Welcome to 2023 everyone! Albeit it is February when I make this post but still very much the start of a fresh new year. In a few months I will be attending the Castleton Cup – Buhurt League Challenger event and hoping to step up a bit by being a support role for the fighters. I have to admit over the last year I have been back and forth with commitments to the sport, and I am still very much new to it all but I do want to stress that regardless of that both those involved with Swords of Cygnus and also Honour and Arms HMB have been absolutely amazing when it comes to welcoming me back. There has been no judgement and I am really looking forward to this season.
Now to the reason why I am making this post- to hopefully share some of the things I am learning while making my own kit. On messaging and through chats with people I am summarizing what I have learnt to be the essentials to have on hand- now I haven’t gotten to the point where I have learnt how to replace rivets and repair armour but I feel a lot more confident about helping people put on armour when needed. Well a lot better than when I was attempting to navigate attaching shoulders which resulted in this gem of an image…
So what’s in my support box for a tournament?
1. SNACKS- Always of importance is whether or not you are in close proximity to some sort of
food and beverage provider so things like extra packs of tea, coffee, wine gums and for our
furry friends who come to see the action- dog treats.
2. For fixing most things on the spot- Scissors or knife, 3/5mm leather thonging (note mine is
definitely too thin), hockey tape/ adhesive cloth tape, 1.2mm wire, wire cutters, hammer
with a flat head and spherical side, hole punch.
3. Other things that cant hurt to have- drinking straws and extra water, a sewing kit including
leather sewing needles, bandages, rivets.
Again this is just a list that I have compiled and I am sure there are many things I have left out and will need to look into getting for the future – but it’s a start and whatever I can help with
immediately without having to ask others is always a win.
Where did I source these things?
Fortunately in the UK there are a lot of second hand/antiques store and general tool shops so take a look at these stores when your next around if you prefer not to order straight from amazon. (Pro Tip- If they have some loyalty card join up to that as you never know when you can get some good
discounts.)
- B&Q
- Sports Direct
- ScrewFix
- Sports Direct
- Facebook marketplace for local deals
- TORM (The original re enactors market) or ARM (Artisans & Re enactors Market)- these take place quite close to each other and on the same weekends the next is 17/18/19 March