Choosing a Sword and Buckler
Choosing a Sword and Buckler for I.33
The sword shown in I.33 is a medieval arming sword. T
Your first sword should be a blunt training sword, suitable for working safely with partners. The blade should be made from heat-treated spring steel, and the sword should handle in a way that reflects the historical originals.
Choosing an Arming Sword
Today, the arming sword is most commonly used for studying the system recorded in Royal Armouries Manuscript I.33, the earliest surviving European fencing manual. The recommendations below assume that you are choosing a sword for that system.
Historical and modern practitioners use a wide range of sword lengths, typically between 84 and 97 cm (33–38 inches) overall.
A shorter sword has the advantage of being stronger in binding actions, because your opponent has a shorter lever to work against. A longer sword naturally offers greater reach. Both approaches can be used successfully within the system.
Specifications Summary
| Specification | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Hilt | Simple crossguard |
| Total length | 84–97 cm (33–38") |
| Blade length | 68–79 cm (27–31") |
| Weight | 900–1150 g (2–2.5 lb) |
| Point of balance | 5–10 cm (2–4") in front of the crossguard |
Choosing a Buckler
For this style, the buckler should be a simple round shield held in the fist.
These examples measure 26cm across for the steel buckler, 31cm for the wooden one.
They have a simple handle on the inside:
The buckler should be reasonably light. These both weigh 1020-1025g.
There are also plastic bucklers available on the open market, which are perfectly ok for training purposes.
