Description
We are delighted to announce that at the Academy of Historical Arts, we are now designing and manufacturing our own lines of equipment at our workshop and full-time training venue in Glasgow.
The AHA Singlestick is our first item in production. We intend to keep constant stock of singlesticks so that we can fulfil orders immediately, without having to order any from abroad. Larger orders may require a little more time to manufacture, but our intention is to be able to send individual singlesticks from stock without any delay at all.
About the singlestick
This version of the singlestick has a rattan shaft and an HDPE plastic guard. The stick is about 1 metre (40-ish inches) in length and 22-24 mm (just under an inch) in thickness. The guard is large enough that you can wear a padded glove underneath.
Rattan is a form of bamboo that is particularly tough and durable, while being lightweight. It is typically a bit more expensive than machined ash dowels, but it usually considerably more durable, and should be better for higher intensity fencing!
Storage & maintenance instructions
Rattan is less likely to splinter than ash or other “normal” woods. It does not need to be soaked in between use. However, it is still not invincible or unbreakable.
After sufficient use, the sticks will break and will need replacement; they are natural materials and can only handle so much stress before they break down. This will take longer if you fence with a lower level of intensity, and it will take less time if you fence with greater strength in your strikes.