Weapon Inspection – Berlin HEMA Cup

Purpose

The inspection ensures that all weapons used are safe, functional, and compliant with the rules. Only inspected and marked weapons may be used in the tournament.

Inspection Station – Setup in the Hall

• Use gym benches as inspection surfaces.
• Apply colored tape with precise measurement markings for:
  • Total length
  • Blade length
  • Crossguard length or guard span
• All lengths may be measured on the same bench, but:
  • Use different colored markings.
  • Do not mark rapier and longsword at the same end of the bench.
  • Recommendation: Use a separate bench for each weapon type.

General Inspection Steps (All Weapons)

1. Length Check:
   • Lay the weapon flat on the bench.
   • Check total length and blade length using the tape markings.
   • Measure the crossguard or guard span with a measuring tape or bench marking.
2. Weight:
   • Measure with a digital scale.
3. Tip:
   • Only spatulated or rolled tips are allowed, no rounded tips.
   • All tips must be fitted with a hard tournament-provided tip cap.
4. Bend Test:
   • All blades are subjected to a bend test before the tournament.
   • The weapon is placed vertically with the tip on the ground.
   • The appropriate test weight is placed vertically on the pommel.
   • The blade must show a visible deflection under this load.
   • A visible deflection with a lower weight is also acceptable.
   • The bend must be reversible – no permanent deformation.
5. Visual Inspection:
   • No sharp edges, cracks, or structural damage.
   • Grip and guard must be firmly attached.

Weapon-Specific Requirements

Longsword

• Blade length: max. 105 cm
• Total length: max. 140 cm
• Crossguard: 20–30 cm, no side rings or loops, blunt ends
• Tip: Spatulated or rolled, with tournament tip cap
• Weight: 1.2–1.8 kg
• Bending behavior: 15 kg → visible deflection
• Shield (above the guard): must be rounded

Rapier

• Blade length: 95–130 cm (up to the crossguard)
• Total length: max. 140 cm
• Crossguard: 12–30 cm
• Hilt types: Italian (basket) and Spanish (cup) rapiers
• Tip: Spatulated or rolled, with tournament tip cap
• Weight: 0.9–1.3 kg
• Bending behavior: 7.5 kg → visible deflection

Dagger

• Blade length: max. 55 cm
• Total length: max. 70 cm
• Crossguard: 8–30 cm
• Hilt: max. 1 D-ring, no blade catchers
• Tip: Spatulated or rolled, with tournament tip cap
• Weight: 0.4–1.2 kg
• Bending behavior: 7.5 kg → visible deflection

Saber

• Blade length: max. 90 cm
• Total length: max. 105 cm
• Blade shape: clearly defined edge, spine, and flats
• Guard span: 3–12 cm (edge side), 3–6 cm (spine side)
• Tip: Spatulated or rolled, with tournament tip cap
• Weight: 650 g – 850 g
• Bending behavior: 10 kg → visible deflection

Conclusion

• Weapons that pass receive a visible inspection mark (colored tape, insulation tape).
• Weapons that fail are returned, issues are explained, and a reinspection may be allowed.
• Document all inspections (weapon, fencer, result).
• Weapons without an inspection mark may not be used.