How much padding should various parts of the haft have to ensure passing (swinging weapons)?
Checking for haft padding is easy on swinging weapons. All areas requiring haft padding must be adequately padded so as not to cause pain/injury if someone is struck with a full-force swing on that area (re-read that last sentence, axe/mace wielders!). As a general rule of thumb, 1 inch (two layers) of blue foam is generally adequate for haft padding nearer the striking surface, while only one layer of foam is required near the hand grip (since little force is generated from that area). There is a little leeway how we will check this, as we will accept haft padding that is perfectly safe on “medium” swings but is a little ‘iffy’ on hard swings.
