FireStryker Living History Forum : Question about HACA/ARMA sparring weapons

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Topic: Question about HACA/ARMA sparring weapons

Chris
New Member
Member # 272

posted 07-12-2002 09:17 PM

Just a quick one really. What is the importance of the martial arts specialty foam "required" for the edges? Is it really nescisary, or can the same effect be created by more conventional types of foam, such as camping pad or pipe insulation? I've made several sparring weapons with these materials and the blade balance and whatnot seem correct by all the research I have done, but I have never handled an accurate reproduction sword, so I can't really be certain. They feel like my wooden wasters, so i assume they are correct, since I've been told that wasters are close aproximations of their steel counterparts. But, like all of you know, its tough to convince someone to spar when they may get knocked in the chin with an oak pommel, so I need a more "user friendly" alternative. Thanks for the help in advance.

Registered: Jan 2002 | IP: Logged

Matt Anderson
New Member
Member # 341

posted 07-13-2002 08:20 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Chris:
Just a quick one really. What is the importance of the martial arts specialty foam "required" for the edges? Is it really nescisary, or can the same effect be created by more conventional types of foam, such as camping pad or pipe insulation? I've made several sparring weapons with these materials and the blade balance and whatnot seem correct by all the research I have done, but I have never handled an accurate reproduction sword, so I can't really be certain. They feel like my wooden wasters, so i assume they are correct, since I've been told that wasters are close aproximations of their steel counterparts. But, like all of you know, its tough to convince someone to spar when they may get knocked in the chin with an oak pommel, so I need a more "user friendly" alternative. Thanks for the help in advance.

The best place to inquire about ARMA padded training weapons would be the ARMA forum or website at www.thearma.org.

The high density foam specified performs much better than other types. Camping pad a pipe insulation are too bouncy and will not give the same feel or weight. If built correctly these weapons closely approximate the feel of a real sword in the hand. Of course they have too much friction for some types of blade play and they are much bulkier than a real blade. Keep in mind these weapons are only one tool used by The ARMA as part of a comprehensive training program that also includes wasters, blunt steel, and sharp weapons for test cutting. If you are interested in how to make and use them check out the URL I posted and go to the "Open Forum".

Registered: Jul 2002 | IP: Logged

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