What is a “Waster”?
Since Roman times, through the Middle Ages and Renaissance, wooden weapons were used throughout Europe for training and practice by warriors, men-at-arms, knights and students of fencing. Wasters save wear and tear on valuable steel swords and help build strength and coordination. Also called “bavins” or later on “cudgels”, wooden swords were often of double weight for instructing squires or for use on pells or even tournaments. Purpleheart Armoury is among the first to offer in a range of styles special discernible edge hardwood weapons for Western martial artists and students of historical European swordplay. All weapons are hand-constructed for the best possible degree of strength and sturdiness. The wood for each piece is carefully chosen for strength, grain, and beauty. Purpleheart Armoury design patterns follow actual historical sword and weapon geometry. Each is carefully polished and then hand-tested to ensure ruggedness, correct weight, and proper balance. Each piece is made a
