Before you purchase any gear…

We kindly as you to consult with the instructors regarding any gear you are considering purchasing. As HEMA lacks global governing body that sets safety standards, and with ongoing developments in gear continually improving safety, our opinions on what are the best are constantly in flux. We also prefer to personally test gear before recommending anything to our students. In addition there are several brands/items that are accepted in the broader HEMA community, but which OCHS has found to be unsafe for our classes.

For beginners:

We understand HEMA is an expensive sport, so we want to make it easily accessible to those just checking it out for the first time. You do not need to buy anything at first. We usually have enough gear for first-timers to take classes and try out the sport. If you decide you really enjoy HEMA and want to start building up your kit below is a list of items we do recommend.

Where to buy equipment:

Some items can be found on Amazon as well.

What we do recomend

Books:

For longsword we primarily work from Ringeck Danzig Lew: Long Sword by Stephen Cheney. Because this book is text only and can be a bit esoteric it may help to get some of the books below as a second reference.

Head Protection:

Any FIE-rated fencing mask paired with a HEMA mask overlay is sufficient.

For masks we like:

  • Absolute Force Basic and Deluxe HEMA masks

  • Wukusi Cobra and Sallet Masks

  • Red Dragon Armoury HEMA Mask

For mask overlays we like:

  • SPES Unity

  • Wukusi Rattlesnake

Hand Protection:

For longsword:

  • HF Armory Black Knight

For saber:

  • HF Armory Black Princes

Groin and Chest Protection:

Any rigid athletic cup and fencing chest protector protector will work for HEMA.

Longswords/Feders:

Sabers: