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WABUKAN Arsenal · Training tools · Europe

Feder

A blunt, flexible steel training longsword with a wide base to the blade. Already used in the 16th century, it is the standard HEMA sparring sword.

Feder
Feder WABUKAN illustration

Also known as

Federschwert · Fechtfeder; federschwert; training longsword

Origin and history

The feder is a blunt steel training sword. Examples and illustrations survive from the 16th century, when fencing guilds such as the Marxbrüder and Federfechter held public fencing schools; modern HEMA uses it for sparring.

Martial arts that use it

HEMA

Construction

A flexible, blunt blade with a wide flared base (schilt) above the guard, a rolled or thickened tip and a long grip; modern versions weigh about 1.3–1.5 kg.

Basic techniques

Training

Training tools are used in short, regular sessions: correct technique first, then gradual increases in load or contact so that joints, skin and tendons adapt.

Safety

Increase load and contact gradually, stop if joints hurt (as opposed to normal muscle fatigue), and check the equipment and its fixings before each use.

Legality (general information)

This is training or traditional equipment, not a weapon, and is generally free to buy and own. Clubs and federations may still set rules on approved models and condition. General information, not legal advice.

Did you know?

The Federfechter guild, founded in Prague in the 16th century, may have taken its name from this feather sword.

More weapons

Espada preta (black sword) Punching bag Meel Dussack Bokken Shinai

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Feder (fencing)
  2. Wikipedia — Longsword