Inspecting Class 1 Weapons

From the Book of War

• 1.4.1. Class 1 - All Class 1 Weapons must conform to the following, as applicable:
  • 1.4.1.1. A Class 1 Weapon under twenty-four (24) inches in length has no weight minimum.
  • 1.4.1.2. A Class 1 Weapon twenty-four (24) inches in length or longer must weigh a minimum of twelve (12) ounces.
  • 1.4.1.3. With the exception of double-ended weapons, a Class 1 Weapon must be shorter than forty-eight (48) inches.
  • 1.4.1.4. The maximum handle length for a Class 1 Weapon is eighteen (18) inches or one-third (1/3) of the overall length, whichever is greater. This cannot exceed one-half (1/2) of the overall length.
  • 1.4.1.5. The minimum overall length of a Class 1 is 12 inches plus the length of the handle and pommel.

How to check Class 1 weapons

• 1. Measure and weigh the weapon. If it does not conform to the rules listed above, the weapon fails. See Weighing Weapons.
• 2. Feel along the striking surface, checking for soft parts of the foam, called a sweet spot. Feel for breaks, rips, or core.
• 3. Gently try and twist the striking surface near the tip to make sure that the foam is secure to the core. Don't twist too hard, or you may damage the weapon.
• 4. Feel along the flat to make sure you cannot feel core. Pay special attention to the tip of the sword. DO NOT DIG YOUR THUMB INTO THE FLAT OR HAFT PADDING LOOKING FOR CORE!
• 5. Check the pommel to make sure that you cannot feel core. Bounce the pommel off a hard surface, such as a table, and listen for a hard sound. If it bounces back, it is safe.
• 6. Check for Flex. See Checking Weapon Flex.
• 7. Swing the weapon. For Class 1 weapons, you can hit yourself in the leg with a medium strike. If the weapon feels hard, test it against another weapon checker's back.
• 8. This weapon may also be stabbing (class 3). Please refer to the section on Inspecting Class 3 Weapons, where applicable.