Weapon Checks
Weapon checks must be carried out before every battle & training session. The safety critical weapons check may be carried out by an Armourer or an RTTC. The advice and information about specs should be sought from an Armoury Team member. If groups would like Armoury Team members to run the weapons checks at their medium or minors, contact armoury@vikingsonline.org.uk
All warriors should get into the habit of checking their weapons before and after every battle, so that any issues can be addressed before they arrive at muster.
Below is a list of what the armoury team are looking for at muster and somethings they mention or speak to you about after battle.
Muster Weapon Checks
The primary consideration for weapon checks at muster is to ensure all warriors going onto the battle are carrying safe equipment.
- Burrs and splinters on blades & shafts
- If a weapon clearly does not fit specifications
- No sharps are on belts/in pockets
- Shields have no loose or free hanging nails/rivets
- Weapons are securely on shafts, no loose heads
- Protruding rivets or nails, i.e. from spear sockets
- Loose shield boss/damage (allowances are made particularly for damage that has occurred during the show)
- Gloves covering the whole hand
- Helmet/bump-cap with strap, especially if hidden in a hat
- Spikes on helmets
- No loose or unstitched leather/rawhide wrapping under spear or axe heads
Post-battle
An armourer may also flag potential concerns after a battle. Where a weapon is showing wear & tear or is borderline on meeting the specifications without casing a safety issue, the armourer may allow it on the field but follow up afterwards to ensure they're corrected before the next battle or show.
- If a tip or point maybe under minimum/over maximum specification
- If a weapon was damaged on field
- If a burr might develop
- Gloves that may have holes, damage or have chain on
- Shield damage, particularly large scale sustained during the show
- Splintering/delaminating shafts and handles
- Weld lines on blades/heads
- Breakables in pockets or pouches i.e. lighters