Battle-ready weapons are used within disciplines such as HEMA, historical re-enactment, demonstrations and staged combat. Although these weapons are specially designed for safe use, handling them is never without risk. Correct use, regular inspection, good protection and responsible behavior from the user are therefore essential.
This knowledge base article explains what battle-ready weapons are, what they must meet, how to use them safely and what risks and responsibilities come with them.
What are battle-ready weapons?
A battle-ready weapon is a historical or historically inspired weapon that has been specially adapted for safe use during controlled combat situations. This doesn't mean the weapon is harmless, but rather that it is designed so that the risk of serious injury is minimized with correct use.
Battle-ready weapons are always blunt, have an adapted point and are structurally strong enough to handle controlled impact.
General safety rules for use
The use of battle-ready weapons always involves risks. All use is entirely at the user's own risk. The user must be at least 18 years old and is personally responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and regulations regarding possession, transport and use of weapons.
Battle-ready weapons may only be used in safe and designated locations, such as training grounds, event venues or tournament fields. Use in public spaces or outside the context of an activity is not permitted.
In addition, the rules and instructions of the organizing association, group or event always apply. These rules take precedence, unless the guidelines in this knowledge base are stricter or safer.
Use of battle-ready weapons under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or medication that affects alertness is not permitted.
Inspection before each use: a crucial step
A battle-ready weapon must be carefully inspected before each use. Even high-quality weapons can become unsafe through wear, transport or previous use.
A safe battle-ready weapon meets the following basic conditions:
The edge is completely blunt
The edge is free of any burrs
The point is rounded or thickened
The weapon is made of sturdy steel with a minimum hardness of 48 HRC
The construction is soundly executed
For swords, this means that the blade runs completely through to the pommel (a continuous tang). Loose pommels, grips or other parts make a weapon immediately unsuitable for use.
Weapons that were ever sharp and later dulled are considered unsafe. Weapons with visible damage must not be used.
Sword classes and their fields of application
Within battle-ready swords, a distinction is often made between different quality classes. These classes determine how intensively a sword can be safely used.
High Class Swords
Swords from the highest class are made from high-quality steel alloys and carefully hardened to a high hardness level. They are excellently balanced and designed for intensive use.
These swords are suitable for intensive use within HEMA and re-enactment. The blade then has a thickness of 2 to 3 millimeters and a rounded point.
The blade hardness is at least 50 HRC. The blade runs completely through the grip and the pommel is riveted or soldered. These swords are light, maneuverable and have a well-balanced center of gravity.
Even with this class, wear occurs. The formation of burrs is normal and requires regular inspection and maintenance.
Medium Class Swords
Swords from the mid-range class are made from high-quality, untampered steel alloys with a hardness between 48 and 52 HRC. They are functional, but less finely balanced than swords from the highest class.
These swords are suitable for regular use within HEMA and re-enactment. Here too, a blade thickness of 2 to 3 millimeters and a rounded point apply.
The blade runs completely through the grip and the pommel is riveted or soldered. Wear and the formation of burrs also occur with this class and require inspection before each use.
Basic Class Swords
Swords from the basic class are mainly intended for decorative use, but can be functional to a limited extent. The blade is untampered and has a hardness below 48 HRC. The pommel is usually screwed on rather than riveted.
Due to this construction, these swords are less suitable for regularly receiving blows. They are often poorly balanced and can feel heavy.
They have a rounded point and are safe to wear at festivals. They are only suitable for occasional sparring.
Safe movements during combat
Correct technique is at least as important as good material. Incorrect movements significantly increase the risk of injury.
Thrusting movements toward the body are not permitted. Instead, controlled sweeping movements with the side of the weapon are used. Upward strikes or thrusts should be avoided, as these can ricochet toward the face. Strikes to the head are not permitted.
Never use maximum force or speed. Strikes must be executed in a controlled and deliberate manner. Respect for your opponent always comes first. In case of doubt, confusion or injury, the fight must be stopped immediately.
Responsibility and liability
We accept no liability for the use of our products. Safely using battle-ready weapons is always the responsibility of the user.
Inspect your weapon before each use, follow the rules of the organizing party and use common sense. Safety always comes before realism, spectacle or competitiveness.
By purchasing or using our products, it is assumed that these guidelines are known and will be followed.
Internal links
- Responsible use of battle-ready weapons
- Responsible use of semi-sharp and sharp swords
- How do you measure the balance of a sword?
