Diamond Rose School of Fencing- Equipment

As with any type of fencing, there are basic requirements as far as equipment. In addition to these four items listed it is also good to purchase a practice foil to use before you invest in a rapier. The basic necessities for fencing class are;

1. Three weapon fencing mask 2. Gorget 3. Gloves 4. Coif

Armor Requirements
1. For training and drills, mundane clothing is adequate
2. For bouts, duels and tournaments, all skin must be covered
3. A three-weapon mask must be worn
4. A coif or hood attached to your mask, which covers the back of your head
5. A gorget to protect your throat
6. Gauntlet style gloves with at least a three inch overlap on the sleeves
7. Chest protection for women
8. Personal protection for men

Batons and Canes
1. These weapons may be used for defensive parrying/blocking/deflecting purposes only.
2. Canes may not be used to grab or pull your opponents sword, hilt or wrist or other part of your opponent's body.
3. Canes and batons will be made of wood with no metal on them. Canes and batons of other construction will be approved by a marshal prior to use.
4. Canes and batons may be of any length or shortness.
5. Canes or batons will be kept in good repair.
6. Prior to sparring or bouting in class or at any event the fencer is required to have inspected their cane or baton for safety and then to have a marshal inspect and approve the weapon.

Cloaks
1. Cloaks will be made of a light or heavy, tear resistant material that is/was common to the Renaissance era.
2. Cloaks of good construction with no button or clasps may be used in any technique the student has been taught, but may not be used grab/pull an opponent's weapon in such a way as might cause injury to your opponent.
2. Cloaks with buttons or clasps can not be thrown or whipped at your opponent.
3. Cloaks with buttons or clasps will be used in such a manner so that they can not touch or hit your opponent.
4. Cloaks may not be weighted down by any material that could possibly cause injury.
5. Prior to sparring or bouting in class or at any event the fencer is required to have inspected their cloak for safety and then to have a marshal inspect and approve the cloak.

Bucklers
1. Bucklers may be used to deflect an opponent's weapon, trap an opponent's blade between the buckler and another weapon, or to punch block an opponent's weapon, but may not be used against any part of your opponent's body.
2. Bucklers may be round or square.
3. Bucklers will be no more than 18 inches across as it's widest point.
4. Bucklers shall be solid, with no holes to catch and possibly break a weapon.
5. All bucklers will have the edges covered to prevent damage to the buckler as well as your opponent's weapon.
6. Bucklers will have a handle securely attached and will not allow the buckler to come loose.
7. Bucklers may be constructed of metal or covered with leather. Bucklers made of other materials or adorned will be approved by a marshal prior to use.
8 Prior to sparring or bouting in class or at any event the fencer is required to have inspected their buckler for safety and then to have a marshal inspect and approve the buckler.

Daggers
1. All dagger blades shall be what are called Flexi-daggers.
2. Daggers that are too stiff may only be used to parry.
3. Dagger tips shall be covered in the same fashion as rapiers.
4. Dagger blades will be kept in good repair at all times, same as rapiers.
5. Prior to sparring or bouting in class or at any event the fencer is required to have inspected their dagger for safety and then to have a marshal inspect and approve the
weapon.

Rapiers
1. The main weapons used in the Academie will be either the Schlager blade or the Del Tin practice Rapier or other rapier with an average blade length of 35 to 42 inches from the tang to the tip.
2. The point will be covered with an arrow blunt with a small washer put inside. That tip will be attached with strapping tape and then covered in brightly colored duct tape, not black or silver tape.
3. The edge of the blade and other parts of the weapon will be kept clean and free of any nicks or burs that could cut or snag on someone's clothing.
4. All blades and other parts of the weapons (quillons, hilts, grips, handles, etc.) must be kept in good repair. Check the blade for an S-curve which can break easily.
5. Prior to sparring or bouting in class or at any event the fencer is required to have inspected their weapon for safety and then to have a marshal inspect and approve the
weapon.
6. Hilt must be of the cup, shell, or swept-hilt variety and mounted with blades that are either doublewide epée (also sold as "musketeer" blades), Del Tin blades, or schläger blades (oval or diamond).