Thigh and Groin Protector

[Jakup M]

Has anyone tried these?

http://www.kmnw.co.uk/store/index.php?m ... cts_id=101

I am thinking they would be great for saber practice, so the legs can be properly targeted.

- Jákup

[admin]

I can't view the page because apparently it is a security risk..

[Jakup M]

Is it blocked by your work place's firewall or is it just your browser's security warning?

Anyways, I have attached a picture.

[admin]

Both actually.
Interesting, thanks for posting. Personally I'm not sure why these would be needed for sabre, do you guys get hit a lot in the thighs and bum?

[Jakup M]

Hehe no we generally don't target unprotected areas that heavily. With steel swords, I find that most people tend to hold back in such cases, and proper leg protection will allow for a greater utilization of low attacks.

[admin]

We're using the Hanwei Huttons and I don't really think these are necessary for those, but I guess you guys are using the Austrian ones?

[Jakup M]

Yes we are. And we're really happy with them, but since the Austrian smith's retirement, some of our guys have talked about using the Hutton sabres as their first one. But I want to get gear that can even be used with broad bladed antique sabres, as they're probably the best option right now.

[admin]

I really dislike the Hanwei Huttons. We use them and also the Knight Shop nylon swords, and out of the two I find the nylons function more like a real sabre (I own about 40 antiques). I don't like using antique swords in principle because I think it is very selfish - there are only a limited number existing and every one we destroy is one less in the world. We don't want to end up with as few 19th century swords as there are 15th century swords.

[Jakup M]

Yeah I actually haven't heard anything good about the Hanwei swords. But for new members, it is definitely more exciting to practice with a steel weapon instead of a single stick.
The Knight Shops swords you use - are they the basket swords, or do you have some sabre prototype?
In regards to using antiques, I mostly agree. But if I can find a really common model, I wouldn't have a problem using it. Granted, it might not be that easy to identify any gives sword as commonly available.

[admin]

We use the Knightshop basket (mortuary) hilt, but a number of us have cut off the bottom side bars of the guard, which means you can hold it like a sabre (assuming you put the thumb up the back of the grip, which not all sabre manuals do). The plastic sabre hilts should be coming soon hopefully.

[Claudia]

Maybe I'm just a spectacular whimp. I keep sporting some rather impressive bruises on my upper legs, both after sparring with steel Huttons or Knightshop nylon basket hilts. I seriously consider buying something like this!

[admin]

Well fair enough then!
I don't think I ever get hit there, maybe we need to look at how people are forming their guards and parries.

[Jakup M]

Well I'm ordering a couple of them for our club today, so I'll let you know how they work out.

I've also been thinking about getting the basket hilt swords from the Knight Shop. Are they good for sabre practice? And do you know anything about when their sabre might be released?

[admin]

In regards to the first question, I like them. But I cut off the lowest side bars from the guard, so that I can get my thumb up the back of the grip.
In regards to the second question, I don't know.

[Jakup M]

Just a quick follow up on my experiences with the thigh and groin protector. Generally we are very pleased with them. They offer great protection without inhibiting movement to any significant degree. They are really solid, and will probably last my HEMA lifetime. One of the Velcro straps on mine has gone up at the seems though, so there might be some models with sub-par stitching. To be sure, sewing it back in is not that great of a hassle, but it was a disappointing fault in a great product. The others in our guild have not had the same problem.
The only major complaint I have is the shipping price, which seems excessively steep, as P+P cost was over 50£ for five pieces. And this was only to Denmark, so beware if you're ordering from outside the EU.

[admin]

These seem like the best option available to me - not only do they provide some impact protection but they also help prevent possible artierial damage from broken blades etc. It is a simple solution to protecting the groin and thighs in one go:

http://www.histfenc.com/productcart/padded-skirt

Not only is it simple and well priced, but it is also pretty similar to some protectors that were worn in the 19th century.

[Jakup M]

And it looks pretty cool too. It's nice to see modern equipment with an "historical" design. But hopefully, I won't have to find another thigh and groin protection solution - ever