Your First HEMA Kit: A Gear Guide for New Longswordists
So you've picked up a longsword, had a great time, and now you're wondering what you actually need to buy. Good news first: you don't need anything to start. We have loaner gear, and plenty of people train for weeks before buying a single piece of their own. Come as you are.
But if last night lit a fire and you want to start building your own kit, this guide walks you through what to buy — and, just as importantly, the order to buy it in. HEMA gear adds up, so we'd rather you spend smart than spend fast.
Buy in this order. Each piece protects something more important, or becomes necessary a little later, than the one below it.
1. Gorget — start here
What it is: A protective collar that guards your throat and the back of your neck.
Why it's first: Your neck is the one area where a bad hit has no good outcome, and it's exposed the moment you start any partner work. This is the single most important piece of protective gear you can own. If you buy nothing else, buy this.
Where to look:
Stainless steel & leather gorget (Etsy) — a great-looking, well-built option
2. HEMA mask
What it is: A reinforced fencing-style mask built for the harder contact of HEMA, protecting your face and head.
Why it's second: As soon as things pick up past slow drills, your head needs real protection. A proper HEMA mask (not a bare sport-fencing mask) is the standard for sparring.
Where to look:
3. Gloves
What it is: Heavy-duty protective gloves built to take a hit to the hands.
Why it's third: Hands are the most frequently hit target in longsword — they're literally the closest part of you to your opponent's weapon. Once you move into sparring, good gloves stop becoming optional.
Where to look:
4. Feder — last, and no rush
What it is: A feder is a training longsword designed specifically for HEMA sparring — flexible, blunted, and built for safe contact.
Why it's last: This is the piece people want to buy first and should buy last. You can train fundamentals for quite a while on loaner blades, and your preferences (weight, length, balance) will sharpen as you learn. Buy this once you know you're in it for the long haul.
Where to look:
A discount for our folks
Ordering from PurpleHeart Armory (woodenswords.com)? Use code pcs at checkout for 5% off.
Still not sure? Just ask.
Don't buy anything until you're ready, and don't let gear costs be the reason you hold back. Reach out any time with questions about fit, budget, or where to start — we're happy to help you spend wisely. See you on the floor.
— Pelican City Sword
