Blackened Italian Bascinet Helmet
Spring steel bascinet helm for WMA
Italian Bascinet Longface for WMA
Blackened spring steel bascinet helmet
With over two decades of experience, we've crafted many different bascinets for various formats of swordplay, including LARP, SCA, and buhurt. However, the demand for a different kind of helmet came with the rise of Western martial arts popularity. This new helmet had to be lightweight yet protective enough to fit all variations of WMA requirements worldwide. Our latest creation is an Italian bascinet style WMA helmet with a perforated longface visor. It's straightforward, practical, and reasonably priced, catering to a wide range of sword-fighting needs.
For generations, the bascinet helmet has been a favorite among sword fighters, admired for its style and functionality. In the 14th century, its rounded shape replaced the flat surfaces of the preceding Great Helm for more efficient redirection of hits away from the knight's head. Among the great variety, the "longface" klappvisor bascinet from the Stibbert Museum stands out. It's pretty challenging to recognize this reference in such a refreshed modern swordplay version with a perforated visor and bright-colored neck protection, but believe us - that's precisely where our blacksmiths got the inspiration.
Made of blackened spring steel, the helmet comes with padding and straps. We foresee its serving as reliable head protection for years, perhaps even becoming a precious "heirloom" to be passed from retired fencers to new members of your fencing club. But now, it's your turn to don this remarkable helmet.
To check how to measure yourself, please click here.
Please contact us if you have any additional questions.
- 14 ga (2 mm) blackened spring steel;
- Rivets;
- Natural leather;
- Padding;
- Batting padded linen neck protection.
- Lightweight and reliable spring steel;
- Italian bascinet inspired shape of dome and long visor;
- Linen neck cover padded with batting;
- Designed for WMA;
- Perforation for superior breathability and visibility;
- Chin strap and padding included.
Pros: well-constructed, beautiful, comfortable, safe Cons: heavy, open areas near the bottom that could lead to injury The Blackened Italian Bascinet Helmet is sturdy yet comfortable. The fit is snug (I'm glad I added a bit of space to my measurement), but that also means that it stays in place. It took a few shots in the first sparring bouts, but didn't display obvious damage and didn't have any negative effect on me. I can still breathe in it while wearing my full kit, without losing any mobility or comfort. It is heavy, and the instructors at my club had concerns about the open area near the jawline; there were also concerns that the area under the bib might be open to thrusts to the face. However, with only some slight adjustments (added leather to the sides and connected the bib to the leather--the inclusion of a bladecatcher in the bib is inspired design), it works perfectly, and the leaders of my club are impressed with the craftsmanship. Overall, I'd say 4.5 stars, and I would absolutely purchase armor from Armstreet again.