Epic Armoury’s Rondel Hand Protectors
May 26, 2018 22:43:02 GMT
Post by pgandy on May 26, 2018 22:43:02 GMT
I received Epic Armoury’s Rondel Hand Protectors today from KoA and have no interest in either company and paid full price. I must say that I like them and got more excited after their arrival and looking at what I received than the anticipation of what they might be after placing the order.
They attracted my attention right off, then lost it when seeing they were only 19 ga. After mulling it over for a few months I decided perhaps 19 ga in this case wouldn’t be too bad although I preferred something thicker. 19 ga. would be light, the design is good with a dome and rolled edge with no flats, my hand would be deflected aside more so than the rest of me lessening the effect. So after rationalizing I chanced it.
I’ve been beating the tar out of the Rondels with an escrima stick all day, damaging the stick more than the Rondels . They weigh next to nothing and don’t affect the sword’s handling. My measurements show 4 15/16" dia. and weigh 130 g each. They are non-restrictive allowing me to move my hands freely. I would suggest wearing something under the Rondels mostly to absorb the shock. I found a padded bicycle glove works great. I have a pair that I cut the finger tips off. Unfortunately they work only with a simple cross guard, anything with a ring, nail, etc. forget it. Rapiers won’t work.
They are sold in pairs as bright metal or darkened. I opted for the dark thinking the eye has a more difficult time following the darkened as opposed to the bright shinny stuff. And also of about equal importance I believe the darkened is more rust resistant. I don’t know how historically correct they are for those that worry about such stuff. I don’t remember seeing these in any paintings, but then I wasn’t looking. They are sold in pairs but I believe they would sell more if sold singularly as none is needed for the shield hand, and if the individual desired two let him buy an additional Rondels .
KoA’s ad shows the strap in the web of the hand with buckle’s leather section up. I find for me it works best with strap high up on index finger with the buckle leather section down. Others may find other better options. No need to buckle and unbuckle each time, just slide them on and off.
At present with no further testing I feel the Rondel will protect my hand better than a buckler. Unfortunately I don’t have a sparring partner to check that out.
I started a short video that I may attach later. In the meantime here are some photos. Mr. Sandman wins for the moment.
Agincourt w/Rondel Agincourt w/Rondel Windlass XIV w/Rondel Windlass XIV w/Rondel
Dagger w/Rondel Dagger w/Rondel
They attracted my attention right off, then lost it when seeing they were only 19 ga. After mulling it over for a few months I decided perhaps 19 ga in this case wouldn’t be too bad although I preferred something thicker. 19 ga. would be light, the design is good with a dome and rolled edge with no flats, my hand would be deflected aside more so than the rest of me lessening the effect. So after rationalizing I chanced it.
I’ve been beating the tar out of the Rondels with an escrima stick all day, damaging the stick more than the Rondels . They weigh next to nothing and don’t affect the sword’s handling. My measurements show 4 15/16" dia. and weigh 130 g each. They are non-restrictive allowing me to move my hands freely. I would suggest wearing something under the Rondels mostly to absorb the shock. I found a padded bicycle glove works great. I have a pair that I cut the finger tips off. Unfortunately they work only with a simple cross guard, anything with a ring, nail, etc. forget it. Rapiers won’t work.
They are sold in pairs as bright metal or darkened. I opted for the dark thinking the eye has a more difficult time following the darkened as opposed to the bright shinny stuff. And also of about equal importance I believe the darkened is more rust resistant. I don’t know how historically correct they are for those that worry about such stuff. I don’t remember seeing these in any paintings, but then I wasn’t looking. They are sold in pairs but I believe they would sell more if sold singularly as none is needed for the shield hand, and if the individual desired two let him buy an additional Rondels .
KoA’s ad shows the strap in the web of the hand with buckle’s leather section up. I find for me it works best with strap high up on index finger with the buckle leather section down. Others may find other better options. No need to buckle and unbuckle each time, just slide them on and off.
At present with no further testing I feel the Rondel will protect my hand better than a buckler. Unfortunately I don’t have a sparring partner to check that out.
I started a short video that I may attach later. In the meantime here are some photos. Mr. Sandman wins for the moment.
Agincourt w/Rondel Agincourt w/Rondel Windlass XIV w/Rondel Windlass XIV w/Rondel
Dagger w/Rondel Dagger w/Rondel