HEMA Sabre with Perforated Guard Luigi Barbasetti

HEMA Sabre with Perforated Guard Luigi Barbasetti, Spring Steel

Detailed Look at the Weapon and Its Use

The Luigi Barbasetti sabre is specifically designed for the demanding practice of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), particularly for studying Italian and British 19th-century fencing manuals. The blade is precisely forged from high-quality spring steel. As you can see in the detailed photographs, the blade is lightened by a system of shallow fullers, giving the weapon incredible agility. For maximum safety during thrusting attacks, the tip of the blade is folded over (a so-called rolled tip or spatulated tip). The ergonomically shaped grip fits perfectly in the hand, and the perforated steel bowl guard ensures that the point of balance remains close to the hilt—exactly where you need it for rapid sabre exchanges.

Technical Specifications Table

Historical Context and the Italian School

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, sabre fencing experienced its golden era. While it was slowly giving way to firearms on the battlefields, it enjoyed a renaissance in gymnasiums and during duels. The inspiration for this weapon is based on Italian practice sabres (known as sciabola di duello), popularized by masters like Giuseppe Radaelli and Luigi Barbasetti. Their system emphasized a light weapon, controlling cuts from the elbow and wrist, and a lightning-fast tempo. The steel guard with holes (perforation) was an innovative solution at the time to maintain full hand protection while lightening the weapon as much as possible for sports fencing.

Caring for Your New Sabre

For the weapon to serve you flawlessly for many years and retain its excellent properties, regular maintenance is essential. Both the blade and the guard are made of carbon steel, which is susceptible to rust from air moisture and sweat if left untreated. After every hard training session, wipe all metal parts with a dry cloth and apply a thin film of gun oil or preservation oil. Regularly check the tightness of the blade in the grip, as heavy impacts can cause slight loosening over time. Store the weapon in a dry environment and do not leave it sealed in a damp transport bag for extended periods.

Principles of Safe Use

Although this sabre is equipped with a safe rolled tip and features a flex rating of 6.6 kg designed specifically for HEMA, you are still holding a tool made of solid steel. Never engage in contact fencing without complete and certified protective gear! We strongly recommend using a fencing mask (1600N) with a back-of-the-head overlay, a puncture-resistant padded jacket, hard joint protectors, and sturdy gloves. Never use the weapon for chopping into wood, trees, or other hard materials—this risks destroying the blade and causing injury. Remember that any sporting use of the weapon is strictly at your own risk.

Recommended Accessories

For comfortable transport to your training sessions, we recommend purchasing a padded weapon transport bag. Your gear will be perfectly complemented by our durable HEMA fencing mask, a neck protector, and special fencing gloves designed for light to medium fencing, which together with this sabre form an ideal protective set.

The Heritage of the Swordier Brand

This sabre is a proud representative of the renowned Swordier brand, specifically from its premium SWHZ series. Unlike the standard lines, the blades of the SWHZ series undergo the hardening and tempering process directly in the manufacturer's own factory, ensuring an absolutely uncompromising level of quality and durability. These weapons are born in the Chinese city of Longquan (Zhejiang Province), famous for its unbroken, over 2,600-year-old tradition of master metalworking. The makers at Swordier are true enthusiasts "living by the steel," for whom every forged piece is a symbol of strength, honour, and absolute craftsmanship. We are proud to bring you their passion, forged into fully functional sporting equipment.