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Subject: Newbie with question(s)
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PádraigínUser is Offline
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Posts:1
12/28/2008 1:44 PM Alert 
I joined the SCA not to long ago(a few months) and am interested in rapier. I have a small sport fencing background(my parents had me do it for a few years when I was a kid) but when push comes to shove I probably don't remember much at all. I like in West Linn Oregon, and have been to a few 3M fight practices.

My questions are these:

A) I am a student and as such do not have a whole lot of money to spend on $300 swords. Are there any good, cheap, beginners swords that I could buy and use at fight practices? I know that cheap and good normally don't work well together but I could spend like $250 max, though I would rather spend some of that on other gear like a mask and armor.

B) Are there any patterns out there for arming doublets and other protective clothing that meets SCA requirements? or will I have to buy premade clothing(from places like Gipsy Peddler)/change a pattern so that it meets what the SCA wants?

C) Any advice for a newbie that is just starting out? Something you would have liked to have known when you started?

D) Is there anybody in the 3M that is willing to teach a 17 year old how to fight rapier? I would be very very grateful.

Thanks a bunch, and if these questions are answered somewhere else feel free to redirect me!
LessinghamUser is Offline
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Posts:121
12/28/2008 10:04 PM Alert 
Hmmm....
Well there is a practice on Monday nights at the Multnomah Arts Center where most of the locals gather that I am aware of.  There is also http://duellatoria.com/ teaching formal classes twice a week not too far from you.

a)  The cheapest and best starter swords I can point you to are the Hanwei/CasIberi and should run you less than $200.00 to get started.  Though they run a range of prices depending on what you buy.  Talk to Sean at the Monday night practice I listed above as he is the local dealer.  Alternately you can get higher end stuff through Academia Duellatoria but those are going to start you at around $200.00 for blades and around $300.00 for whole weapons.

b) no patterns that are SCA legal that I am aware of.  There are costume patterns for doublets out there however that could be made legal with some minor alteration.  Also often a standard sleevless doublet can be made legal with the addition of a shirt with proper armpit protection.  Patterns available here   http://www.sewingcentral.com/cgi-bin/Web_store/web_store.cgi?page=pff.html&cart_id=5545804_12634 as well as from Simpicity which sells historical and costume patterns - see if you can find pattern 9633
If you are going to hire someone to do clothing for you I wouldn't use Gypsy Peddler.  I have a local seamstress or two you could use that would be cheaper and could actually fit you.

c) for just starting out.... don't get cheap equipment if you can help it.  It will cost you money in the long run.  Good equipment will make you happier and last longer.  Especially with swords... try the stuff other people have first before making a decision.  Get lessons - real lessons.  Simply going to an SCA practice and beating the snot out of each other is not proper training and will just teach you bad habits that are harder to unlearn later.  Sport fencing - no matter how good the training was - does not make a historical fencer.

D)  see my initial reply for where to get training.  Come talk to the group on Monday nights.  Or come take lessons at Academia Duellatoria.

The armor and weapons issues are easier to handle in person.  Don't forget that a lot of us that have been around longer bring loaner gear for people to borrow at practices.
"The Will is the captain general of our army and our fortress."
1587 F. Ghisliero pg. 108
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