These are often called "plastic cuphilts" or "rubber cup hilts" and were designed specifically for SCA heavy combat, HOWEVER making something new is a process of learning and experimentation. 

Injection molding a High-Density Polyethylene object that can tolerate rattan class abuse isn't easy.  And we discovered that our Mark 1 edition weren't strong enough to survive the ludicrous abuse that heavy armored combat can deliver.  So then what purpose shall we put them to?

We think that they work PERFECTLY for boffer youth combat or shinai!  And at less than half the price of the Mark 2 cuphilt, they are also a good fit for a young fighter's budget.

They're lighter than bar hilts and all sheet-metal hilts, never dent like the latter or break welds like the former.  But remember, this is for YOUTH combat, so don't treat them like heavy list gear.

As with all matters of armor, safety, and rules compliance please consult with your marshal to see what you'll need to wear with and under.  

In appearance, they're a gloss surface. The overall shape is reminiscent of a Schiavona Hilt and other renaissance cuphilts, though of course they're one-piece with no piercings or openwork. Decorated with a five-pointed star radiating from the blade side and reinforced with a flanged rim these features add nice style without sacrificing light weight. The cuphilt has very thick tabs fore and aft allow attachment to the weapon with hose clamps or multiple wraps of strapping tape (our preferred method). The two-tab construction also leaves the pommel clear for attachment of a pommel weight, and coupled with the lightness of the hilt itself, allows you to fine-tune the balance of your weapon. Unlike any other non-metal cuphilt we've heard of, these are neither assembled from chunks of plastic nor made from something else; they're specifically designed and manufactured for this purpose.

While the cuphilt is pictured mounted onto rattan, it is specifically NOT intended for use with SCA combat rattan.

Please visit our other listing for superb weapons grade rattan and the Mark 2 version for the new and improved rattan strength version.

Dimensions and details:

Weight 12.9 oz or 366 grams

Inside height (base to tip) 6.75" or 17.15 cm

Inside width (side to side) 5.25" or 13.34 cm

Inside depth 3.75" or 9.53 cm

Front tab length 1.5" or 3.81 cm

Back Tab length 1" or 2.54 cm

Bore hole (largest cylinder that can fit) 1 3/8ths or 34.93 cm

Please note that you really should carve down the size of whatever sword shaped object that will be held.  Therefore, don't think that the diameter of the bore hole is the limit of your striking surface, limit your choice of sword size.  You absolutely CAN mount a monster pool noodle.

Although some areas ask that exposed plastic to be covered in tournaments, this armor exceeds all known world standards for protection.