Where to Begin

[Brandon Bishop]

Hello, I've just recently stumbled across ARMA and have found it to have a very interesting premiss and something I would like to become involved in, and have gotten a number of others in my university fencing group interested in ARMA as well. But, there's just one problem: I have no idea where to begin.

What kinds of equipment are necessary (and where can it be obtained)? What reading material would you recommend? Any advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. Sorry if this isn't the appropriated forum for this sort of thing, I was unsure of which to post this message in.

[Derek Wassom]

Hi, Brandon. I'm not too far away from you in Fort Collins. email me at armadew@aol.com <img src="/forum/images/icons/cool.gif" alt="" />

First off I recommend getting yourself a waster and building a pell. Get yourself the book Medieval Swordsmanship by John Clements and also Sigmund Ringeck's Knightly Art of the Longsword by David Lindholm and Peter Svard.
Also check out the Where to Start link an the top of this page.

[Brandon Bishop]

Thanks for your quick reply Derek.

I've seen a number of types of wasters for sale, which type would you recommend? Where can I find information on building a pell?

[Derek Wassom]

Check out this excellent article by Senior Fee Scholar Stewart Feil:
http://www.thearma.org/essays/pells.htm

For wasters, New Stirling Arms and Raven Studios are highly recommended.

http://www.newstirlingarms.com/

http://www.little-raven.com/

[Bill Tsafa]

I agree that reading is the best place to start. Check out my website too.
http://mysite.verizon.net/tsafa1/swordreview.htm

I have two things that will interst you. First a list of books and a link to a bargin hunter site so you can get those books at the best price. Don't bother with Amazon.com Use the bargin hunter link I have and you will save a lot of money.

Second, You will see the Pell I have constructed. I use tires and bind them together with rope. I Find it works great. The tires a found for free. The ropes are cloths line that I get $1 each.

I am actualy looking for a replacement waster myself, so I will see what other people have to say on that.

[Matthew_Anderson]

Hi Brandon, all good suggestions so far, also check out this page which will probably answer some questions:

http://www.thearma.org/FAQ.htm

[Brandon Bishop]

Thanks for the replies so far. I've got one more question on things like wasters, how do you determine what length is appropirate?

[Matthew_Anderson]

I think for a "longwsord" about 48" is good, give or take an inch or two. I think sometimes shorter fencers think they need a shorter weapon, but really, this puts them at at even greater reach disadvantage IMO. John Clements isn't tall, but he can use a 48" longsword or a huge two-hander just fine, as well as shorter weapons. Likewise, big guys often think they need to use a telephone pole for a waster. I think a good fencer can do well with just about any weapon, and should be able to adapt to it's weight, length, etc. Look for something about 48", it's a good average size for a two-hand sword.