Ferdinando Masiello "Quick Silver" HEMA Sabre

Ferdinando Masiello "Quick Silver" HEMA Sabre

A Lightweight HEMA Sabre Inspired by the Italian School

This modern HEMA training sabre is based on the lightweight duelling and practice sabres used in military academies and private fencing salles during the late nineteenth century. By this period, sabre fencing had evolved beyond the battlefield into a refined discipline emphasising military instruction, sporting competition and technical excellence. Speed, precision and economy of movement became the defining characteristics of the Italian school.

The blade is forged from premium 60Si2Mn spring steel and heat-treated to approximately 49–53 HRC. Its slender profile reduces rotational inertia, allowing exceptionally quick changes of direction, fast cutting actions and smooth transitions between attack and defence. A blade flex of approximately 5 kg provides the flexibility expected from a modern HEMA sparring weapon while maintaining excellent control.

The most distinctive feature is the large perforated steel guard, which provides outstanding hand protection while keeping overall weight to a minimum. The perforations reduce mass and help moisture escape during long training sessions, allowing the point of balance to remain close to the hilt for exceptionally lively handling.

Additional safety is provided by the spatulated safety tip, designed to reduce the risk of injury during thrusts. Combined with the blunt edges, the sabre complies with the expectations of modern HEMA practitioners for technical training and controlled sparring.

Ferdinando Masiello and the Italian Military Sabre School

Ferdinando Masiello (1860–1928) was one of the leading representatives of the Italian fencing tradition and a distinguished successor to the famous Giuseppe Radaelli. Serving as a military fencing instructor and author of several influential manuals, Masiello played an important role in refining the Italian sabre system during the transition from the nineteenth to the twentieth century.

His method emphasised economical movement, precise wrist mechanics, rapid changes of attack angles and complete mastery of the lightweight sabre. This model pays tribute to his legacy while reflecting the handling characteristics of the elegant Italian military and sporting training sabres of his era.

Construction and Features

• Blade forged from 60Si2Mn spring steel
• Heat-treated to 49–53 HRC
• Spatulated safety tip for safer thrusting
• Blunt edges suitable for HEMA sparring
• Large perforated steel guard offering excellent hand protection
• Ergonomic grip covered with durable non-slip synthetic material
• Pommel secured with a hex socket screw for easy inspection and maintenance
• Excellent balance for technical fencing and competitive HEMA use

Technical Specifications

All measurements are approximate. As each sabre is individually hand-finished, slight variations between individual pieces should be expected.

Historical Background

By the late nineteenth century, the Italian fencing school had become one of Europe's most progressive martial traditions. Masters such as Giuseppe Radaelli, Ferdinando Masiello and Luigi Barbasetti promoted lighter sabres that enabled rapid wrist-driven cuts, precise thrusts and seamless transitions between offence and defence. Their teaching methods influenced military fencing throughout Europe and continue to inspire modern sport sabre fencing and Historical European Martial Arts.

Care and Maintenance

The blade is manufactured from high-carbon spring steel and is not stainless steel. After every training session, remove moisture, fingerprints and any burrs created during blade contact. Apply a light coating of a quality maintenance oil, such as Ballistol or another suitable gun oil, to all exposed steel surfaces.

Regularly inspect the pommel, hex socket screw, guard and blade alignment. Slight bends after intensive sparring are normal for flexible spring steel blades and can usually be corrected carefully by hand.

Safety Guidelines

Although this HEMA sabre has been designed specifically for technical training and controlled sparring, it remains a steel training weapon and should always be handled responsibly. Spar only with experienced partners while wearing complete certified protective equipment.

• 1600 N HEMA fencing mask with back-of-head protection
• Puncture-resistant HEMA fencing jacket
• Rigid gorget (throat protector)
• Heavy-duty HEMA sabre gloves
• Elbow, forearm and knee protection
• Groin protector and chest protection where appropriate

Never strike trees, wooden posts, concrete, stone, metal objects or any other hard targets with this sabre, as doing so may damage the blade and create a serious safety hazard. Never use the weapon if the spatulated safety tip has become damaged or deformed. Inspect the sabre before every training session. Both the manufacturer and the retailer disclaim all liability for injuries or damage resulting from improper use. Any practical use of this training weapon is entirely at the owner's own risk.

Recommended Accessories

For safe and effective HEMA training, we recommend pairing this sabre with a 1600 N fencing mask, rigid gorget, light or medium-duty HEMA sabre gloves, a puncture-resistant fencing jacket, elbow and knee protection, a silicone tip protector and a padded weapon transport bag. These accessories meet modern HEMA safety standards and are ideal for studying nineteenth-century military and sporting sabre systems.

The Swordier Tradition

This HEMA sabre belongs to the premium Swordier SWHZ collection, created for demanding practitioners seeking lightweight, durable and exceptionally well-balanced training weapons. Every blade undergoes careful heat treatment and hand finishing in Longquan, Zhejiang Province—the legendary Chinese centre of sword making with an uninterrupted bladesmithing tradition spanning more than 2,600 years.

The craftsmen of Swordier combine traditional forging techniques with modern engineering and the practical requirements of today's HEMA community. The result is a range of high-quality training swords trusted by practitioners around the world. For the bladesmiths of Swordier, every sword embodies strength, honour and true craftsmanship—values reflected in every detail of this exceptional HEMA sabre.