Here at LLG, though we recognize the utility and practicality of synthetic sparring swords, we prefer to use steel feders as early in your training as possible. This will make you a safer sparring partner as well as prepare you for your first competition or event. But your choices are complex and often bewildering, and there are many, many options for choosing your first steel trainer. There are three types of steel trainers used for different purposes. They are: 1: Feders
Feders are the ubiquitous steel sparring weapons used at most tournaments and by most fencers in the HEMA community. “Feder” is German for “feather” and traces a complicated origin back to pejoratives and adoptive terms for certain fencing guilds in the 16th and 17th centuries. The term, today, means a “foiled longsword,” which has a narrow blade past the hilt, has significant blade flex, a rolled or spatulated tip, and a flare or thick point just above the hilt called a “schilt” or shield.
While feders are based loosely on historical counterparts (see the image to the right), the aspects of their construction are much different, and they should not necessarily be considered “historically accurate” even if their outline superficially matches historical examples.
2: Blunts.
A blunt is simply a longsword with blunt edges, which should be distinguished from a sharp longsword with dull edges. Blunts have a particular geometry to their edges that make them safer than dull sharps, and have a safer geometry to their points, as well. Blunts are useful for solo practice against pells, for practicing proper cutting mechanics and form, for paired technique practice, and for drilling and sparring at a slightly lower intensity level than would be found at a tournament. Though blunts more accurately model the physics of a “real sword” they are usually stiffer, and their geometry makes them hit harder than feders, which is why the former are the preferred competitive tool.
3: Sharps.
Fairly self-explanatory, sharps are swords that have a sharpened edge, designed to cut. These are useful to the modern fencer in calibrating the effect of their cuts on rolled tatami mats or against other cutting mediums, as well as for attuning oneself to the feel and flow of a “real” sword. They can also be used in very controlled paired techniques practice, as the dynamics of a blunt edge and the sharp edge can be remarkably different. Even being in the proximity of a sword with a sharp edge designed to cut can have an effect on the way one approaches training with the other sword types.
A good choice for a starter sword are the VB models available at Purpleheart. They sell feders and “techniques feders” that have a more sword-like profile without the schilt. At this point, I do not advocate the purchase of wooden or synthetic swords, as the money spent is more useful when put toward the purchase of steel. Woodenswords.com
There are of course other vendors, such as Castille Armory, Arms and Armor, Aureus, and Sigi Forge, among others. It is up to you to find the style of sword you like, and that suits your goals. The swords pictured here are just suitable for starting out, but ultimately, a good quality steel sword will be a big purchase, so think carefully before you buy.