by Mykola Avenirov, founder of MedievalExtreme
If you’re just starting buhurt, chances are your team offered you some loaner gear — and that’s amazing.
It’s one of the things that makes this sport so welcoming. But with borrowed armor comes a bit of responsibility. Whether you’re gearing up for your first sparring session or a local event, here’s what you should know before putting on someone else’s steel.
Let’s talk about basic etiquette or how to borrow buhurt armor.
1. Scan for Structural Damage
Action: Look for cracks, broken rivets, or dangerously sharp dents.
Scratches and small dents are normal — this is buhurt after all — but cracks or split metal are not. Run your fingers along the armor (carefully) and check anything that looks weak or sharp. If it feels like it could slice, it’s probably not safe.
Rivets: If a rivet spins easily and it’s part of a mobile joint (like an elbow), that’s fine. But if it looks about to fall out or is wobbling at a key stress point — let someone know.
2. Double-Check Straps and Buckles
Action: Inspect every strap and buckle. Tug them once to be sure they’re not about to snap.
Most gear fails not because of the steel, but because of weak leather. Look especially near the buckle holes or where straps attach to the armor. If something is cracked or brittle, tape it or replace it before fighting. Even a quick field fix (zip ties, backup lace, etc.) is better than having your thigh protection drop mid-fight.
3. Check the Fit of Each Piece
Action: Make sure the armor fits snugly and is properly secured — not wobbling or flopping.
Even if it’s not made for you, the armor should still be tight enough to stay in place during movement. A good rule of thumb: the more ways a piece is attached to you, the better it holds.
- Shoulders: Should be attached to your brigandine or gambeson with two arming points (laces) for stability.
- Forearms: Better if secured at the elbow with an arming pont lace, at the wrist with a leather cuff, and fastened with two straps minimum.
- Knees: If not riveted, make sure they’re tied on with at least two laces. If one breaks mid-fight, you’ll still be safe.
Do a quick movement test — squat, swing your arms, and twist. If anything shifts too much or feels loose, ask your team captain for help adjusting it. Better now than when you’re getting hit.
New to the sport? Don’t miss our latest guide: Top 5 Mistakes New Fighters Make
4. Clean Rust (If There’s Time)
Action: If the gear is rusty, give it a quick clean before the tournament day.
A little surface rust isn’t the end of the world — it won’t break during a fight. But if you have time, clean it off with sandpaper and wipe it down. It’ll help the armor last longer, and it shows respect to whoever’s lending it to you.
5. Be a Good Teammate – Return It Better Than You Got It
Action: Always clean, dry, and organize loaner gear before giving it back.
It doesn’t matter if it had dents or smelled like sweat when you got it — you should return it better. Wipe off dirt, hang it up to dry, and don’t let it rot in a bag. If you caused damage (strap broke, dent got worse), just let someone know (or better fix it). It happens. What matters is respecting the gear and the team that trusted you with it.
Want to go the extra mile? Oil the metal, organize it in the team bag, and prep it for the next fighter who will borrow buhurt armor.
That’s how you build trust — and usually how you earn better gear sooner.
6. Know What Gear You Actually Need
Action: For early practices and local events, you don’t need a full kit — just safe basics.
Check with your team what’s essential for sparring. Usually that means: helmet, gauntlets, chest/shoulder protection, arms, legs, groin cup, and decent padding.
For the full list of everything fighters bring to bigger tournaments (and what you’ll want to build toward), see our full Buhurt Preparation Checklist.
Want to Learn More?
- How to Start Buhurt on a Budget – Learn what to buy first and what to borrow
- How to Pack Your Buhurt Armor – Keep your gear (and team gear) in good shape
Final Word
That’s how to borrow buhurt armor.
Buhurt is a full-contact sport, but it’s also a team game. If someone lends you armor, they’re helping you get started — that’s something to be grateful for. Respect the kit, check it carefully, and take a little ownership. That attitude will take you far, both on the field and in the community.
— Mykola Avenirov
Founder, MedievalExtreme