Rapier:Equipment standards - Defensive equipment

Equipment standards - Defensive equipment

General

1. Defensive objects can be used to parry, deflect or immobilize your opponent's weapon. Examples include bucklers, cloaks, sticks, and other objects that are safe for both the user and the opponent.
2. There are two main categories of defensive objects: Rigid and non-rigid.
3. Defensive objects which combine both rigid and non-rigid components must meet the requirements for both types.
4. Objects which even temporarily bind the opponent's weapon to their person, or other weapon, or defensive object, whether by design or repeated mishap, are not allowed.
   1. This may include ropes or whips used in this manner.
   2. Ropes or whips used in such a way as to deflect and not bind are allowed.

Rigid defensive objects

1. Rigid defensive objects must be made of sturdy materials, resistant to breakage and splintering. Examples include bucklers made of wood with leather edging, bucklers made of metal, walking canes, batons, rigid sword sheaths.

Non-rigid defensive objects

1. Soft, non-rigid defensive objects can be made of cloth, leather and similar yielding materials. Examples include cloaks, half-cloaks, flexible leather scabbards, hats.
2. They are allowed to be weighted with soft material such as rope or rolled cloth.
   1. They must not be weighted with any rigid material nor with materials which are heavy enough to turn the device into a flail or impact weapon.