Fencing Supplies
Arm Yourself for Battle: A Warrior’s Guide to Gear
Every warrior needs armor, but at the Guild of Knightly Arts, you don’t need to outfit yourself before stepping onto the training grounds. We provide everything you need—masks, jackets, practice swords—so you can train without investing in gear upfront.
When it’s time to start building your own kit, the order in which you acquire gear will depend on your budget and priorities. Most fencers begin with a mask (and back-of-the-head protector), then a pair of gloves, followed by a jacket. However, before investing in your own sword, it’s highly recommended to first get proper protective gear. Weapons can be easily borrowed from the club.
Your first weapon choice may not be your last. You might start with a longsword but find yourself drawn to the rapier or backsword after a few months. Even if your preference remains the same, your fencing style will evolve, and so will your needs—perhaps favoring a light weighted blade for more agile handling or a more rigid blade for controlling the bind. These are nuances you will learn over time.
Equip yourself wisely. Train hard. And let your skill, not just your steel, shape your path. Our experienced club members will help you along your journey so ask questions and don't rush to make a purchase you will regret.
Reputable Vendors
I will divide this up into US suppliers and then international suppliers. While many US suppliers simply distribute products from overseas themselves you will acquire your gear in a much more timely manner. However, ordering direct from overseas can in some cases save you some money and there are great vendors whose wares simply aren't available in the US domestic market.
The following are the most easily available retailers of HEMA gear in the US:
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Purple heart Armory (www.woodenswords.com)
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SPES US (www.histfenc.us)
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Absolute Fencing (www.absolutefencinggear.com) is primarily a modern fencing maker, but has a few HEMA specific items and also some other things that can be useful
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SoCal Swords (socalswords.com) imports Superior Fencing protective gear and some swords (Blackfencer).
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Kult of Athena (www.kultofathena.com) - has a HEMA page on their site.
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Federschwert (https://federschwert.com/) - lower end budget gear but perfectly acceptable.
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Absolute Fencing (www.absolutefencinggear.com)
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Castille Armory (https://castillearmory.com/) - a more high end sword manufacturer
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Darkwood Armory (https://www.darkwoodarmory.com/)
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Krieger Amory (https://www.kriegerarmory.com/)
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Zen Warrior Armory (www.zenwarriorarmory.com)
The following are from international vendors:
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Superior Fencing (www.supfen.com) - a good majority of HEMA fencers are now getting their gear from this manufacturer. You can get a near full kit in a variety of styles and designs and for the lowest price. Wait time can be 3 months or so.
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Black Armoury (https://www.blackarmoury.com/en/)
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The HEMA Shop (www.thehemashop.com)
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Hist Fenc (https://histfenc.eu/en/)
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Sigi Forge (https://sigiforge.com/)
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Faits D'Arms (https://faitsdarmes.com/en/)
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Kvetun Armoury (https://kvetun-armoury.com/)
There are many other international vendors but before you order please inquire with club members as someone is likely to have had direct experience with them.