General
In mock combat, each group or event has mutual agreements about which weapons are allowed. Always check beforehand what rules apply and whether your weapon has been approved for use.
Not all blunt weapons are automatically battle-ready. Examples of weapons that are not considered battle-ready include:
Weapons with a blunt edge but a sharp tip
Steel weapons with insufficient hardness
Originally sharp or semi-sharp weapons that have been dulled
Never wear sharp or semi-sharp objects, such as eating knives or decorative weapons, during mock combat.
Movement Rules
During a mock combat, there are specific rules for weapon use:
Thrusting movements toward your opponent's body are not allowed.
Instead, make a sweeping movement along your opponent's body to indicate a 'hit'.
Never move upward with a weapon; this can bounce off and hit your opponent's face.
By following these rules, the risk of injury is significantly reduced.
Battle-ready Swords
A sword is considered battle-ready when it meets the following conditions:
The edge is blunt and the tip is rounded
The tang construction runs completely through to the pommel and is securely attached there (for example, riveted, screwed, or peened)
The blade has a hardness of at least 48 HRC
Sword Classification
In the re-enactment world, a classification system is often used to indicate the suitability of a sword for mock combat:
SK-A (highest class): excellently balanced and tempered, Rockwell hardness at least 50 HRC
SK-B (middle class): sometimes not tempered, Rockwell hardness at least 48 HRC
SK-C (lowest class): not tempered, Rockwell hardness below 48 HRC; these swords are blunt and rounded but not suitable for mock combat
Summary
For safe mock combat, it's essential that you:
Only use battle-ready weapons according to the event's rules
Don't carry sharp or semi-sharp weapons
Follow correct movement rules, such as sweeping movements instead of thrusts and never swinging upward
Are familiar with the sword classification and only use SK-A or SK-B weapons
By following these guidelines, you'll reduce the risk of injury and ensure a safe and enjoyable mock combat experience.
Internal Links
- Inspection Before Starting Mock Combat
- Axe Classification in Mock Combat
- Spear Classification in Mock Combat
