Good point about comparing HEMA costs to other hobbies. But let us keep in mind that all the hobbies listed are also on the expensive side of things, with a limited appeal base. HEMA adjacent, collecting antique swords or bespoke sharp swords can easily overshadow the cost of new HEMA kit. However, they are better at keeping their value, and they can even be seen as a form of investment. By comparison, HEMA kit needs to be seen as being disposable. You get the expensive bespoke piece of kit because you can afford to do so, not because it's an investment. Suppliers need to offer an entry level product that they update over the years. If we know what we're doing at this point, why is the cost of an entry level feder with a basic guard and pommel more than $100? With the economic tremors these days, maybe it's time for suppliers to have a look at manufacturing and improve affordability in the process.
Good point about comparing HEMA costs to other hobbies. But let us keep in mind that all the hobbies listed are also on the expensive side of things, with a limited appeal base. HEMA adjacent, collecting antique swords or bespoke sharp swords can easily overshadow the cost of new HEMA kit. However, they are better at keeping their value, and they can even be seen as a form of investment. By comparison, HEMA kit needs to be seen as being disposable. You get the expensive bespoke piece of kit because you can afford to do so, not because it's an investment. Suppliers need to offer an entry level product that they update over the years. If we know what we're doing at this point, why is the cost of an entry level feder with a basic guard and pommel more than $100? With the economic tremors these days, maybe it's time for suppliers to have a look at manufacturing and improve affordability in the process.