Why Your Feder Might Be Holding You Back
When starting in Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), choosing the right Feder sword can feel overwhelming. Many beginners gravitate toward ultra-light Feders with rolled tips because these features make the weapon easier to handle and seem safer for sparring. At first glance, this choice appears logical—lighter swords allow for quick movements, and rolled tips seem to reduce injury risks.
However, as you progress in your training, you will quickly realize that these so-called beginner-friendly features actually hold you back. In some cases, they even introduce bad habits or increase the risk of injury instead of preventing it. Let’s explore why ultra-light Feders and rolled tips may not be the best choice for serious practitioners.
The Problem with Rolled Tips on Feders
A common misconception is that rolled tips make thrusting safer by softening the impact. While this assumption seems logical, the reality is quite different. Rolled tips actually pose more danger than spatulate tips for several key reasons:
1. Increased Glancing & Uncontrolled Hits – The curved shape of a rolled tip often causes the blade to glance off the target rather than land a controlled thrust. Consequently, this leads to unintended strikes in unprotected areas or excessive force applied unpredictably.
2. Uneven Pressure Distribution – Unlike spatulate tips, which spread the force evenly upon impact, rolled tips concentrate force in a smaller area. As a result, the likelihood of injury increases, especially in high-speed engagements.
3. Less Accuracy in Thrusting – Due to their shape, rolled tips provide less tactile feedback, making precision thrusts harder to control. Over time, this lack of control fosters bad habits in fencers, weakening their thrusts in both competitive and historical applications.
At Timeblade Guild, we use only spatulate tips on Feders instead. These tips offer a safer and more predictable point of impact, reducing the likelihood of uncontrolled slips while improving thrust accuracy and control.
Why Ultra-Light Feders Hold You Back
Ultra-light Feder swords (typically under 1.2 kg) are often marketed as beginner-friendly because they feel fast and effortless to maneuver. However, this lightness comes at a cost, especially for those who want to develop real skill and control.
Here’s why ultra-light Feders hinder your progress:
1. Encourages Wrist Flicking Over Proper Technique – A blade that feels too light makes it easier to rely on wrist flicks instead of using correct body mechanics. Over time, this habit leads to weak cuts and an over-reliance on speed rather than proper structure.
2. Lack of Blade Presence in the Bind – In real fencing exchanges, controlling the opponent’s blade remains essential. Ultra-light swords lack the necessary weight to engage effectively in winding and pressure-based techniques.
3. Reduced Historical Accuracy – Historically, longswords did not weigh as little as some modern training swords. Training with a sword that mimics historical weight (1.4–1.5 kg) ensures that your techniques translate effectively to real combat situations.
4. Weaker Arm & Shoulder Development – Using an ultra-light Feder prevents fencers from properly conditioning their muscles for long-term endurance and strength, both of which are crucial for competitive HEMA and historical fencing accuracy.
For these reasons, our Feder swords at Timeblade Guild weigh 1.4–1.5 kg, striking the ideal balance between agility and realistic combat effectiveness. This weight allows you to develop true cutting mechanics, maintain stability in the bind, and build endurance for prolonged sparring and competition.
Train Smart. Train Strong. Use the proper Feder.
While ultra-light Feders and rolled tips might seem appealing at first, they ultimately limit your growth as you progress in HEMA. A proper Feder should not only feel comfortable but also challenge you to improve, reinforcing historically accurate techniques and control.
That’s why we design our Feder swords with spatulate tips for safety and precision and maintain an optimal weight range of 1.4–1.5 kg to support real skill development.
If you’re serious about fencing, it’s time to move beyond beginner shortcuts. Train with a Feder that helps you grow.