MK Marshal's Handbook - Society and Middle Kingdom Weapon Standards

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Contents

Society and Middle Kingdom Weapon Standards

A. General

  1. NO METAL, PLASTIC, OR PVC MAY BE USED IN THE STRIKING SURFACE OR SURFACES OF ANY WEAPON.
  2. Weapons used single-handed shall have a wrist strap (or equivalent restraint) which will keep the weapon from leaving the immediate area of the user.
  3. Flails are expressly prohibited.

Here follows additions to the Society rules:

    • a. The only materials currently permitted in the construction of swords are rattan and siloflex or its (Kingdom Earl Marshal approved) equivalent, usually sold as a high preassure irrigation piping material. Use of Siloflex requires a solid rattan core for the entire length of the weapon, per Society standards. In all cases, no swords may be stiffened, fiberglassed, or constructed of laminations. Swords may be repaired with white glue or protected with leather or like material and any non-metallic tape. There may be no protruding splinters from any weapon. Rattan is the only shaft material permitted for all other non-missle weapons, except fiberglass spears, per Society standards.
    • b. Lanyards: The use of lanyards on single-handed back-up weapons, or on two-handed weapons on the loss of an arm, is not required where spectators or property are not at risk. Trigger style retaining devices are considered the equivalent of lanyards.
    • c. Prohibited weapons: Pike-mauls, thrusting shields, and flail style weapons are prohibited in the Lists of the Middle Kingdom.
    • d. Striking Surfaces: The striking surfaces of all weapons must be clearly marked.
    • e. Weapon Weights: Weapons must not exceed 1 lbs. per foot, up to 5 lbs. for a single-handed weapons.

B. Swords

  1. Swords may be constructed of rattan or Siloflex and shall be of not less that 1-¼ inch (31.75 mm) in total diameter (including tape) along its entire length.
  2. Rattan shall not be treated in any way that will substantially reduce its flexability. (i.e., treated with wax, resin, fiberglass, etc.)
  3. The edges and tip of the blade shall be rounded and the blade itself shall be no less than 1-¼ inches (31.75 mm) in cross section.
  4. The full length of the blade, including the tip, shall be wrapped with tape in a manner which allows no rattan splinters to protrude.
  5. Low Profile Thrusting Tips are the same diameter as the sword they are mounted on. They must be constructed of at least 1-¼ inch (31.75 mm) of closed-cell foam (although at least 1-½ inches (38.1 mm) are recommended). The thrusting tip will be securely attached with at least ½ inch (12.7 mm) of progressive give across the face of the thrusting tip without allowing contact with the rigid tip of the weapon. (Note: Pressing with the thumb into the center of the thrusting tip is not an adequate test. The give must be across the entire face of the tip.) This type of thrusting tip may be only used for single-handed weapons and it must be marked with contrasting tape.(e. g., red tape with a silver sword and yellow for a black sword
  6. When other thrusting tips are used, they shall be no less than 2 inches (50.8 mm) in diameter or cross-section and shall provide progressively resistant “give” under pressure without allowing contact with the rigid tip of the weapon. It shall not be possible to force the thrusting tip more than ½ inch (12.7 mm) into a legal face guard.
  7. Swords shall have a hand guard such as a basket hilt, quillons, or equivalent. The hand guards shall have no sharp edges, and anything, which protrudes more than ½ inch (12.7 mm), must be greater than 1-¼ inches (30mm) in diameter. It shall not be possible to force the guard more than ½ inch (12.7 mm) into a legal face guard.
  8. Edged weapons will have all cutting edges marked with contrasting tape.

C. Siloflex

  1. Swords may be made using tubular materials meeting ASTM standard D-2239 or the international equivalent, having at least a 1-¼ inch (31.75 mm) diameter on the outside and at least ⅛ inch (3.2 mm) walls.
  2. This sword shall have an inner core of rattan that fills the interior of the tubular material entirely.
  3. Siloflex may only be used for single-handed weapons. Periodic inspection shall be made to determine the condition of the inner core.
  4. The edge of the tip shall be slightly beveled or rounded to help protect opponents.

D. Mass Weapons (single-handed)

  1. Hafts shall be of rattan of no less than 1-¼ inches (31.75 mm) in diameter.
  2. The haft may not be treated in any way that significantly reduces its flexibility.
  3. The head shall be firmly and securely attached to the haft. The head shall allow at least a ½ inch (12.7 mm) of progressive give between the striking surface and the weapon haft.
  4. The striking surface of all mass weapons shall have no sharp edges or square corners.
  5. If grips or guards are used, they shall have no sharp edges or protruding unpadded points with cross-sections of less than 1-¼ inch (31.75 mm) in diameter. Guards and pommels shall be firmly and securely affixed to the haft.
  6. When thrusting tips are used they shall be no less than 2 inches (50.8 mm) in diameter or cross section, and shall provide progressively resistant “give” under pressure without allowing contact with the rigid tip of the weapon. It shall not be possible to force the thrusting tip more than ½ inch (12.7 mm) into a legal face guard.
  7. Maximum total weight of weapon shall not exceed 5 pounds (2.28 kg). Total mass weapon length shall not exceed 48 inches (122 cm).

Here follows additions to Society rules:

  • a. Mass weapons include maces, axes, and war hammers.
    1. Padding: Mass weapons must be padded with at least ½ inch of flexible closed-cell foam, or its equivalent, along any striking surface. EXCEPTION: Pre-molded "Rathbone" or other similarly approved axe heads.
    2. Clicker mace and axe: Clicker mace and axe striking surfaces may use split rattan, heater hose, strips of rubber or leather as clickers. A minimum of ½ inch of closed cell foam must separate the haft rattan and the clicker. The clicker must start at least 1 inch below the head of the weapon, and stop 1 inch above the bottom of the head, and constructed such that the edges of the piece of clicker cannot come in contact with the opponent being struck. A clicker must be 1-¼ inches wide, with a minimum space of 1 inch between clickers. A clicker must not extend more than ½ inch into a legal faceplate opening. Clicker maces and axes are strictly single-handed weapons. Under no circumstances may any sort of clicker be introduced into a two handed weapons.
    3. Maximum Size
      • A single-handed mass weapon may not exceed 48 inches in length. Any mass weapon longer than 48 inches is considered to be a polearm and covered by those standards.

E. Polearm and Great axes

  1. Shafts shall be of rattan and no less than 1-¼ inches (31.75 mm) in diameter.
  2. Pole weapons shall not be excessively flexible or whippy.
  3. Unpadded glaives shall consist only of the rattan haft, with the weapon head clearly marked and the striking surface marked with contrasting tape. Any material attached to the striking surface is considered a head. Heads and thrusting tips must conform to the standards for pole weapon construction, as listed below.
  4. The head shall not be constructed of solely rigid materials. The head shall be firmly and securely attached to the haft. The head shall allow at least ½ inch (12.7 mm) of progressive give between the striking surface and the weapon haft.
  5. No polearm may have a cutting head and/or smashing head at both ends.
  6. When thrusting tips are used they shall be no less than 2 inches (50.8 mm) in diameter or cross-section and shall provide progressively resistant “give” under pressure without allowing contact with the rigid tip of the weapon. It shall not be possible to force the thrusting tip more than ½ inch (12.7 mm) into a legal face guard.
  7. Weight of the total weapon shall not exceed 6 pounds (2.73 kg).
  8. Total polearm length shall not exceed 7-½ feet (213.4 cm).

Here follows additions to Society rules:

    • a. BUTT SPIKES: To employ a butt spike the user must be authorized in two-handed thrust. Butt spike construction is the same as the construction for spears (non-fiberglass, see below).
    • b. Pre-molded “hard” rubber axe heads are NOT considered to comply with the above standard and will be limited to use on single handed weapons only.
    • c. The use of padded and unpadded striking surfaces are not permitted on the same weapon.

F. Greatswords

  1. Greatswords shall be constructed of rattan of not less than 1-¼ inch (31.75 mm) in total diameter (including tape) along its entire length.
  2. Rattan shall not be treated in any way that will substantially reduce its flexibility, i. e. treated with wax, resin, fiberglass, etc.
  3. The edges and tip of the blade shall be rounded and the blade itself shall be no less than 1-¼ inches (31.75 mm) in cross section.
  4. The full length of the blade, including the tip, shall be wrapped with tape in a manner that allows no rattan splinters to protrude.
  5. Quillons or cross guards shall have no sharp edges or protruding unpadded points with cross-sections of less than 1-¼ inches (31.75 mm) in diameter.

Guards and pommels shall be firmly and securely affixed to the haft.

  1. When thrusting tips are used they shall be no less than 2 inches (50.8 mm) in diameter or cross-section and shall provide progressively resistant “give” under pressure without allowing contact with the rigid tip of the weapon. It shall not be possible to force the thrusting tip more than ½ inch (12.7 mm) into a legal face guard.
  2. Weight of the total weapon shall not exceed 6 pounds (2.73 kg).
  3. Total weapon length shall not exceed 7-½ feet (213.4 cm).

Here follows additions to Society rules:

    • a. Two-handed swords (Great sword/bastard sword): The grip and ricasso together may not exceed one-half the total length of the weapon.
    • b. BUTT SPIKES: To employ a butt spike on Great Swords, the user must be authorized in two-handed thrust. Butt spike construction is the same as the construction for spears (non-fiberglass, see below).

G. Spears

  1. Spears shall not have a cutting or smashing head.
  2. Shafts may be of rattan of no less than 1-¼ inch (31.75 mm) in diameter.
  3. Thrusting tips shall be no less than 2 inches (50.8 mm) in diameter or cross-section, and shall provide progressively resistant give, under pressure without allowing contact with the rigid tip of the weapon. It shall not be possible to force the thrusting tip more than ½ inch (12.7 mm) into a legal face guard. Total spear length shall not exceed 12 feet (365.8 cm).
  4. Counterweights or any other addition that significantly increases the weight of the spear are not allowed. Lightweight “buttcap-type” handles are allowable at the discretion of the Kingdom Earl Marshal, provided they do not add significant weight to the spear.

H. Fiberglass Spears

  1. Poltruded fiberglass piping only may be used. Substitutions are not allowed. The piping must be 1-¼ inch (31.75 mm) in diameter and have a sidewall of not less than ⅛ inch (3.2 mm) thickness. Hence it shall have an interior diameter of not to exceed 1 inch (25.4 mm).
  2. The end of the shaft which will have the thrusting tip attached must be covered with a schedule-40 PVC cap with an interior diameter the same as the outside diameter of the shaft (1-¼ inch, or 31.75 mm). The thrusting tip will then be attached over this cap, and shall meet the requirements for fiberglass spear thrusting tip
  3. All fiberglass spears must have a thrusting tip with a minimum of 3 inches (76.2 mm) diameter or cross-section. Additionally, these thrusting tips must be constructed so that there is a minimum of 3 inches (76.2 mm) of resilient material in front of the PVC end cap and shall provide progressively resistant “give” under pressure without allowing contact with the PVC end cap. It shall not be possible to force the thrusting tip more than ½ inch (12.7 mm) into a legal face guard.
  4. Shafts may be “spliced” using a solid fiberglass rod of the same or equivalent material, which has an outside diameter of 1 inch (25.4 mm) and is between 8 inches and 12 inches in length (20.3 cm to 30.4 cm). Only two splices will be allowed per spear shaft. Each end to be spliced shall be cut square and clean of cracks or frayed fibers. The rod shall extend at least 4 inches (10.16 cm) into each spliced end. One or both of these two methods shall secure the splice:
    • a. Epoxying both ends of the fiberglass rod before insertion.
    • b. Epoxying one end of the fiberglass rod before insertion, and thoroughly taping the splice over with fiber tape.
  5. The butt end of the shaft shall be smooth and free of cracks or frayed fibers. The butt shall be taped over or otherwise sealed. It is recommended, but not required, that the entire length of the shaft be taped, because prolonged exposure to sunlight will shorten the life span of the shaft. If a weapon is completely taped, a marshal may require one section be untaped enough to determine that Poltruded Fiberglass has been used in the construction of the shaft.
  6. Total spear length shall not exceed 12 feet (365.8 cm).

Here follows additions to Society rules:

I. THROWING AXES

  1. Throwing axes are to be made from heater hose, garden hose, foam, or a similar non-rigid material with all dimensions being at least 1-¼". There is no minimum length for the handle. Requires full hand protection for the thrower.

J. JAVELINS

  1. Materials and Construction
    • a. Must be soundly constructed of a golf tube, schedule-40 PVC plastic pipe (minimum outer diameter 1-â…› inches) or Siloflex brand or other Kingdom Earl Marshal-approved high pressure irrigation plastic piping material, no longer than 60” inches as measured from head to end. The brand label for the PVC and Siloflex must be visible for inspection.
  2. Wrapping
    • a. The javelin shaft must be wrapped with fiber-reinforced tape.
  3. End Caps
    • a. A schedule-40 PVC plastic pipe end-cap must be glued or taped to each end.
  4. Internal Reinforcement
    • a. Must not be internally reinforced with expanding foam, paper, cloth, or built with any additional weights. Pipe-insulating foam or extruded polystyrene can be used as internal shaft reinforcement.
  5. Maximum Weight
    • a. The constructed weight must not exceed 2 pounds.
  6. Head
    • a. Can be constructed with a closed-cell foam style 2” diameter/deep head or a tennis ball head. The closed-cell foam head must have progressive give without bottoming out. The tennis ball head must be attached with â…› inch or less diameter strong cord in such a way that the ball will not slip out of the cord. The cord must be securely taped to the tennis ball, with the knots positioned away from contact surfaces.

K. THROWING JAVELINS (FRAMA)

  1. SHAFTS:
    • a. Shafts shall be constructed of two layers of Silo-flex with the outer piece having a minimum diameter of 1 ¼".
    • b. The inner piece shall be one size smaller than the outer. The material markings must be clearly visible.
  2. END CAPS:
    • a. A schedule-40 PVC cap with an inner diameter the same as the outer diameter of the shaft shall be used.
    • b. Each cap must be firmly glued or taped on.
  3. THRUSTING TIPS:
    • a. Thrusting tips shall be used on one end only. Each tip shall have a minimum diameter of 2" and exhibit progressive give.
    • b. It shall not be possible to force the tip more than ½" into a legal face guard.
  4. LENGTH:
    • a. The overall length of the shaft shall not exceed 5 feet. The thrusting tip shall not be included in this length.
  5. TOTAL WEIGHT:
    • a. The total weight shall not exceed 2 pounds.
  6. MARKINGS:
    • a. Each shaft shall be marked with 12" of Blue tape

END SOCIETY AND MIDDLE KINGDOM WEAPON STANDARDS

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