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Buying fencing gear isn’t just about snagging the cheapest mask or the shiniest blade. Your equipment affects comfort, safety, and performance on the piste — and a good store can guide you through sizes, safety standards, and the trade-offs between lightweight performance and long-lasting durability. Whether you’re just starting out or hunting for that upgrade to shave a fraction of a second off your lunge, choosing the right retailer makes a big difference.
In the UK you’ll discover several kinds of sellers: specialist fencing manufacturers and shops, general sports retailers with limited fencing ranges, international suppliers who ship to Britain, and club pro-shops or armourers who sell and repair equipment locally. Each type has pros and cons: specialists offer expert advice and a wider selection, marketplaces offer competitive pricing and fast availability, and club shops give hands-on fitting and repairs.
These shops focus entirely on fencing gear — masks, jackets, lamés, underplastrons, blades, body cords, and electrics. You’ll often find brand-new kit, FIE-approved items, and bespoke options. If you value expert knowledge and fit, a specialist is usually the best first stop.
Retail giants and marketplaces are convenient, frequently offering quick shipping and easy returns. They tend to stock beginner kits and popular brands but may lack specialist advice or the full range of competition-grade kit. They’re great for grabbing spares, socks, or a last-minute glove.
If you’ve been around British fencing for a while, you’ll recognise Leon Paul. Founded in the UK, this brand is synonymous with high-quality foils, epees, sabres, masks, and blades. They combine traditional craftsmanship with modern design, and many top-level British fencers use their gear. Shopping with Leon Paul (either directly or through authorised UK dealers) gives you access to competition-grade kit and knowledgeable product advice.
Leon Paul is particularly well-regarded for mask comfort and blade balance. Their blades are tuned to feel precise in the hand and their masks typically offer a roomy fit with solid protection. If you’re moving from club kit to competition-grade gear, Leon Paul is a brand that often sits on the shortlist.
Allstar is a major European fencing equipment brand with a reputation for technical innovation. Though it’s based in continental Europe, Allstar products are widely available to UK fencers through UK distributors and retailers. They’re popular at international competitions for their durability and high manufacturing standards.
Pick Allstar if you need robust, competition-ready gear that can handle repeated stress and resist wear. Their lamés and electronic components are trusted in tournaments, and many fencers prefer Allstar masks and jackets for long-term use.
Absolute Fencing Gear (AFG) and similar international suppliers offer vast catalogues and competitive pricing. While AFG is US-based, they ship internationally and are a frequent choice for UK fencers looking for variety or deals on brands not always stocked locally. Be mindful of import costs and delivery times, but don’t discount the choice and value these sellers provide.
Ordering internationally opens up more brands and models, but it can add shipping time and potential customs fees. Still, for niche items or very specific blade models, international suppliers may be the only place to find them.
Decathlon is growing as a go-to place for beginner and recreational fencing kits. Their items are usually priced for accessibility and designed for durability for club-level practice. You won’t always get the same depth of specialist advice as with a fencing boutique, but Decathlon can be ideal for new fencers who want an affordable starter pack.
Expect safe, entry-level masks, jackets, and weapons. These are solid for learning footwork and basic blade work but may lack the finesse and balance of competition-grade blades or the certified lamé required for high-level tournaments.
Marketplaces like Amazon and eBay are convenient for spare parts and last-minute purchases. You’ll find everything from replacement wires and gloves to whole beginner kits. The trick is to know what to look for: product authenticity, seller reputation, and compatibility with your electrics.
Look for high-rated sellers, clear product specifications, and pictures of actual items. Verify whether blades are FIE-approved if you plan to compete. For electrics, confirm compatibility with British scoring systems and voltage requirements. When in doubt, ask sellers questions before buying.
Your club’s pro-shop or a local armourer is an underappreciated resource. These folks can fit your jacket, tweak mask padding, repair lamés, and rewire body cords. They also often sell secondhand kit at sensible prices and can recommend what to upgrade next based on your technique and body type.
They let you try on kit before buying, and you get hands-on advice from people who see you fence. That on-the-spot feedback can save you money and frustration — for instance, pointing out that a slightly longer blade or a different grip shape will suit your style better.
Used fencing gear can be a bargain, especially if you’re starting out. Helmets, jackets, and even blades can be reused if cared for properly. But safety is paramount: inspect masks for cracked bibs or dented grills, check jackets for deep cuts or weakened seams, and avoid blades with severe bends or rust.
Check the mask grill for straightness and secure attachments, feel the jacket fabric for thin spots, and flex the blade slowly to ensure it returns straight. If electrics are involved, test them with a compatible scoring box or ask the seller to demonstrate functionality before you buy.
Each weapon has its own demands. Foil gear emphasizes lamé fit and light, precise blades; epee equipment favors strong, slightly heavier blades and reliable tip mechanics; sabre requires masks and jackets that accommodate cutting actions and quick blade recovery. If you’re unsure which weapon you’ll stick with, start with neutral items like a basic jacket and mask, then invest in weapon-specific kit after you decide.
Competitive blades are commonly around 35 inches long, so when replacing blades or buying spares, look for blades in that range. Weight matters, too: moving from a blade that’s 7 ounces to one that’s 5 ounces can feel like switching from a sledgehammer to a chef’s knife — suddenly your point control and speed change significantly.
Jacket and glove sizes are often given in chest inches and hand circumference in inches. A jacket that’s too loose can get in your way; too tight and it restricts movement. Test range of motion — lift your arms overhead and make a lunging motion — and check that seams won’t split when extended. Gloves should fit like a firm handshake, not slack or pinching at the fingertips.
A mask should feel snug around the forehead and jaw but not press painfully. The bib should cover the throat fully and sit smoothly over your jacket. If a mask feels unbalanced or tilts easily, try a different model — masks can vary by a few ounces, which changes the feel of your head movement in the same way different shoes change your stride.
New fencers often ask where to splurge. As a general rule, spend more on a good mask and blade and save on items like socks or inner plastrons that don’t directly affect performance. If you plan to compete, invest in a FIE-approved mask and lamé. Clubs often provide communal kit for training, so you can delay some purchases until you’re sure fencing will stick.
Small items like quality body cords, reinforced gloves, and a spare tip can save a match-day meltdown. A light, protective bag keeps your blades from banging together in transit and helps the kit last longer. Think of accessories as insurance for your performance.
Cleaning and routine checks extend the life of your kit and keep you safe. Wipe the inside of masks to remove sweat, air out jackets after each session, and oil screws in blades occasionally to avoid seizing. For electrics, run regular continuity checks on wires and tips — a small prep routine can be the difference between a smooth competition and a last-minute repair scramble.
After practice, hang your jacket and lamé to dry, brush off dust from masks, and store blades in a straight position to avoid warping. Replace frayed wires and taped handles before they fail, not after. A few minutes of care after each session pays back in longevity and reliability.
If you’re just starting, visit a club and try on kit, ask for recommendations, and consider buying a starter package from a mainstream store. If you’re upgrading, target a specialist like Leon Paul or a trusted international supplier for specific items. And don’t forget to lean on local armourers and club coaches — they’ll help you pick items that match your body, style, and budget.
Decide on your weapon, measure chest and hand size in inches, set a budget, and ask whether the item is competition-approved if that matters. Compare warranties and parts availability, and consider the resale value of higher-end items if you think you’ll upgrade later.
Whether you buy from a specialist British maker like Leon Paul, order internationally from a supplier like Absolute Fencing Gear, grab a starter pack from Decathlon, or pick up spares on Amazon, the right choice depends on your stage of fencing, budget, and need for expert advice. Specialists offer depth and quality, marketplaces offer convenience, and club shops offer fitting and repairs. Mix and match sources to build a kit that fits your needs and helps you fence better.
Buying fencing equipment in the UK is a mix of sensible research, hands-on testing, and knowing where to look. Start with trusted specialist brands for high-performance kit, use mainstream retailers for easy access and cost-effective starters, and lean on club armourers for personalised fit and repairs. With the right combination of store, gear, and care, you’ll be set to train safely, compete confidently, and enjoy every point on the piste.
