Hello everyone,

Does anyone know whether there are any arms-manufacturing companies that make and sell wasters? Recommendations would be much appreciated. I'm interested in buying one or two for swordplay practice. I haven't got a much of clue about woodworking, let alone swordsmithing, so I can't make one myself. Thus, I'm reckoning that it would be best to get one a manufacturer who also make actual metal swords in order to make a waster as equivalently balanced and proportioned as a metal counterpart.

Thanks,
Percy

There are several companies that specialise in making wasters. Personally I prefer plastic/nylon wasters over wooden wasters. Nylon wasters are a little more flexible. They don't bounce as much when they hit another waster which is good for some techniques. It's a matter of preference though.

Whatever you do, just don't mix wooden and plastic wasters! Wooden wasters are great against other wooden wasters but you can quickly destroy them against plastic wasters.

Hi Percival,

For wooden wasters, check out Purpleheart Armoury: http://www.woodenswords.com/

For nylon, check out the new Knight Shop / Dave Rawlings range - overview, reviews, and links are in this thread: http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98895

And then there are good training blunts by Albion, A&A, VA, and Hanwei.

Personally, I prefer New Stirling Arms for my wasters.

http://www.newstirlingarms.com/shop/

Personally I prefer wood over nylon, though I have handled both and their performance is close.