Quick Facts About the Federschwert
Type: Specialized training and sport weapon (not a battlefield weapon).
Period: 15th to 18th century (peak during the 16th century).
Characteristic: Thin, flexible blade with a widened "Schilt" (blade catcher) at the hilt.
Users: Fencing guilds such as the Federfechter and the Marxbrüder.
Status: Today the standard weapon within HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts).
Introduction
The Federschwert (often called a Feder for short) is a unique phenomenon in sword history. Unlike most swords, this type was never intended for war or self-defense. It was a purely sport and training weapon, developed to safely practice the complex techniques of the longsword in the Fechtschulen (fencing schools) of the German Renaissance.
Etymology: A Pen or a Feather?
The origin of the name is a matter of debate among historians. There are several fascinating theories:
The Federfechter: In 1570, the guild of the Federfechter was established in Prague. Their rivals, the Marxbrüder, possibly mocked them by saying they fought with "feathers" (Federn) instead of real swords.
Writing with Blood: Writer Johann Fischart made a metaphorical comparison in 1575 between the training sword and a pen that wrote with blood, suggesting the term had an ironic meaning early on.
Flexibility: A more technical explanation is that the name refers to the springing properties of the thin blade, which bends during a thrust to prevent injuries.
Design and Construction
Although the Federschwert looks different from a sharp sword, it is designed so that the weight and balance are identical to those of a real longsword.
The Blade: Very thin and narrow, which provides the necessary flexibility during sparring.
The Schilt: This is the striking widening of the blade just above the crossguard. The Schilt serves to protect the hands and to catch the opponent's blade during a bind.
The Point: Historically, the point was rounded. Although there is no direct evidence of leather sheaths in the Renaissance, modern variants are often fitted with a rubber cap for extra safety.
The Pommel: Often relatively heavy (pear- or egg-shaped) to place the balance point close to the hands, despite the long blade.
The Masters: Mair and Meyer
We owe much of our knowledge about the Federschwert to the richly illustrated fighting books (Fechtbücher) from the 16th century.
Paulus Hector Mair: Documented countless techniques in his massive manuscripts, with characters often depicted using Federschwerter.
Joachim Meyer: His work from 1570 is crucial for the transition from medieval fighting to the more sportive Renaissance style. He describes how to handle the Feder at a time when the rapier was beginning to take over.
Modern Revival: HEMA
In the 21st century, the Federschwert has made a spectacular comeback. Within the HEMA community, it has become the standard for free sparring and competitions. Modern swordsmiths continuously experiment with the design:
Variation in Schilden: From tight, flat shapes to complexly curved catchers.
Grip Designs: Some modern Feder grips are ergonomically shaped or extra extended for better leverage.
Safety: The modern Feder is a triumph of metallurgy, where the blade must safely bend without permanently deforming or breaking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why didn't they use wooden swords?
Wooden swords (like the Japanese bokken) have a completely different balance and vibration than steel. To correctly perform the techniques of a real sword, you need the interaction of steel-on-steel.
Is a Federschwert dangerous?
Although it is not sharp, it remains a heavy metal object. Without proper protective equipment (such as a fencing mask and a thick arming doublet), a Federschwert can cause serious injury.
Can you thrust with a Feder?
Yes, the Feder is precisely designed to thrust safely thanks to the flexibility in the blade. In historical schools, however, the thrust was sometimes prohibited to ensure good sportsmanship (and the health of the students).
Summary
The Federschwert is the archetype of the historical training sword.
The design simulates the dynamics of a real weapon with maximum safety.
It was the central weapon of the German fencing guilds.
Thanks to the HEMA movement, the Federschwert is more popular today than ever.
Do you want to learn fencing with a Federschwert yourself or are you looking for the best modern smith for your training weapon?
Internal links
Wasters & Training Swords: The Foundation of Sword Fighting
The Longsword: History of the One-and-a-Half-Handed Sword
The Messer: The Medieval Knife-Sword of the Landsknechts
The Rapier: Fashion, Mastery and Metal
