Sidesword/Buckler equiptment

If you're into Renaissance-era swords your options are basically $150 Hanweis and $600+ "A-list" stuff. Yeah it kinda sucks, unfortunately most of the sword industry's interest is in katanas and to a lesser extent Oakeshott-type medieval stuff. Darkwood does semi-custom sideswords, but they're hardly a bargain and I don't know offhand if they produce the blades or would require you get one from somebody else. Might be worth lookig into if you're after a blunt sparring sword.

Anyway I've got a functional Hanwei sidesword and it seems to be up to the task...it's a little guard-heavy but that's not a big deal for how these things are supposed to be used. For the price I would definitely recommend it, even with their factory problems driving prices up a bit you get a hell of a lot of sword for not a lot of dough. A couple of members have put together a "Frankensword" out of a Hanwei SS and AT303 arming sword but it's hardly a beginner's project. Those bucklers look like some good stuff--I might have to look into getting one for my collection.

Can only comment on the bucklers, I'd normally stay away from all steel bucklers. We use wooden bucklers with a metal boss and they're quite a bit lighter than the metal bucklers I've seen/held in hands. In my opinion all steel is not necessary, wood with linen and raw hide rim is more than durable enough. We do I.33 though so maybe if youre looking for a renaissance outfit you have to go with all steel bucklers.

Thanks guys, I'll take your comments into consideration when I decide what to buy.