A quality longsword waster is a key element to beginning training, and luckily, there are many venues which can be taken to attain one.

First, very high-quality wasters can be purchased off of the internet from various artisans catering to the needs of demanding martial artists like ourselves. You will see 5-6 of these in the hands of the officers and hopefully other members in the future. These are not just some sticks shoddily pieced together. They are well-crafted, visually appealing, accurately-weighted (as best as possible with the necessary dimensions), nicely-balanced wooden swords. The tools are relatively costly, averaging about $90 + S/H. If you’re ready, willing, and able to purchase one of these (and I highly recommend it if you are), the three very best sources are:

• With Intent Wasters Nylon wasters that offer many benefits over wood including flexibility and durability. These are the wasters that we most recommend that you purchase.

• New Stirling Arms Get the "hand and a half, long" for a great starter longsword waster. However, if you're particularly short or tall, you may want to consider their "Hand and a half, short" or "Davenriche" versions, which are shorter and longer, respectively. Please feel free to contact an officer for their opinion if you’re not sure. The single-handed sword, cut and thrust sword, and rondel dagger wasters from NSA are also of very high quality.

• Raven Studios Wasters from Raven Studios are also highly recommended. Their site allows you to customize the length of your blade and cross, as well as the types of wood used for aesthetic preferences. Their single-handed swords, rondel daggers, and hilted daggers also seem very nice and would likely be a great investment, though the study group members have not handled them personally.

However, if you’re low on money and high on handy-ness, many people choose to construct their own. It just needs to be as close as possible to a historical type, made securely so that it is safe. The loaners will be available for borrowing to model your own after, if you like.

The two companies listed and option for making your own are good venues for other types of swords when the time comes, too.

Please note: We do not condone business with a company called Purple Heart Armouries, so we advise that you do not buy your waster from them. However, if you really want to, we certainly can’t stop you.

Sincerity of Effort

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Appreciation of Martial Spirit

Cultivation
of Self-Discipline