Rawlings Basket Hilt Sparring Sword PR9032 - Safe Practice with Reinforced High-Impact Polymer

The Rawlings Basket Hilt Sparring Sword PR9032 is a purpose-built training blade for HEMA practitioners and theatrical performances, delivering realistic handling with enhanced safety. Developed with Dave Rawlings, founder of the London Longsword Academy, it blends a classic basket-hilt look with modern reinforced polymer for safer sparring.

• Length and blade specifications: 41" overall length with a 34" silver blade for balanced handling.
• Materials and construction: Crafted from special-purpose reinforced high-impact polymer; blade designed to flex in the last third toward the tip to reduce thrust risk; blade/tang joint reinforced by a high-tensile steel rod along the full length of the handle to minimize handle flex.
• Grip and ergonomics: Rubber-like thermoplastic elastomer grip absorbs impact and provides a tight, secure fit on the tangs; brown handle complements the basket-hilt design.
• Hilt and aesthetics: Black guard and basket-hilt pommel deliver a classic look with protective coverage for sparring.
• Weight and handling: Approximately two-thirds the weight of a steel-bladed sword; heavier than most wooden wasters but with lower impact than steel, providing a convincing feel without excessive force.
• Ease of assembly: Designed for quick assembly and disassembly; brass nut molded into the pommel creates a tight metal-on-metal joint to the tang and secures the slide-on grip against the guard.
• Ideal use cases: A safe option for sparring practice, HEMA training, and theatrical productions where authentic visuals matter.
• Notes on specs: Specs may vary slightly from piece to piece.

With the PR9032, you get a training sword that closely mirrors the feel of a steel blade while dramatically reducing the risk of injury during fast exchanges. The flexing blade reduces thrust risk, and the reinforced tang keeps the grip stable through repeated strikes. Its lighter weight compared to steel enhances control for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike, while the robust polymer body withstands regular practice and performance use. The easy-assembly design means you can set up or pack away quickly for drills, tournaments, or stage scenes, and the authentic basket-hilt aesthetic adds credibility to demonstrations and productions. This sword is ideal for HEMA students, instructors, and performers seeking a safer, high-quality sparring option that still delivers realistic handling and presentation.