Question 1

What grip length is comfortable with gauntlets?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

Type 2 swords may have a handle between 20 and 50 cm. Type 3 swords allow a handle between 30 and 50 cm. The ideal length depends on your gauntlets, hand size, and technique.

The grip should accommodate both gauntleted hands without crowding them against the guard or pommel. It should also allow small hand-position adjustments. Test the sword with your actual combat gauntlets because padded hand armor changes grip diameter, spacing, and wrist movement.

Question 2

Are thrusts allowed with two-handed swords?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

No. Buhurt rules prohibit thrusts and weapons designed solely for stabbing. Fighters may only deliver permitted cutting strikes with the approved striking areas. The blade must have blunt edges and a rounded point.

Both striking and non-striking edges need at least 2 mm of thickness. Every edge also needs a radius greater than 10 mm. Tournament officials must inspect the sword before use.

Question 3

How heavy should a tournament greatsword be?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

A Type 3 bladed weapon should weigh between 2.3 and 3 kg. Current requirements allow an upward measurement tolerance of 100 g. Type 3 swords must also measure 120 to 160 cm overall, with a blade length of 90 to 130 cm.

Some smaller two-handed swords qualify as Type 2 weapons instead. These swords must weigh between 1.7 and 2.3 kg. Always classify the weapon by its actual specifications rather than its product name.

Question 4

In which buhurt categories are two-handed swords used?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

Type 2 longswords belong to the longsword duel category. Fighters may also use qualifying Type 2 and Type 3 bladed weapons in buhurt group battles, including 5v5 and larger melee formats. Outrance or profight may permit two-handed swords that meet the relevant measurements and balance requirements.

A large sword sold as a greatsword does not automatically qualify for every category. Officials determine its class from its weight, length, construction, and historical design.

Question 5

How long does a training sword last with regular sparring?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

A training sword has no fixed service life. Its durability depends on training frequency, striking power, target material, maintenance, and storage. Pell work with a suitable target usually causes less unpredictable damage than uncontrolled steel-on-steel sparring.

Inspect the blade, edges, guard, grip, and pommel after every session. Stop using the sword if you find cracks, severe dents, permanent bends, or loose components. Regular cleaning and dry storage will help prevent corrosion and extend its useful life.

Question 6

Do training swords need to meet BI (ex. HMB) standards?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

A sword used only for solo drills or pell work does not need tournament approval. However, it must remain structurally sound and safe for its intended training method.

A training sword used for armored sparring, competition, or tournament-style fights must meet the applicable league requirements. It must also pass the event’s weapon inspection. Buhurt International (ex HMB), IMCF, and local clubs may apply different standards, so check the relevant rules before use.

Question 7

What is the difference in weight between training and combat swords?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

There is no fixed weight difference. A training arming sword may weigh within the same range as a tournament sword. For example, the MedievalExtreme training arming sword weighs approximately 1.5 kg, while Type 1 tournament swords range from 1.1 to 1.7 kg.

The main differences involve blade thickness, steel treatment, finish, balance, and durability. Training swords often use thicker construction and a rougher finish to withstand frequent pell work at a lower cost.

Question 8

Can I train with a tournament sword?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

Yes, but regular training can shorten the life of your tournament weapon. Pell work and repeated drills create dents, scratches, edge deformation, and stress around the guard and pommel. A dedicated training sword lets you preserve your competition blade for events. You can still use a tournament sword for light technical practice when you need to reproduce its exact handling.

Question 9

Can a hand-and-a-half sword be used with a buckler?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

Not in a standard Buhurt International sword and buckler duel. That category requires a Type 1 bladed weapon, while a tournament hand-and-half sword normally falls under Type 2. Fighters should pair a buckler with an approved one-handed sword. Other leagues or training formats may use different rules, so check the event regulations before choosing your equipment.

Question 10

What is the ideal weight and balance point?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

Type 2 swords must weigh between 1.7 and 2.3 kg. Many duel fighters prefer a sword near the lower or middle part of this range because it offers faster recovery and better control. However, the ideal weight depends on the fighter’s strength and technique.

A balance point closer to the guard improves maneuverability. A more forward balance adds striking momentum but increases fatigue. Profight and Outrance categories may impose specific balance requirements.

Question 11

Is a hand-and-a-half sword allowed in profight?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

Yes, a hand-and-half sword may qualify for profight or Outrance if it meets the relevant technical requirements. The weapon must remain within its Type 2 measurements and pass inspection. Outrance rules also require a minimum balance point of 15 cm from the top of the handle for men’s fights and 10 cm for women’s fights. Always confirm the requirements of the specific league and event.

Question 12

What is the difference between a bastard sword and a longsword?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

The terms often overlap. A hand-and-half sword, also called a bastard sword, has an extended grip that supports one-handed or two-handed control. “Longsword” refers to a broader group of long-bladed swords designed primarily for two-handed use. In modern buhurt rules, both commonly fall under the Type 2 bladed weapon category when they meet the required dimensions and weight.

Question 13

How long does a buhurt sword last?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

A buhurt sword does not have a fixed service life. Durability depends on training frequency, fighting style, maintenance, storage, and the types of weapons it contacts. A properly maintained sword used mainly in duels may serve for several fighting seasons, while frequent use in mass battles can shorten its lifespan.

Inspect the blade after every event for cracks, deep dents, permanent bends, or excessive edge deformation. Also check the guard, grip, and pommel for movement. A damaged or loose sword should be repaired or replaced before further use.

Question 14

One-handed sword or longsword: what should a beginner choose?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

For sword and shield or sword and buckler duels, a one-handed sword is usually the better choice for a beginner. It is lighter, easier to control, and allows the shield to provide additional defense. A longsword is suitable for fighters who specifically want to train for the longsword duel category, but it requires two-handed control, good distance management, and more developed defensive technique.

Swords are generally better suited to duels than mass battles. In melees, sword blades may be heavily damaged by repeated collisions with polearms and axes. A beginner preparing for group combat may prefer a basic falchion, mace, or axe, especially if their fighting style includes close-range wrestling.

Question 15

What steel is used for tournament swords?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

Tournament swords are typically made from tempered high-carbon steel. Proper heat treatment gives the blade the necessary combination of hardness, durability, and limited flexibility for full-contact fighting. Steel grade alone does not determine quality. Blade geometry, tempering, edge thickness, and the construction of the hilt, guard, and pommel are equally important.

Question 16

How heavy is a buhurt sword?

MedievalExtreme · Accepted Answer

A Type 1 sword, including an arming sword, should weigh between 1.1 and 1.7 kg. A Type 2 longsword should weigh between 1.7 and 2.3 kg, while a Type 3 two-handed sword may weigh between 2.3 and 3 kg. Tournament regulations allow an upward measurement tolerance of 100 g, but we recommend choosing a sword comfortably within the specified range.

Question 17

Can I sharpen your swords myself or request sharpening services?

admin admin · Accepted Answer

While we understand the appeal of a sharp blade, we strongly advise against it for several reasons. First, sharpening our swords could compromise the carefully crafted bluntness designed for safe sparring. This can increase the risk of injury not only for yourself but also for your opponent. Second, depending on your location, owning or carrying a sharpened sword might violate local laws and regulations. Therefore, we recommend sticking with our safe and legal blunted swords to enjoy armored combat without any unnecessary risks or complications.

Question 18

Are your swords/falchions/axes sharp?

admin admin · Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! All our swords/falchions/axes and other weapons are carefully blunted and rounded according to the strictest armored combat league regulations. We prioritize your safety above all else, so you can experience the power and thrill of armored combat without worrying about accidental cuts or punctures. Remember, sharp swords are not only dangerous and prohibited in armored combat but also often restricted by local laws, so our blunted blades ensure you train and fight with confidence and peace of mind.