Removing equipment from a slave you're going to sell

I wish to sell both my gladiators and start afresh, but I'd like to keep their equipment with me. I tried to un-equip what they have on them but as my vault cannot hold much I can't. Does all the equipment vanish with the slave? Sorry for the newbish question + the long post :)

Yeah im afraid it does. If you really want to keep it, just sell them one at a time and equip your new slave with the sold slave's equipment (when he reaches the right lvl) to make room for the next guys equipment. You're unlikely to find 2 good slaves at the same time as well.

Thank you, much appreciated!