steel gauntlets will. A steel breastplate or Wisby coat will stop a sword alot better than the most reinforced hockey armour and at the same time allow the wearer to react in a much smoother counter.

A committed swordsman can be conditioned to the heat and weight associated with historical kit. With a slow build up, any student can condition himself to wearing and training in all but the most brutal direct sunlight and still function so long as he keeps himself hydrated.

An interesting compromise is to build your own historical kit with lightweight modern atternative materials. This will give you the look and feel of the Middle Ages and the satisfaction that comes from creating something yourself.

In the end, its a matter of cost, personal choice and availability.