Master Meyer's Practice Federschwert with Blue Grip for HEMA

Master Meyer's Practice Federschwert with Blue Grip for HEMA

Features and Use of the Training Longsword

This weapon is constructed from the ground up for full-contact Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). The flat blade without a fuller is forged from high-quality spring steel, which has been carefully heat-treated to a hardness of 49-53 HRC. Thanks to this, it maintains excellent resistance against edge damage during strong parries. The sword features a calibrated flex rating of 15 kg (33 lbs), giving it sufficient stiffness for dominant blade work (the bind), but at the same time, it bends safely upon a strong thrust. The protection of your sparring partner during lunges is further enhanced by the rolled tip, which reliably distributes the force of the impact.

The long, 25 cm (9.8 inches) wide crossguard is complemented by the characteristic wide shield (schilt) at the base of the blade. This element is crucial for protecting your fingers and thumb during special gripping techniques. The impressively long grip measuring 26 cm (10.2 inches) is wrapped with a strong nylon cord in a vibrant blue colour, providing a firm, non-slip, and very comfortable hold. The entire construction is finished with an elegant pear-shaped pommel, which acts as a perfect counterweight and allows for lightning-fast changes in the direction of the cut.

Historical Context of the Federschwert

Training swords with a widened schilt and narrowed blade, known today as federschwerts, became standard equipment for fencing guilds (such as the Marxbrüder or Federfechter) in the 16th century in the Holy Roman Empire. The famous fencing master Joachim Meyer, in his influential 1570 treatise, depicts fencers using exactly these weapons. The flat blade and rolled tip were aimed even back then at minimizing the risk of fatal injury during training while the sword retained the dynamics of a sharp weapon. Today, we return to this brilliant historical design so that we can safely revive the forgotten arts of European sword masters.

Technical Parameters of the Replica

Care, Maintenance, and Safety Guidelines

In order for the sword to retain its excellent properties, it requires regular maintenance. High-carbon spring steel is not resistant to corrosion. After every training session, we recommend carefully wiping the blade with a dry cloth and treating it with a thin layer of gun oil or preservation wax. The weapon is intended exclusively for contact fencing against steel practice weapons with similar parameters. Do not strike unyielding targets such as trees or steel pipes with it. Keep your health in mind when fencing and always use the prescribed protective equipment: a certified HEMA mask with back-of-head protection, a padded gambeson, a gorget, and sturdy gloves protecting the joints and fingers.

A padded bag for longswords and a set of anti-corrosion products for the maintenance of historical steel are an excellent addition to this weapon.

The Heritage of Swordier's Craftsmanship

The presented federschwert is a proud representative of the premium SWHZ series by the manufacturer Swordier. Weapons from this series stand out because the crucial heat treatment process takes place directly under one roof in the manufacturer's own factory, ensuring complete control over the quality of every single piece. The smiths build upon a respectable, over 2,600-year-old tradition of metalworking in the famous sword-making city of Longquan. The experienced creators of these swords are true enthusiasts "living steel". The combination of high-quality carbon steel and traditional forging methods results in tools for practical use that are perfectly balanced. For them, the sword is a symbol of honour, strength, and craftsmanship perfection, which you will feel with every strike.