Chilwell Blades Fencing Club

buying your own fencing kit & new BFA requirements

Before making your first purchase there is much to consider. Just what do you need? How much fencing are you

going to do? What should you get first and where from?

So what do you need?

This list is fairly comprehensive, but not all is essential. The essential bits are the clothing which must conform

to regulations. In this country at the moment garments with a rating of 350 Newtons are satisfactory for club

and competition use, but for your own safety, and to be prepared for fencing abroad or for any rule changes,

it may be worth paying the bit extra and getting 800 Newtons kit.

The essentials are;

Jacket, Underplastron, Breeches, and Mask. Ladies also require breast protectors. (I am reliably informed that

the simple “rice bowl” design is neither efficient nor comfortable and that there are better types available.

See Marie or Nickola for more information).

**IT IS ESSENTIAL UNDER NEW BFA REGULATIONS THAT BREECHES ARE WORN WHEN FENCING 'ELECTRIC'

FOIL / SABRE / EPEE AND ALSO 'STEAM' SABRE & EPEE** As you know the club has a fair amount of kit for

members to borrow, what we don’t have are breeches and as they are an essential piece of kit, my advice is to

get breeches first.

So much for the obligatory stuff, to which you need to add glove, shoes and socks. Gloves come in various

qualities and prices so look for comfort and affordability. Similarly with shoes. You can buy fencing shoes at

Ł120 a pair or get squash shoes for around Ł20, its up to you.

Next comes clothing associated with your particular weapon. If you are a beginner at this stage you may feel

that a bit of “steam” fencing is all you need, but I recommend that you think beyond that and buy an electric

weapon whether its Foil, Epee or Sabre. With electric fencing however comes the expense of more kit. If you

intend to fence Foil you will need a lame and body wire. For Sabre you will need a lame, body wire and sabre

mask. The cheapest weapon is Epee as you will only need a body wire.

After all that you will probably be desperate for your first weapon! If its Foil or Epee you should consider

whether to stick with the French grip or go for one of the orthopedic designs available. Give them all a try

before you decide. Finally you will need a bag to put it all in.

Unfortunately there are no local suppliers; most kit is bought by mail order or online. Most large competitions

will have a trade stand so it’s worth going along to try on clothing and get the size right. In addition the larger

suppliers do have shops in London. You will find details of suppliers’ on the 'KIT & ARMOURY' page, but the

largest suppliers are probably Leon Paul and Allstar. Both provide an excellent service but then so do many of

the smaller firms who may have cheaper kit available. Don’t be afraid to ask any senior Club member for

advice before you take the plunge.

Once you have kit of your own you take a step up. You will feel like a fencer and the commitment you have

shown in getting kitted up will be reflected in your performance. You will feel a part of the club and get greater

enjoyment from fencing on the box and of course you will be able to attend our second night for competitive

fencing. So go on, get something this month and have something else in mind that your nearest and dearest

can get for you this Christmas!

Malc Cawton