Fencing masks

. Would you say that it is mostly cut resistant?

Where is a good source of hema masks? I feel I might want to add one to my gear

Depends on the mask! Modern ones are rated in terms of how many newtons of applied force the mesh can withstand, typically varying from around 300N to around 1500N and more; I think the usual recommendation for HEMA purposes is at least 500N, and there's no real downside to making it stronger so why the hell would you not, although around the point where penetrating the mesh takes more force than breaking your neck the returns obviously begin to diminish.

There's also variation in how well different masks protect the sides and back of your head, and your throat and neck - some are more enclosing than others, some have larger and/or better designed gorgets, some have add-ons for more comprehensive protection, etc. This can come at the expense of comfort and ergonomics, so at the extreme ends there are some fairly meaningful compromises to be made one way or the other, but also several reasonable flavors in the middle of the road.

PS. The force delivered by a thrust is more locally concentrated than that from a cut, so if a mask can withstand thrusts up to e.g. 1000N, it will do even better against edge blows. No worries in that regard. But keep in mind that a sufficiently forceful blow, whether with the point or the edge, can still cause concussion and spinal injuries even without penetrating the mask...

I stand corrected!

Just to be clear, what are you using it for? What kinds of wasters are you planning on it coming into contact with?

Oh well if you want a mask that would be helpful in a defense situation, I cant advise a fencing mask at all. The metal mesh is designed to hold up against a flexible steel rod being slammed into it, but if you took something like a baseball bat to it, you could crush it with minimal effort. I can't recommend you try and use a fencing mask for actual defense situations. I guess you could use a real kevlar helmet to protect yourself in fencing, but its probably gonna be heavier, more uncomfortable, and restrict your vision more if its sturdy enough to stand up to real weapons.

I figured against knives, machetes and such might do. Against bat's, I dunno how useful being alive would be if I was hit in the head with a bat. Concussion and even just being knocked over, would be hard to work with while being attacked by an opponent. Plus the weight isn't ideal

I've considered a hidden helmet under the fencing mask as well. I mostly just don't want a knife stabbed into my sinuses or throat, or something else disfiguring, infection causing, and/or gruesome.

I figure they may be able to get a few face pokes or slashes more easily than a full on swing of a bat, which I'm guessing might be likely to do enough damage to land me in a position where they have a massive upper hand anyway.

So against that the only thing I think I could do is dodge.

*edit: just adding that I edited this a few times in case you only seen the earlier edits.

I just realized I might only like light armour. I never seen the point in stopping a powerful bullet from piercing when its impact can kill you anyway

Fair enough. I think I been applying HEMA and such too strongly towards my over all SHTF project. I feel over confidence might be a side effect of HEMA. It starts making so much sense you forget it isn't an all use system

I also have yet to take my SHTF project beyond just a fantasy concept. My equipment weighs way too much

For a SHTF scenario, it may be interesting to pair a fencing mask with a mil surplus steel helmet. You could even wire some small steel plates to the mesh and bib of the mask portion for additional protection.