New Blade List
Monday, 12 October 2009 17:05
The Deputy Society Rapier Marshal has updated the list of legal blades for Society fencing and it is now posted on
http://www.sca.org/officers/marshal/docs/rapier/bladetypes.pdf
Per East Kingdom policy any blade on the list that is approved by Society is approved by the East, with the exception of Fiberglass.
From the Kingdom Marshal of Fence:
- Fencers should review the list, some blades that have been experimental have now been approved. That means you, Andre. :-) Also, if you are looking into a new blade, please review this list before purchasing. Please don't take the word of the merchant who is selling you the item and telling you, "Oh, yeah, it's legal in your Kingdom".
- Marshals - please review this list, know that it is out there and make sure that people are in compliance. Also, refer new people to the list.
- Anyone wishing to work with an experimental blade that is NOT on the list, should contact me with a proposal and we can run it by Society and get it approved to experiment with it. That's how curved blades are now on the approved list, because they went through the experimental trials first.
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What You Need
Saturday, 29 August 2009 21:53
What you need to fence in the SCA, from the top down:
Mask
This must be a fencing mask rated to at least 12K, and have a tie-down in the back (that is, the tongue is not sufficient—it must also have an elastic or cord securing it to your head).
Hood
The back of your head and sides of your neck must be covered by puncture-resistant fabric. This is either worn as a coif under the mask or sewn directly to the mask. It must drape sufficiently that no skin is showing when you turn your head.
Torso
You need puncture-resistant fabric from your neck to your groin and 3 inches down the inside of your armpit. Again, this coverage must continue during movement. A standard, properly fitted fencing jacket is sufficient.
Groin
Men must wear rigid groin protection (an athletic cup or equivalent). It may not have any holes large enough to admit a blade.
Legs and arms
Limbs must be covered with abrasion-resistant material (that is, something heavier than gauze or nylon).
Hands
Hands should be covered with fencing gauntlets that overlap the sleeves sufficiently that no skin is shown during movement. If modern fencing gloves are used, the wire holes must be sewn or taped shut.
Feet
Closed-toe shoes are required. Traction is recommended. Socks must be sufficient to cover the lower legs even if pants ride up with movement.
Blade
SCA fencing allows foils and epees (no sabres). The blade must have a rubber tip and a contrasting tape color a few inches down the blade. Foils and epees with open guards (swept hilts, ring guards etc.) are prohibited. Pistol grips are not allowed unless medically necessary. Blades are inspected before every practice and tournament; blades with metal burrs, kinks, and s-curves will fail inspection.
Heavy rapiers must have tips and contrasting tape as well as a metal washer or some other means of preventing the metal tip from cutting through the rubber. The same inspection process applies.
See this list for blades allowed in the East Kingdom.
Optional or only sometimes required:
Gorget
Rigid neck protection with padding or puncture-resistant material beneath is required for heavy blade combat. It is recommended for light rapier as well.
Breast protection
Some women prefer to wear rigid breast protection in the form of metal plates that insert into a sports bra or fencing jacket, or an entire rigid breastplate. However, it is not required.
Equipment Suppliers
Saturday, 29 August 2009 21:54
Brick-and-mortar fencing stores are few and far between in New England. Fortunately, there are a number of online suppliers of fencing equipment. Though we provide loaner gear to anyone who wants to fence, fencers are encouraged to eventually get their own gear. Not only does this mean you'll have something that's best suited to you, but you'll also be able to wash it regularly!
Some brief advice about buying fencing gear:
You'll have most of this gear for years. Consider whether spending a few extra bucks (or even a couple hundred extra bucks) now is worth having something of higher quality for your entire fencing career.
Fencing gear is highly personalized. What works for other people may not work for you. The best thing to do is try out a number of different things and find out what you're the most comfortable with. This goes for masks, blades, and armor.
Don't be shy about asking people about their own gear. They may have some innovation that you won't find in something off the rack.
Before you buy any equipment, if you are at all unsure of whether it is legal in the East Kingdom, ask your local fencing marshal.
The following are some online merchants that we have used, who have web sites:
Read more...
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