The armoury
Training Swords
Training swords for historical fencing (HEMA): feders with a blunt edge, a flexible blade and a rounded point. Made to order, sized to your height and grip.
Made to order
We have no sword of this type in stock right now. Tell us what you are after and we will source it as an individual commission.
What is a feder
A feder is a steel sword for longsword practice. It has a narrow, flexible blade that bends in the thrust, an edge several millimetres thick, a rounded or rolled point and a characteristic flare above the guard that protects the fingers. Swords like this already appear in the illustrations of Joachim Meyer's treatise of 1570.
Flexibility is about safety: a stiff blade passes the full force of a thrust to your partner, while a feder absorbs part of it. That is why sparring and tournaments use feders rather than blunted sharp swords.
How to choose a training sword
A longsword feder is usually 120–135 cm long and weighs 1.3–1.6 kg. Length follows your height, the grip your hand and style — a longer one gives more leverage. Check your club's or tournament's rules before ordering, as some set limits on weight and blade flex.
Many clubs start beginners on synthetic swords or wooden wasters. The steel feder comes when you begin sparring in full protective gear.
Frequently asked
- What is the difference between a feder and a sharp sword?
- A feder has a blunt edge several millimetres thick, a rounded point, a flexible blade and a flare that protects the fingers. A sharp sword has a stiff blade and a cutting edge — it must never be used against a partner.
- How much does a training sword weigh?
- A longsword feder usually weighs 1.3–1.6 kg at a length of 120–135 cm — the same as a historical longsword.
- How do I order a training sword?
- Tell us the length and weight you need, your height and whether your club or tournament has its own rules. We will pass the specification to the maker and come back with a price and lead time; the order goes ahead only once you confirm it.
Other types of sword
- Early medievalViking and Carolingian blades, 8th–11th c.
- Arming swordsKnightly one-handers for sword and shield, 11th–14th c.
- LongswordsBastard swords and longswords, 14th–16th c.
- Two-handersZweihänders and claymores, 15th–16th c.
- Curved and cleavingFalchions, messers, early sabres.
- DaggersMisericordes, rondels, side knives.
- AccessoriesStands, scabbards, belts, oil and wax.