Steel Cup Hilt Guard for SCA Swords, 1.6 mm / 16 gauge - Outlet

Steel Cup Hilt Guard for SCA Swords, 1.6 mm / 16 gauge

Sturdy Construction for Heavy Training

This basket hilt is crafted from solid 1.6 mm (approx. 16 gauge) mild steel. This thickness is perfectly suited to withstand the impact of rattan sticks, wooden wasters, or synthetic swords. The guard is constructed from two steel plates securely riveted together to form a deep bell shape (cup hilt). It is spacious enough to accommodate your hand comfortably while providing protection from all angles.

The exterior features a polished finish, while the interior is painted black to prevent glare and protect hard-to-reach areas from rust. For mounting onto a rattan stick, the guard features a rectangular slot at the front and two side tabs (lugs) to help you securely fix it to the handle or crossguard.

Usage Recommendations

This product is an ideal choice for:

• SCA Combat: Meets the standards for hand protection in rattan weapon combat. A staple piece of gear within the SCA community.
• HEMA and Fencing Training: If you train with wooden or plastic simulators (e.g., messer, single-hand sword) and want extra protection, this cup hilt will serve you well.
• LARP and Cosplay: It can serve as a base for creating your own weapon or costume where the look of 17th-century heavy cavalry or infantry is required.

Safety Warning

Please note that this is a piece of sporting equipment for specific disciplines. This product is NOT protective armor suitable for full-contact combat with steel weapons (Buhurt, Battle of the Nations). The 1.6 mm mild steel is designed for rattan and wood, not for withstand blows from hardened steel weapons, which could deform the guard and cause injury.

Technical Specifications

Historical Inspiration

The cup hilt (Spanish taza) represents the pinnacle of hand guard development for thrusting weapons like rapiers in the 17th century. As heavy mail gauntlets fell out of use, the weapon itself had to take over the function of shielding the fencer's fingers. This SCA model draws inspiration from these historical examples, where the deep bowl shape could catch the opponent's blade point and prevent it from reaching the hand.

Care Instructions

To ensure your guard lasts as long as possible and stays rust-free, follow these care tips:

• Wipe it down with a dry cloth after every training session to remove sweat and moisture.
• Regularly apply a protective oil (e.g., WD-40 or gun oil) to both the exterior and interior surfaces.
• Store in a dry place.
• Check the rivets regularly. If they become loose due to heavy impacts, tighten them promptly to maintain structural integrity.