Armored Steel Combat:Weapon Standards

Weapon Standards

General

1. The only permitted weapons are steel constructed longswords (bastard swords) and arming swords (broad swords and saber style).
2. Swords from a reputable supplier are recommended, and they must meet the minimums outlined in Minimum Weapon Standards.
3. Should a marshal have a question about a weapon it may be subjected to the following:
   1. Spring test: Can the weapon be bent over the knee (3 inches) without permanent distortion? (returns/springs back to straight or true).
   2. Strike test: Marshal strikes a steel object (could be a helmet, could be a block of steel) with a reasonable degree of force to make sure weapon doesn't shatter.
4. Weapons shall be in good condition with the edges having been rounded, burrs removed and no chips or dents that compromise the integrity of the weapon.
5. Swords may have basket hilts in conjunction with rigid constructed demi-gauntlets. Baskets shall be constructed to provide all of the protection required of a gauntlet.
6. Arming Swords shall have a lanyard to keep them from leaving the fighter's person.
7. The cross guard of all weapons shall not extend more than 35 mm from the gauntlet. This is to be measured as shown in Figure 6.1.

   

   Crossguard measurements

8. The following weapons are prohibited:
   1. Weapons with a tip less than 20 mm diameter
   2. Axes (one-handed or two-handed)
   3. Maces
   4. Polearms
   5. Falchions
   6. Katanas
9. Any weapon may be rejected for cause by the inspecting marshal.

Minimum Weapon Standards

Minimum weapon standards

	Arming Sword/Broad Sword	Long Sword/Bastard Sword
Max weight	1.7 kg	2.3 kg
Minimum length	72 cm	100 cm
Maximum length	100 cm	140 cm
Min. handle length	12 cm	20 cm
Max. handle length	20 cm	40 cm
Blade thickness	Min 2 mm	Min 2 mm
Tip diameter	20 mm	20 mm
Additional requirements	Arming sword/ side sword styles only	European two-handed/ long sword styles only